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How S. Clare, at the bidding of the Pope, blessed the bread that was on the table: so that on every loaf appeared the sign of the holy Cross
How S. C/arey at the bidding of the Pope, blessed the bread that was on the table: so that on every loaf appeared the sign of the holy Cross
S. Clare, the most devout disciple of the Cross of Christ and noble plant of S. Francis, was of such sanctity, that not only the bishops and the cardinals, but the Pope likewise ardently desired to see and hear her, and ofttimes visited her in person. Among" other times, the holy Father came on a time to her convent to hear her speak of things celestial and divine; and as they thus discoursed together on diverse matters, S. Clare in the meantime let make ready the tables, and set the bread thereon, that the holy Father might bless it. So when their spiritual discourse was ended, S. Clare, kneeling down with great reverence, besought him that he would be pleased to bless the bread set on the table. Replied the holy Father: "" Sister Clare, most faithful, I desire that thou bless this bread and make thereon the sign of the most holy Cross of Christ, to whom thou hast wholly given thyself." Quoth S. Clare: ” Most holy Father, pardon me, seeing that 1 should be deserving of much blame, if I, that am a poor, vile woman, should take on me to give this blessing, before the Vicar of Christ." And the Pope replied: ” To the end that this may not be imputed to presumption but to the merit of obedience, I command thee by holy obedience loo THE LITTLE FLOWERS OF that thou make the sign of the most holy Cross on this bread, and bless it in the name of God." Then S. Clare, like a true daughter of obedience, most devoutly blessed those loaves with the sign of the most holy Cross. O marvel! incontinent on all those loaves appeared the sign of the Cross impressed most fair to see: then of those loaves, part were eaten, and part for the miracle's sake were put aside. And the holy Father, when he had beheld the miracle, took of the said bread, and giving thanks to God, departed, leaving S. Clare with his blessing. Now at that time there dwelt in the convent Sister Ortolana, the mother of S. Clare, and Sister Agnes, her sister, they twain together with S. Clare, full of virtue and of the Holy Spirit, and many other holy nuns; to whom S. Francis sent many sick persons; and they by their prayers and the sign of the most holy Cross restored them all to health.