Assisi Shrines of Saints Francis and Clare

Our focus will be to give you a snapshot of 5 areas:

1. Basilica of Saint Francis

2. Basilica of Saint Clare

3. Convent of San Damiano

4. The Portiuncula - the little Portion

5. The Hermitage

The Basilica of Saint Francis is the first, must see place in Assisi. This Basilica was built soon after his death.

The lower crypt has the tomb of Saint Francis - a rugged stone structure - simple and rugged like Francis

The upper Basilica has depicted the life of Francis on one side and the life of Jesus on the other.

Also, here you see those famous scenes of Francis holding up Saint John Lateran Basilica and the image of him that is most famous.

Just down the street is the Basilica of Saint Clare. Here you will see her incorrupt body in the lower crypt. In the main level is a museum devoted to Saint Clare. I remember seeing how beautiful her curly blond hair still is to this day.

Also in the main level is a huge replica of the Cross of San Damiano.

Remember this is the little structure that Saint Francis built after Jesus spoke to him from the Cross and told him to rebuild my Church.  Later Francis gave this to Saint Clare and the Poor Clare Nuns and it became their convent.

Inside is the Cross of San Damiano that spoke  to Francis.
Here is where the Miracle of the Eucharist of Assisi occurred where Saint Clare frightened off invaders with a Monstrance holding the Holy Eucharist.

While we were videotaping there, we were allowed to enter the dining area used at the time of Saint Clare.

Visitors are not allowed in this room. I saw the table and the spot where Saint Clare sat was marked with a cross.

 This room is where the Miracle of the hot cross buns occurred.

Assisi Shrines - 4. The Portiuncula - the little Portion

This is the Little Portion of Saint Francis. Inside is the actual small original chapel built and used by Saint Francis.

Also inside is the place where Francis died, and where he lived.

In the courtyard is the famous roses that do not have thorns. Sorry your will have to dig to get this story.

Nearby is the woods where Saint Francis and Saint Clare meet to pray and eat and encountered the Miraculous fire.

Assisi Shrines - 5. The Hermitage

Above Assisi, easily accessible by cab is the Hermitage with great scenes of the valley below and the cluster of buildings and outside altars and walking paths.

SIDEBAR All of these scenes above are in the dvd on the lives of Saint Francis and Saint Clare - see below. SIDEBAR

DVDs available on the lives of Saint Francis and Saint Clare $19.95 each taped in Assisi   Saint Francis dvd Saint Clare dvd

Clare and Francis See the special website for Clare and Francis to learn much more about this inspiring film. ' Click here for the film website. '' A major new epic feature film on the lives of St. Clare and St. Francis of Assisi shot on location in Italy by the Italian film company Lux Vide, the producers of Saint Rita, Pope John Paul II and St. John Bosco . This outstanding movie is unique among films on St. Francis because of the historical accuracy of the story and its authentic spirit of joy and piety Francis was known for, as well as the major role played by Clare who is given equal stature with Francis. The two leads are played by very appealing performers, Mary Petruolo and Ettore Bassi, who give genuinely inspiring and beautifully moving performances of the daughter of a patrician family and the son of a rich merchant who leave all to follow Christ. Francis renounces his inheritance of wealth to live the Gospel and serve the poor and outcasts. Clare reads deep into his heart and decides to follow him, leaving her home and family to give herself as the bride of Christ. Both found major religious orders and together they inspire many to follow their radical call to live the Gospel, and their impact has even reached across the centuries to change the world. This DVD includes the following language tracks :English and Italian language, Spanish & English subtitles. ' Special Features: A 16 page booklet by Tim Drake with study questions, biographies of St. Clare and St. Francis, and resource list. Behind the scenes featurette and a special ???Making of Clare and Francis??? featurette with Franciscan Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, Preacher to the Papal Household. ' This is a Region 1 DVD (playable ONLY in Bermuda, Canada, the Cayman Islands, United States and U.S. territories)' '