“What Clare taught her sisters is what we also can learn: To live in relationship with one another, to be honest, simple, poor, gentle and joyful — to live in the awareness of God’s presence.”

— Sister Jeanne Marie Ulica

“Clare teaches us that no matter how difficult life is, once one has discerned, through prayer, the path that they must take, they need to muster up the strength

to follow that commitment.”

— Sister Frances Marie Duncan

Celebrate

Clare with Us

Like Franciscans everywhere, our community observes the Feast of St. Clare on August 11 each year. But we look to her example, her courage and her relentless commitment as a guiding light all throughout the year.

As our name suggests, we are followers of Francis of Assisi, but we also study, appreciate and practice the teachings of St. Clare of Assisi, a student of Francis and pioneering woman in her own right. In the face of adversity, Clare elected a simple life of poverty and was steadfast in her faith. She left home at 18 to seek a path whereby she could live according to the Gospel.

Until her death in 1253, Clare lived in austerity, swore her allegiance to Christ and Francis, protected her monastery and those within from invaders by brandishing the Blessed Sacrament, and cared selflessly for the sick, including Francis near his death. Some may call her a troublemaker, some an inspiration. Either way, she was an instrument of change, and her example remains relevant today.

“Our labor here is brief, but the reward is eternal. Do not be disturbed by the clamor of the world, which passes like a shadow.” — Clare of Assisi