Eucharistic Miracle of Assisi
Previous ER articles have described Eucharistic miracles that involve the transformation of the appearance of the consecrated Host from common bread (the “accidental”) into actual human flesh and blood. But not all Eucharistic Miracles are of this type. Some have exposed the power of the Eucharist in different but equally profound ways. “The Miracle of the Eucharist of Assisi” is one of these, and it should be familiar to members of our parish since it directly involves St. Clare who was greatly influenced and inspired by St. Francis of Assisi. St. Clare has been credited with many miracles both in life and after her death. Here is the story of one of these, which is described by Thomas of Celano (1185-1260) in his book The History of Saint Clare, Virgin.
“Gaze upon Him, consider Him, contemplate Him, as you desire to imitate Him.”
Around 1240, Saracen (Muslim) mercenaries attacked the town of Assisi, Italy. The Saracens were fighting for Emperor Frederick II who was at war with Pope Innocent IV. When the Saracens reached the convent where Clare lived with other nuns, they began to scale the walls. The terrified nuns implored Clare to intercede. St. Clare was a lover of the Eucharist. Though very sick and weak, Clare took a vessel holding the body and blood of Christ and began to pray: “Behold, my Lord, is it possible You want to deliver into the hands of pagans Your defenseless handmaids, whom I have taught out of love for you? I pray You, Lord, protect these Your handmaids whom I cannot now save by myself.”
She then heard a voice saying, “I will always protect you.” The attacking troops instantly ceased the attack and retreated. The convent and town were saved. Many of us have seen iconographic images of St. Clare holding a large monstrance containing the Host from a window facing the attacking troops. It is clear that artists over the centuries have “embellished” this depiction since such a sacred vessel was not in use at the time. She most likely used a pyx—a small wooden receptacle for a Host with a cover often encased in ivory—as the vessel she held aloft to confront the attackers.
Prayer
St. Clare, you saw, felt and lived Christ in the Eucharist.
Your trust in God protected lives and lifted souls.
May your example be an inspiration and source of courage
As we confront the perils of this world.
Amen.
Learn more:
https://www.franciscanmedia.org/franciscan-spirit-blog/lent-with-st-clare-second-tuesday/
https://virily.com/culture/st-clare-of-assisi-repels-a-muslim-attack-with-the-eucharist/
https://files.ecatholic.com/5604/documents/2020/10/St Clare of Assisi.pdf?t=1602623271000
http://www.therealpresence.org/eucharst/mir/english_pdf/Assisi.pdf
https://catholicfire.blogspot.com/2016/08/the-spirituality-and-miracles-of-st.html
https://onepeterfive.com/substance-accidents/
