St. Clare the Healer

St. Clare founded the Poor Clares, a religious order of women who maintain strict poverty and cloistered life, in the tradition of the Franciscan Order. She is known for having performed miraculous healings of the sick, and cared deeply for the ill nuns in her community. It is with this aspect with her life that the sculpture takes it’s subject. In the work, she is seen lifting up a sick woman, presumably a nun in her convent. The woman’s head is in a bandage. She looks up toward the saint as she rises from her illness, and St. Clare casts a loving gaze at her.

The sculpture is located on the campus of Siena College, run by the Order of Friar Minor. When discussing what aspect of St. Clare life should emphasized, the topic of the college’s nursing program was raised. It became obvious that her life as a healer, a life in service of others, should be highlighted. It is my hope that this image will bring forth a greater devotion to St. Clare for the students, particularly those studying the healing arts, as she acts as a perfect role model.