Assisi celebrates the founder of the Poor Clares on August 11th
Born in Assisi in 1191, Saint Clare founded the Order of the Poor Clares, the first female religious order in the Church. Following the example of Saint Francis, she settled at the Sanctuary of San Damiano, where she lived until her death in 1253, dedicated to absolute poverty and a life of alms. She was canonized in 1255. Her remains now rest in the Basilica of Saint Clare, in the historic center of Assisi (province of Perugia).
The liturgical feast is celebrated on August 11th, the anniversary of the Saint's death. The celebrations include the first vespers and the Mass of the vigil, the prayer vigil during the Transitus of Saint Clare at San Damiano, and on the day of the solemnity, numerous Masses in the Basilica, with the solemn concelebration mid-morning. Civil processions, illuminations, and fireworks accompany the religious rites.
The solemnity of Saint Clare, along with that of Saint Rufinus the following day, is one of the most intense moments of the Assisi summer. It celebrates one of the great figures of Franciscanism and draws faithful and visitors from all over Italy, in a city that preserves the very roots of the Franciscan movement.
For 2026, Assisi renews the celebration of Saint Clare, founder of the Poor Clares. The celebrations begin on the evening of August 10th with first vespers and the Mass of the solemnity in the Basilica of Saint Clare, and with the prayer vigil during the Transitus of the Saint at the Sanctuary of San Damiano. On August 11th, the feast day, various Masses are held in the Basilica and the solemn concelebration mid-morning, followed by second vespers.
Civil processions, illuminations, and fireworks accompany the religious rites. The 2026 edition is part of the Franciscan Centenary year.
In addition: civil and religious processions, illuminations, and fireworks. Detailed times on the website of the Diocese of Assisi.
The Basilica of Saint Clare is located in the historic center of Assisi, reachable on foot. By train: Santa Maria degli Angeli station with shuttle bus. The Sanctuary of San Damiano is just outside the walls, reachable on foot or by car.
The solemnity is celebrated on August 11th, with the first vespers and the vigil of the Transitus on the evening of the 10th.
Free access to celebrations. Program on the website of the Diocese of Assisi.
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Basilica di Santa Chiara, Assisi
Basilica di Santa Chiara, Piazza Santa Chiara, 06081 Assisi