The Basics: Born April 11, 1815, in Germany; died May 8, 1894, in the Netherlands; beatified May 5, 2018; feast day, May 8. Woman religious, social worker.
The Story: Having more than others–economically or mentally–generally results in one of two attitudes: complacency and superiority, or 
humility. Clara’s story is one of the latter. Her father was a wealthy textile factory owner who died when Clara was five. The industrial revolution had resulted in families living in cramped, unsafe, unsanitary conditions, and Clara’s mother worked to provide comfort to them where she could. In addition to her mother’s example, Clara was inspired by a dream she had at age eleven: She saw a needy youngster, and provided him with a bit of sustenance. He said to her, “I still have many poor siblings in this city,” and pointed heavenward. When Clara asked his name, he replied, “I am the poor child Jesus.”
Small wonder, then, that the community Clara founded with three schoolmates in 1844 would be called the Sisters of the Poor Child Jesus, focused on the education and formation of children like the boy in Clara’s dream. Thirty or so years later, due to the ongoing struggle between the Catholic Church and secular authorities in Germany, the sisters moved their motherhouse across the border into the Netherlands. Clara remained upbeat and passionate about her ministry throughout her long life.
Clara’s Wisdom: “The same Lord Who enters our heart in the morning accompanies us with His grace throughout the whole day, and in the evening is still with us to protect us through the night.”
What We Can Learn from Clara: Are you complacent in some aspect of your spiritual or economic life? How might you shake that up to better respond to the Lord’s plan for you?
To Learn More About Clara: Visit the site related to her beatification, or take a look at her biography at the site for the congregation she founded.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my book, Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
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