Vocation Reflections		A Gospel Dance
We Pray For You		A Healing Presence
Growth in the Darkness		Crossing Over
A Place of Prayer		Obedience to Reality
Building a Relationship with God		Francis, Clare and Healing
Clare's Vision		God's Call

 

Clare's Letters

When was the last time you wrote a letter? I mean longhand with pen and ink, not e-mail, texting, or facebook. St. Clare of Assisi wrote letters to a woman whom she loved dearly, though they had never met in person. Because the only way to send a letter in the 13th century was with someone who was traveling to that place, the time between letters was lengthy and it was very rare to receive a letter. We have only four of Clare’s letters to Agnes. Living in Prague, then a part of Bohemia, Agnes had heard the Franciscan missionaries preaching and befriended them. Daughter of the King of Bohemia, she had refused marriage to Emperor Frederick II because she chose to found a monastery according to St. Clare’s way of life.

Clare’s letters to Agnes are truly a treasure for Poor Clares and all Franciscans. Because we will celebrate the feast of St. Clare on August 11th, I want to share some special gems from those letters so that you can savor their beauty. I invite you to spend some time reflecting on them so that you can come to know more about St. Clare of Assisi’s spirituality and perhaps make it your own.

Be strengthened in the holy service which you have undertaken out of a burning desire for the oor Crucified.”“

“What you hold, may you always hold, may you always do and never abandon. But with swift pace, light step, unswerving feet, so that even your steps stir up no dust, may you go forward securely, joyfully, and swiftly on the path of prudent happiness.”

“..Gaze upon Him (Christ), consider Him, contemplate Him, as you desire to imitate Him. If you suffer with Him, you will reign with Him. If you weep with Him, you shall rejoice with Him; If you die with Him on the cross of tribulation you shall possess heavenly mansions in the splendor of he saints…”

“…the heavens and the rest of creation cannot contain their Creator and only the faithful soul is His dwelling place and throne…” “Place your mind before the mirror of eternity! Place your soul in the brilliance of glory! Place your heart in the figure of the divine substance! And transform your entire being into the image the Godhead Itself through contemplation”

(Clare’s letters are found in their entirety in Clare of Assisi, Early Documents, revised and expanded by Regis Armstrong OFM.)

Sister Maryalice Pierce, OSC

  Who are the Poor Clares?    Community News    Our Beginnings   Community   
Our Life  Community Newsletter     Reflections      An Invitation    Helpful Links     
Contact Us   Volunteer  Wish List  Holy Name Federation     Saint of the Day   
Minute Meditation Memorials