Whatever path you are called to follow, whatever it is you feel called to do and become, the secret to success is diving deep into the mystery of you.

You experience everything through the mystery of self. Your capacity to experience anything in life depends on how well you know yourself and how much you are flourishing. 

Saint Clare of Montefalco spent her life exploring the mystery of herself, but it wasn’t until she died and doctors performed an autopsy that anyone realized just how deeply she knew herself. 

Clare was born in 1268 in Montefalco, Italy. From a young age, she was drawn to a life of deep spirituality and introspection. Her journey of self-discovery began in earnest when she joined a convent founded by her sister, Joan, where she embraced a life of service, prayer, and contemplation. In 1294, she became the abbess of the convent following her sister’s death. Under her guidance, the convent became a beacon of faith and devotion in the region.

Clare believed that nothing can teach us about ourselves quite like suffering, especially when we use that suffering to get closer to Jesus. One of the most remarkable aspects of Clare's life was her belief that she bore the Passion of Christ within her heart. No one knew exactly what she meant. She said that Jesus came and implanted his cross in her heart. And she stood by this mysterious belief until her death.

After Clare’s death on August 17, 1308, a remarkable discovery confirmed her lifelong devotion. During the customary autopsy that was often performed on a holy person, it was reported that her heart contained images of the Crucifixion, the scourge, the crown of thorns, and other symbols of Christ's Passion. 

We often hear the expression, “Other people know you better than you know yourself.” For Saint Clare of Montefalco, the only person that knew her better than herself was God. 

That is how Saint Clare flourished. Do you want to flourish? Dive deep into your personal mystery. The more you discover about yourself, the more you will discover joy, clarity, purpose, peace, and even the value of suffering. All of this will lead you closer to the God who made you.

You are a mystery worth exploring. Start today.



Feast Day: August 17

Feast Day Shared By: Saint Eusebius and Saint Hyacinth of Cracow

Patron Saint of: Heart Patients

Also Known As: Saint Clare of the Cross

Symbols: A Crucifix

Canonized: December 8, 1881

Canonized By: Pope Leo XIII