The 50th anniversary of the SUF in Chambord, the Chartres pilgrimage and the FRAT will bring together more than 50,000 young people outdoors during the Pentecost weekend. May Saint Clare, traditionally invoked for good weather, grant them good weather!
The joy and fervor that will animate these three large gatherings will undoubtedly not be tarnished by a few drops of rain. However, the sun has this ability to warm bodies and hearts. Saint Clare, whose first name evokes light, is traditionally invoked to have good weather on the occasion of a particular event.
On this Pentecost weekend, 52,000 young people will camp in different places in France. The Unitary Scouts of France (SUF) gather at 30,000 in the national domain of Chambord to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the movement. No less than 12,000 pilgrims, aged 21 on average, will walk to Chartres as part of the pilgrimage of Our Lady of Christianity. And the FRAT, a pilgrimage led by the bishops of Ile-de-France, will bring together 10,000 college students in Jambville (Yvelines).
The tradition of invoking Saint Clare, the foundress of the Poor Clares, for good weather dates back to the Middle Ages. A 14th century Franciscan, Bartholomew of Pisa, recounts that sailors, caught in a big storm off the coast of Italy, had invoked Saint Clare to put an end to the storm. And they were answered! If for a long time, the custom was to bring eggs as an offering to the Poor Clares, it is customary today to send a financial contribution, with a letter asking them to pray for a specific occasion.
A tradition which does not prevent one from turning oneself to Saint Clare. Here is a short prayer, taken from the book Pray with the Saints (Mame), to ask for light on the occasion of these great gatherings of young people:
Saint Clare,
You who interceded with the Lord to save the sailors from the storm, we humbly ask you to ensure that the weather is kind on the occasion of … .And if it rains, help us to bring light and joy to hearts.You who choose to live in the most total poverty in the footsteps of Saint Francis of Assisi, teach us to detach ourselves from material concerns in order to better love the One who provides for everything.
Amen.
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