Clare of Rimini

About Clare of Rimini

Clare of Rimini (also called Chiara Agolanti) was a Poor Clare nun and penitent known for her dramatic conversion from a sinful life. In her youth, Clare led a scandalous life, married multiple times, and lived immorally. Around age 34, while attending Mass reluctantly, she experienced a profound conversion when she saw a vision of Christ suffering for sins—including hers. Clare was struck with such compunction that she immediately changed her life. She joined the Poor Clares and lived a life of extreme penance for her past sins. She practiced severe mortification, vigils, and fasting, often beyond what her superiors permitted. Clare experienced mystical visions and ecstasies, often levitating during prayer. She received the stigmata and suffered the wounds of Christ, which bled on Fridays. Despite her previous sinful life, Clare became known for holiness and was consulted for spiritual advice. Her conversion represents God's mercy and the transforming power of repentance. She was beatified in 1784. Her cult remained largely local to Rimini.