Franciscan Spirit

Clare’s way of living the Gospel was not Saint Francis’ way, yet she left a profound mark on the life of the Church through her own form of ministry.

It is not often that you hear mention of Saint Clare without also hearing of Saint Francis. Francis was an inspiration for Clare; Clare was a constant support for Francis.

Saint Clare was no stranger to suffering. Throughout her life she endured pain and illness and often was bedridden.

At the young age of 18, Clare walked away from her life of nobility and all of its comforts and joined Saint Francis in living out his mission.

“Eternal life: passing from time to eternity, from transitory struggling for existence common to mortals, to the destiny we trust, where anxiety and struggling for existence give place to confidence and union with every ideal ever dreamed of.”

“We do well to remember how very short, after all, it is till our suffering and our time of merit, too, will be over. Let us offer everything, therefore, to the divine Spouse of our souls, that He may accept ...