Serra Club Vocations Essay

Student finds inspiration in St. Clare to trust God through the Eucharist

By Amalie Zakel (Special to The Criterion)

(Editor’s note: The Indianapolis Serra Club’s annual John D. Kelley Vocations Essay Contest ordinarily awards prizes each spring to winning essayists in grades 7-12 in the archdiocese. This week, we begin with the winning entry in the seventh grade.)

St. Clare of Assisi once said, “Do not be disturbed by the clamor of the world, which passes like a shadow.” She found this serenity in God and the Eucharist.

St. Clare was an Italian nun who founded the Poor Ladies of San Damiano, a convent where nuns lived in poverty and dedicated their lives to serving others.

St. Clare proved her devotion to the Eucharist during an incredibly dangerous time in her life. In the year 1224, Assisi was attacked by the army of Frederick II. However, when soldiers tried to invade the San Damiano church, Clare was not afraid.

She placed the blessed Eucharist on the walls of the church and went out to meet the invaders with the host in her hands. She prayed to God to protect her sisters in the church. She then turned to them and said, “Don’t be afraid. Trust in Jesus.”

The soldiers became frightened and fled from the church. This is an example of St. Clare’s dedication to the Eucharist. Because of her faith in the Eucharist, she was able to protect herself and her sisters in their time of need.

She was able to fulfill her vocation of a holy life because she was truly confident in the Eucharist’s saving power.

St. Clare inspires me to put my trust in God, even when it is difficult. Sometimes, as human beings, we forget that God is always with us. We get caught up in our own lives here on Earth, even though our true purpose is to be with God forever in heaven.

St. Clare didn’t care about earthly possessions. She only wanted to be close to God through the Eucharist. I want to feel that connection in my own life. She inspires me to have a closer relationship with God and the Eucharist.

St. Clare is an inspiration to all people. Her story is a reminder that God can protect you and can give you the courage to face the challenges of life. She showed the world that, with faith, you will always be protected.
 

(Amalie and her parents, Andrew and Sara Zakel, are members of St. Mary of the Knobs Parish in Floyd County. She recently completed the seventh grade at St. Mary of the Knobs School in Floyd County and is the seventh-grade division winner in the Indianapolis Serra Club’s 2023 John D. Kelley Vocations Essay Contest.) †