Dear siblings and friends,
As Chapter and Convocation 2020 draws nearer, we’d like to invite everyone to spend time in preparation: supporting one another, deepening our spiritual practices, and making our hearts ready for the work, play, and growth that we enjoy when we gather together.
Our theme this year is “Sister Clare, Light from Within: What Can We Each Learn from Her Witness?” As such, we encourage everyone to spend time reading, contemplating, and practicing with Clare’s writings, witness, and charism.
The core of Clare’s writings we have received are the letters she wrote to Agnes of Prague.
- We ask that everyone read and reflect on these letters as a basic practice.
- You can find them online (free of charge) as pdf downloads at: http://www.slr-ofs.org/st-clares-letters-to-st-agnes-of-prague.html
- We also ask that you read “Celebrating Saint Clare of Assisi” from Franciscan Media, to gain an overview and context for Clare’s letters, life, and charism: https://www.franciscanmedia.org/celebrating-saint-clare-of-assisi/
- We encourage everyone to share your reflections, questions, and spiritual practices with each other: in our Google Group, at regional fellowships, in conversations and letters, and in whatever ways you spend time with others. What does it mean (to each of us, and as an order) to follow Jesus in the way of Clare of Assisi?
- Even if you cannot be physically present in St. Louis, please join us in this time of preparation. Our shared prayers, reflections, fellowship, and imitation of Jesus are vital to our mission of supporting one another’s spiritual growth.
We’ll be incorporating this shared learning and insight into our time together in St. Louis, where we’ll be: hearing Clare’s words in worship and prayer; reflecting in small groups about what Clare’s life and charism means for us; setting aside time for contemplation as an Order; and learning from one another.
We invite you to pray for us as an Order as we begin to plan and prepare for our 2020 gathering!
In grace, peace, and joy,
Your Servant Council
PS
For those who would like more complete resources to study Clare’s writings and Rules:
- Francis and Clare: Complete Works by R.J. Armstrong, OFM (http://www.paulistpress.com/Products/2446-7/francis-and-clare.aspx )
- Clare of Assisi: Early Documents: The Lady by Regis J. Armstrong, OFM (https://www.newcitypress.com/clare-of-assisi-early-documents-the-lady.html )
- Saint Clare of Assisi, The Original Writings, Vol I by Sr. Frances Teresa Downing, OSC (https://taupublishing.com/book-store?keywords=clare&olsPage=products%2Fsaint-clare-of-assisi-the-original-writings-vol-i-sr-frances-teresa-downing-osc&page=2 )
- You may also appreciate: Studying the Life of Saint Clare of Assisi: A Beginner’s Workbook by William Hugo, OFM Cap. and Joanne Schatzlein, OSF (https://www.newcitypress.com/studying-the-life-of-st-clare-of-assisi.html )
Biographies & Reflections
For those who would like to study Clare’s life, there are several good options.
Sr. Frances Teresa Downing’s books are very helpful:
- Saint Clare of Assisi: The Context of Her Life, Vol II by Sr. Frances Teresa Downing, OSC (https://taupublishing.com/book-store?olsPage=products%2Fsaint-clare-of-assisi-the-context-of-her-life-vol-ii-sr-frances-teresa-downing-osc )
- Saint Clare of Assisi, Her Charism Vol. III by Sr. Frances Teresa Downing, OSC (https://taupublishing.com/book-store?olsPage=products%2Fsaint-clare-of-assisi-her-charism-vol-iii-sr-frances-teresa-downing-osc )
- St. Clare of Assisi, The Spirituality of Her Letters:Letter Four, Vol IV by Sr. Frances Teresa Downing, OSC (https://taupublishing.com/book-store?olsPage=products%2Fst-clare-of-assisi-the-spirituality-of-her-lettersletter-four-vol-iv-sr-frances-teresa-downing-osc )
- You can also find the four volume set at: https://taupublishing.com/book-store?olsPage=products%2Fst-clare-of-assisi-4-volume-boxed-set-by-frances-teresa-downing-osc
Others include:
- St. Clare of Assisi: Light from the Cloister by Bret Thoman (https://www.tanbooks.com/st-clare-of-assisi-light-from-the-cloister.html )
- A Mended and Broken Heart: The Life and Love of Francis of Assisi by Wendy Murray (https://www.basicbooks.com/titles/wendy-murray/a-mended-and-broken-heart/9780786725991/ )
- The Privilege of Poverty: Clare of Assisi, Agnes of Prague, and the Struggle for a Franciscan Rule for Women by Joan Mueller (http://www.psupress.org/books/titles/0-271-02893-9.html )
Applications
Clare’s witness and charism have shaped how we understand and follow Christ. Some helpful contributions include:
- Franciscan Prayer by Ilia Delio, O.S.F (https://shop.franciscanmedia.org/products/franciscan-prayer )
- Clare of Assisi: A Hear Full of Love by Ilia Delio, O.S.F. (https://shop.franciscanmedia.org/products/clare-of-assisi-a-heart-full-of-love )
- Clare of Assisi: A Medieval and Modern Woman: Clarefest Selected Papers, edited by Ingrid Peterson, OSF (https://www.franciscanpublications.com/collections/clare-of-assisi/products/clare-of-assisi-a-medieval-and-modern-woman-clarefest-selected-papers?variant=7282419781 )
