Clare grew up in a castle in Italy with everything a thirteenth century girl could want, but Clare wanted to belong to God. At eighteen, she heard Francis of Assisi speak. Like a sponge, she soaked up everything he said and watered the seed God planted in her heart with Francis' words. He recognized in her a kindred spirit and the two became holy soul mates. Clare stole away at night and ran to where Francis was waiting. He cut her long blond hair as Clare made a simple vow to belong only to Jesus. She clothed herself in the rough brown tunic and black veil that Francis brought for her.
