The Spirituality and Miracles of St. Clare of Assisi
August 11 is the memorial of St. Clare, one of my favorite saints. She was the first woman to follow the life of radical poverty practiced by St. Francis of Assisi and is the co-founder of the Poor Clares. Although I am not a Franciscan, I have had Franciscan friends, clergy, and spiritual directors instruct me on the beauty of St. Clare's spirituality. I have also learned a great deal from reading about her over the years. Clare and Francis (2007) is a film which depicts the fascinating story of her dramatic conversion and surrender to the will of God. St. Clare is the patron saint of television. She is also the patron of eye disorders, embroiderers, good weather, and telephones. The Contemplative Life The Lady Clare was born into a noble family in Assisi in 1193 and was admired for her great beauty. When she heard Francis of Assisi preach his Lenten homilies at the Church of San Giorgio, she was captivated by his words. At age eighteen, she heard him say: "When the
A beautiful but sad story. As a man, I have heard stories like this before, although usually second hand. But, thats ok, as I'm not sure I would know what to say.
ReplyDeleteI feel so sorry for the women who choose to terminate the life of their baby and cannot put closure to it.
Dear Jean: Thank you so much for linking to my article. I'm very flattered that you found it worthwhile. God bless you on this Epiphany!
ReplyDeleteThank You Jean (my middle name). I went there and found
ReplyDeletehttp://www.innocents.com/shrine.asp
where I registered my stillborn daughter and my tiny baby I had a miscarriage with.
Forever in my heart!
Thank you Jean for your site. I also wanted to thank Mary Ellen Barrett for her article and information. This past August I lost a baby boy at 8 weeks. He would have been born around April 16th of this year. I find myself sad and feeling sorry for myself (especially after the holidays). After registering my baby at the Church of the Holy Innocents and reading Mother Angelica's prayer I have a sense of closure and I will try to stop asking why.
ReplyDeleteI also feel for all of the women who have lost a child and their families. God Bless you all.
Dear anonymous:
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad the information in the article was able to provide some peace for you.
May you rest in the Immaculate Heart of Mary and may she comfort you as only another suffering mother can.
Blessings,
Mary Ellen