Santa Chiara, also known as Saint Clare of Assisi, was the foundress of the Poor Clares—a religious order for women that was established in the early thirteenth century. She was born into a noble family in Assisi, Italy, in 1194, and was a contemporary of St. Francis of Assisi. Santa Chiara is famous not only for her piety and devotion to God but also for the remarkable preservation of her body after her death.
The life of Santa Chiara
Santa Chiara was born to a wealthy family and lived a life of comfort. But early in her youth, she rejected the materialistic lifestyle of her family and chose a path of religious devotion. She met St. Francis of Assisi in 1211, and he became her mentor and spiritual guide. Inspired by his preaching on the gospel of poverty, she took a vow of poverty and founded the Poor Clares in 1212.
The Poor Clares were a radical departure from the traditional contemplative orders of the time, as they lived a life of extreme austerity and refused to hold any property. Santa Chiara was the first woman to write a monastic rule that was approved by the pope, and she continued to lead the order until her death in 1253.
The incorrupt body of Santa Chiara
After her death, Santa Chiara’s body was buried in the Church of San Giorgio in Assisi. However, in 1260, the church was destroyed by an earthquake, and her coffin was moved to a new location. When it was opened, her body was found to be incorrupt, which means that it had not decayed despite being buried for several years.
This phenomenon has puzzled scientists and theologians for centuries. Usually, when a body is buried, it goes through a natural decomposition process that leaves it in a state of decay. However, in rare cases, some bodies do not decompose and are said to be incorrupt. This has been attributed by some as a sign of sainthood, while science suggests it may be due to an efficient preservation process that occurred naturally.
The incorrupt body of Santa Chiara is considered to be one of the most famous in the world, and her remains are still on display in the Church of Santa Chiara in Assisi. Visitors come from all over the world to see her, and her incorrupt body is seen as a symbol of the power of faith and devotion.
In conclusion
Santa Chiara was a remarkable woman who lived her life in devotion to God and dedicated herself to helping the poor and the sick. Her life and the incorrupt body that remains to this day continue to inspire and fascinate those who learn about her story. While the scientific explanation behind the preservation of her body may never be clear, it is clear that her life was extraordinary and a testament to the power of faith.