Why did Saint Clare of Assisi become a saint?

Answer 1

As to "when" she was canonized September 26, 1255, so I guess the "why" could be "because the Pope said so."

According to Protestants, like Martin Luther, all believers are saints whether the Pope says so or not. So, you're a saint, too! Happy Holidays!

Answer 2

She had a profound effect on Christianity both during her life and still to this day. In many respects, she may have had more impact than, say a Luther or a Calvin. The funny part is that she is almost an unknown.

She is the first woman to write a rule of life for monastic living. She is the only woman, as far as I know, to attend an ecumenical council as a full participant.

To give you an idea of the power of this woman, I will relate a story. I forget now the name of the pope, but a new pope had been elected and had heard that the Poor Clares were helping not only poor women, but poor men as well. Fearing this could create scandal, prohibited the women to have contact with men.

So Clare, being obedient, locked the doors of the monestary to all men, including those who deliver the food. Probably the first recorded hunger strike. Ultimately, the Pope was forced to travel from Rome to Assisi to grant permission in person for the Clares to work with the poor, including the men. Ultimately, that pope learned to do whatever Clare told him to do. It was much easier that way.

She was also the inspiration for St. Francis to leave the world of being a merchant to a mendicant, though she didn't realize it at the time. His extreme renunciation of property led to her renunciation as well. She was a member of the nobility.

Answer 3

Because of heroic virtue
We are meant to be saints but doing and knowing are not the same thing, we often know enough as to how to be holy but the problem lies not in the knowledge so much but the will to do so

Answer 4

Because she was good.