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
Not quite right, Father. Your skirt is showing.
ReplyDeleteThe movie and the DVD particularly relate a story of religion as it is used by the political powers and how this can destroy the innocent and the reasonable. This is exactly the story of our time and this not only applies to Christians, but Muslims, Jews and others. The movie is essentially a correct telling even if the discovery of the heliocrentric model and the merciful death by smothering are fictional.
Yes the danger of formenting violence and feeding the popularity of atheism is there, but that is because sensible discussions of the film are not held. In fact, we do as you are doing and mischaracterize out of your fears when in fact this movie is an excellent if heartbreaking stimulus to informed discussion.
I am a Christian and a composer and I believe the Church can do better.