She did not heed them; but, accompanied by two of her Sisters, she took the Most Blessed Sacrament in her hand as her mighty shield and impenetrable defense. She prostrated herself before her God, and exclaimed,
“O Divine Jesus, deign to cast an eye of pity on Thy humble handmaid. Is it possible that those who You have brought up in Thy holy fear and love should fall a prey to the heathen? Give not to the wild beasts the souls of Thy servants who have known Thy name, but save them who You have redeemed by Thy Precious Blood.”
As she thus prayed, a sweet voice from the Most Holy Sacrament replied, “Yes, I will protect you without ceasing.”
At these words, full of renewed trust, she continued. “O Lord, take under Thy protection this city, which has maintained us out of love for Thee.”
And the Lord replied, “This city will suffer many things, yet will it be saved through My protection and your prayers.”
Then did she arise in the strength of the Holy Spirit, and was soon to be seen on the walls with the monstrance in her hands. Such a glorious light streamed from the Blessed Sacrament that, seized by a sudden terror, the assailants fled, and the convent was saved.
But the marvel did not stop there. Hardly had the inhabitants of the valley of Spoleto recovered from the shock of this invasion when Vitalis Aversa, a cruel proud man, and a general of the same wicked Emperor, laid siege to Assisi for many days.
St. Clare called her nuns together, and, denoting their duty to aid the city in all its needs, as it had done to the convent, she bade them cover their heads with ashes, and to prostrate themselves before the Blessed Sacrament, pouring forth their supplications for the deliverance of the city. They continued in prayer to God for a day and a night. Then, as powerful assistance to the city was arriving, the assailants silently raised the siege and retired without a struggle, their general soon after being slain.
