There are few writings on Clare, compared to the volumes on Francis, and Clare herself left only a handful of writings. Of what remains we have four letters to Agnes of Prague, a Rule and a Blessing that are authentically Clare’s voice.

When Clare saw Francis preaching in the town square, certainly she was aware of people’s reactions to him. It would have been difficult not to have heard about Pietro Bernardone’s son who had renounced his family and embraced poverty.

St. Clare often referred to herself as the “little plant of St. Francis,” a fitting description of the impact she would have on the Church.

“I admonish and exhort all my sisters, both those present and those to come, to strive always to imitate the way of holy simplicity, humility, and poverty.” —The Testament of St. Clare For many of us, simplicity is something that …

“O most noble Queen, gaze upon Him, consider Him, contemplate Him, as you desire to imitate Him.” —Second letter to Agnes of Prague

Love was at the heart of everything St. Clare did. Her love for Christ was her purpose. Her love for St. Francis was her compass.