St. Clare, Patron Saint of Needleworkers

August 11 is the feast of St. Clare, who is the patron saint of needlework. There are patrons for many, many things, so you shouldn’t be surprised that needlework has its own patron.

If you don’t know much about St. Clare, she was the daughter of a noble family in Asissi and a friend of St. Francis. She was called to the life of the Franciscans and became the first Franciscan nun. It’s because of her that the order is commonly called “Poor Clares.”

She is the patron of needlework because she was a fine embroiderer and her convent made vestments and liturgical pieces for the Franciscans.

Happy feast of St. Clare!