The Eucharistic miracle of St. Clare of Assisi

This painting of St. Clare of Assisi tells the story of the famous miracle that occurred in 1240 in which the Saracen soldiers stormed the convent cloister of San Damiano in Assisi where St. Clare and her sisters lived. The miracle story is taken from the writings of Tommaso da Celano; a Francisican Friar who lived during the time of St. Clare.

He writes that the nuns were terrified and cried to St. Clare for help. St. Clare with a fearless heart though she was weak and sick, prostrated herself before the Lord and said, “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 suddenly heard a voice from the tabernacle, “I will always protect you.” She then proceeded to bring a silver case carrying the Blessed Sacrament out before the Saracens and, in complete trust, called upon the Lord for that protection. The Saracens were struck with fear from seeing the courage of St. Clare and her sisters standing before them without fear. They retreated and left Assisi.  

In this painting, the story as told by Tommaso da Celano is shown slightly different as St. Clare is holding up the Monstrance with her eyes gazing on the Blessed Sacrament. Her eyes show her pleading to the Lord for protection. The Saracens seem to be frightened by the Sacred Host. For dramatic effect of the message and power of the Eucharist, the artist depicts in the background a cherub opening up a curtain and angels descend from the clouds; thus representing the omnipresence of God. Heaven has opened and his legions of angels are sent to witness this event. We see an angel kneeling in adoration behind St. Clare and three distinct cherub heads below the Monstrance to signify the Trinity. The other angel is holding a crozier, which signifies that St. Clare was the Abbess of her community.

Take note of the soldier’s lance: the light shines on part of the sharp blade pointed toward St. Clare to heighten the effect of danger she was in. Yet, our eyes are drawn right to the brightest part of the painting: the white host and the light streaming from it. The host shines brighter than the soldiers lance. Our eyes rest in the power of the Eucharist for protection. The protection is meant for us as well; as we too can go to Jesus in the Eucharist with all our life’s struggles and ask for protection, help, and guidance.