A Poor Clare's feast day menu -- Assisi style

A warm invitation to sup with Poor Clares means a simple meal, where each bite is a blessing.

• They eat to live, not live to eat.
• Each meal is shaped around prayer and sufficiency.
• Each calorie is a gift that sustains their vocation. 

Today, we join them to honor their foundress. Their “feast” is where simplicity becomes abundance and gratitude is seasoned into every dish. Pace e buon appetito!

Umbrian Lentil Soup (Zuppa di Lenticchie)

Rosemary Focaccia

Linguine al Limone

Char-grilled Umbrian Vegetables in Olive Oil

Umbrian Almond Cookies (Tozzetti)

Herbal tea with mint & honey

How do these dishes fit St. Clare--or in Italian--St Chiara?

• Lentils and carrots were a humble staple of medieval monastic life—simple, filling and nourishing.
• Focaccia with rosemary reflects Assisi’s rustic herb-garden traditions.
• Linguine al Limone mirrors St Clare’s bright, gentle character using citrus from local orchards. Chiara means clarity or clear which defines her and their charism. Add chicken or seafood for protein, and pair with white wine.
• Char-grilled Umbrian vegetables in local olive oil honors their Founder Francis’ love for creation.
• Almond biscotti is a classic Umbrian feast-day treat, simple enough for monasteries. Local almonds were toasted, ground into flour and baked with honey and oil. Perfect for tea-dunking after a long day of chasing off invading Saracen mercenaries with the Master's monstrance!

Grace prayed for a humble, St Clare feast

 Lord of Light, so calm and fair, we gather with our Poor (St) Clare.
Bless this meal, this feast, this night. Lift our hearts in Euch'ristic light.

Clare stood strong when fear drew near—lifting You her shield, her faith so clear.
Grant us courage just like hers; peace that calms and love that stirs.

Bless this bread and bless our rest, teach us how to live our best.
Make our home a place of grace, where simple joy fills every space.

Little lantern, Clare so bright, guide us toward Your holy light.
Keep us close and keep us true—all we have, Lord, we give to You. Amen.

 Pace e buon appetito!