The feasts in honour of St. Rufino and St. Clare, two important people in Assisi’s history and culture, are celebrated on the 11 and 12 August. On these two days, impressive fairs and processions pay homage to the two Saints.
The patron saint of Assisi is not, as you may think, St. Francis, but St. Rufino, the town’s first bishop and martyr.
In the first half of the 3rd century, Rufino was in Assisi working to evangelise the people, when he was condemned to death and, by order of the Roman pro-consul, was thrown with a stone around his neck into the River Chiascio near the village of Costano.
St. Rufino’s body was taken to Assisi for burial where the Cathedral, named after him now stands.
The original building, dating back to 412 was replaced over the centuries by two other buildings. The last one can still be seen today and is the work of Giovanni da Gubbio that can be dated back to the 12th century.
Since the 11th century, the date to celebrate the Saint had always been 11 August. However, in Assisi and the diocese, the feast of St. Rufino was postponed to 12 August, as it clashed with the celebrations for St. Clare.
St. Clare of Assisi, who was born in 1191 and died in 1253, is the founder of the Order of Poor Clares, the first women’s order in the history of the Church.
St. Francis allowed her to live in the Sanctuary of St. Damiano, where Clare remained until her death.
St. Clare’s Rule of Life was based on the concept of absolute poverty, that is, every possession was forbidden and they had to beg for a living.
The Saint was canonised in 1255 and the feast in her honour is celebrated on 11 August, the day she died.
This is the occasion for Assisi to pay homage with numerous religious and civil celebrations, including the unfailing Procession, the fair and fireworks. The feast centres on the Basilica of St. Clare, where the Saint’s body lies.
