Saint Francis, Saint Clare, the Poor Clares
The Poor Clares were founded in 1212 in Assisi, Italy, when St. Francis received St. Clare as a follower of his way of life.
Francis was the son of Peter Bernardone, an Italian merchant. He was a generous, light-hearted man, not at all the son his father had envisioned taking over his cloth business. Francis longed to become a knight, and after an experience in battle and subsequent imprisonment, Francis became ill and his conversion process had begun. After recovering, he reached out to the poor and outcasts in society, notably lepers, and shared his material resources generously. He even began to repair churches in Assisi, after hearing the Lord tell him to rebuild the church. His father was outraged at his behavior, and brought him before the bishop of Assisi. Francis returned his father's material possessions, and professed his love for God the father alone. After hearing the Gospel in which Our Lord commissions His apostles to carry no possessions, Francis recognized God's will in his life and began a radical penitential movement. Others joined him, living in poverty, traveling, and preaching. They called themselves the friars minor, and Pope Innocent III gave approval. A second order, for women,was established and headed by Saint Clare, and a third order was established for both men and women. Francis showed a great love for all of creation, and is known for his songs and poetry praising God in creation. His love of the crucified Christ filled his heart, and, 2 years before his death, he received the stigmata (sacred wounds) on his body. Francis died in 1226. His feast day is October 4th.
Bolton Morris painting in our monastery refectory
Saint Clare, born in 1194, was the daughter of prominent nobility. Before her birth, it was revealed to her mother that her child would be a brilliant light in the world. Clare was a beautiful girl, possessing a good personality and a brilliant mind as well. She was generous to the poor, and prayed often, delighting in praying before the Blessed Sacrament. As a young girl she even wore a coarse penitential belt under her clothing. At the age of 18, she heard Francis preach in Assisi during Lent in 1212. She was so moved by his words and knew God was calling her to lead a life of penance, similar to Francis', so she met with him to share her insights and feelings. Clare knew the impact her plans and desires would have on her family, and she so longed for a life of poverty, penance and prayer - she realized she would have to leave home in secret. She did so on Palm Sunday, at night, and was met in a little chapel called Our Lady of the Angels (Portiuncula) by Francis and his companions. She consecrated herself to God, received the coarse habit, and the Order of Poor Ladies was begun. After a brief time with the Benedictine Sisters, Clare was moved to the convent at San Damiano, and remained there in the cloister for the rest of her life. She was the first woman to write her own rule for herself and her Sisters, and it was approved after 40 years; in fact, it received approval as she was on her deathbed. Her life was one of poverty, and of service to her sisters and all who came to the monastery, seeking prayer and counsel. The Second Order grew rapidly in Clare's time, and among her first followers were her own sister and her mother! Through her life of self-denial and seclusion and deep prayer, Clare found much happiness and fulfillment. She died in 1253, and was canonized in 1255. Her feast day is on the 11th of August. In 1958, St. Clare was chosen as the Patroness of television, because once while she was sick in bed, she was able to follow, from afar, the Christmas Mass celebrated in the basilica of St. Francis. Today, there are Monasteries of St. Clare throughout the world, each one autonomous, yet united in the spirit of poverty and sisterly communion. Clare wished that her sisters remained united with the followers of Saint Francis and today, the brothers and sisters from the three Franciscan Orders still draw inspiration from the bonds which united Francis and Clare in the thirteenth century! The daily life of a Poor Clare combines the joy and simplicity of the Franciscan call within the framework of a MONASTIC, CONTEMPLATIVE COMMUNITY!