If I were considering living an apostolic life I would want to be influenced by St. Francis of Assisi. St. Francis viewed wealth and possessions as hinderances to experiencing the path set before us by Jesus. He believed that what is truly important in life is the status of our hearts and that the best… Continue reading →
Francis’s literal reading of the Bible and personalized interpretations of revelation gave him a sense of responsibility to live out his call to the church in poverty and humility. Clare of Assisi was drawn in to this simple and sincere apostolic lifestyle that Francis modeled and preached, and formed her organization around his example. As… Continue reading →
Francis was perceived by many as a figure of pivotal significance in the history of salvation. Francis was referred to as “alter Christus” which means “another Christ”. He was also referred to as a new or second Christ. Most who wrote about Francis were interested in the cosmic and messianic significance much like those who… Continue reading →
St. Francis faced many trials and tribulations in the years leading up to the 1223 version of Francis’s Rule. In the same time that he brought Clare into his ministry, Francis sailed, yet again, out of Italy and visited the Muslims in Levant in an attempt to convert them. Francis would abort the mission due… Continue reading →
2. a) Clare anchors her organization in the Life of St. Francis by following his teachings; she gave up her dowry to the poor and formed the first female Franciscan community. Though head of her monastery, she took on tasks such as caring for the sick sent to her. As Madigan notes: “she took on… Continue reading →
Clare anchor’s her organization in the life of St. Francis by following very closely what Francis himself devoted his life to; voluntary poverty and rebuilding the churches of Assisi (located in Central Italy). Though Clare and several of her sisters were frail and weak, Francis housed them in the church that he helped to rebuild,… Continue reading →
