Monday, Lafayette, Indiana

Growing up as a Roman Catholic it was common to learn that each and every day was a memorial to one of the great saints of the Church. Some were famous, of course, like Saint Peter, Saint Mary Magdalene or Saint Thomas. But most were obscure to say the least. St. Bridget of Sweden or Saint Pancras (might he be the patron of the pancreas?). Some saints, however are those few have ever heard of before. Among them would have to be Saint Clare of Assisi.

Saint Clare live in the 13th century but she has a special and unique place in modern life. Fifty years ago Pope Pius XII declared Saint Clare the “patron saint of television!”

That’s right, Clare is the saint designated to watch over TV! And you will never guess why this happened. It seems that Clare came down with an illness that prevented her from attending Mass. However, she testified that she was able to see and hear the Mass on the wall of her room! That’s right, Clare was the earliest known visionary to have a television experience some six centuries before the actual invention of the technology!

On a related note, modern dedicated viewers might be familiar with the television network EWTN and its star and founder, Mother Angelica, who is a follower of Saint Clare.

This anecdote tells us two important things:

First: the Church assigns saints to every conceivable part of human life to watch over and protect (although from my viewing, Saint Clare might be neglecting her duties as far as television is concerned).

Second: the story of Saint Clare reminds us that there are individuals who are willing to surrender every convenience and pleasure of modern life to dedicate themselves to the humble service of others. For all the criticism of organized religion, it is incumbent on us to remember that, in the name of religion there is a long, illustrious history of men and women who step away from their life of privilege and comfort to give their years and energy to healing the sick and attending to the poor and the outcast.

While I find it amusing that there is actually a patron saint of television of all things, I am awed by the legacy of people like Saint Clare. I wonder how many young Americans are dedicating their lives to humble service, with no regard for gain.

Blessings to you young lady Clare.