Saint Amata of Assisi

Saint Amata of Assisi, also known as Amata of Corano, was born in 1200 in Assisi, Italy. She was the niece of Saint Clare of Assisi, the founder of the Order of Poor Clares. Amata had a close relationship with her aunt and was deeply influenced by her holy and selfless life. In her youth, Amata led a misspent life, indulging in worldly pleasures. However, her encounter with her aunt Clare and the miracles she witnessed transformed her entirely. One significant event in Amata's life was her miraculous healing from dropsy, a condition marked by abnormal fluid retention in the body. It was her aunt Clare who miraculously healed her, an event that shook Amata to her core and led her to reevaluate her life. Feeling a deep calling to dedicate herself entirely to God, Amata took the life-changing decision to become a Poor Clare nun like her aunt Clare. In 1213, she joined the San Damiano monastery, which was founded by her aunt. Amata embraced the austere and contemplative way of life, devoting herself to prayer, penance, and serving the poor. Amata's spiritual journey deepened over the years, and she became known for her faithfulness to the Franciscan charism and her unwavering commitment to the virtues of poverty, humility, and love. She was also a close friend of Saint Dominic de Guzman, the founder of the Order of Preachers, and their friendship mutually enriched their spiritual lives. Saint Amata's dedication to her religious vows led her to play a significant role in the life of her aunt Clare. She was by her side during her final moments and witnessed her passing. This experience further solidified Amata's devotion to her vocation and her desire to follow in her aunt's footsteps. Amata lived a life of quiet perseverance and devotion within the walls of the San Damiano monastery for many years. She embraced the Franciscan rule wholeheartedly and sought to imitate Christ's poverty and humility through her actions and demeanor. Her commitment and steadfastness in the spiritual life made her an inspiration to her fellow sisters and a source of guidance for those seeking a deeper relationship with God. When the sisters of San Damiano moved to the convent of San Giorgio in 1260, they carried relics of Saint Amata with them. These sacred remains were re-enshrined in a stone urn under the altar of the convent church by Bishop Crescenzio of Assisi. The reverence shown to her relics attested to the impact of her holy life and her significance within the community. Saint Amata of Assisi passed away around 1254, succumbing to natural causes. Her mortal remains were buried at the San Damiano monastery initially. However, her relics were relocated to the convent of San Giorgio along with the other sisters. Saint Amata's memory continues to live on through her example of devotion, simplicity, and unwavering faith in God. Her feast day is celebrated on February 20th, a day when the faithful remember her life and seek her intercession in their own spiritual journey.