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
I have to ask, Jean: what is a sidewalk counselor? (It seemed like it would fit with this topic!)
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ReplyDeleteT.O.,
ReplyDeleteThe sidewalk counselor is the individual who approaches the mother who intends to abort her unborn child. He/she stands outside the abortion mill and approaches the mother in a gentle, loving, compassionate manner, speaks to her, listens to her concerns, and discusses them with her. The sidewalk counselor offers alternatives to abortion, and shares educational literature as well as a list of places where she can get the help she needs. Some of these places include: a crisis pregnancy center which offers ultrasounds or pictures of the developing in the uterus, as well as resources for food, clothing, and shelter resources (if needed) for her and her child. If she decides to go through with the abortion she is referred to counselors/professionals who can help her deal with post-traumatic stress syndrome as well as the other emotional traumas that accompany abortion. You can learn more about it here http://catholicfire.blogspot.com/2005/11/helpers-of-gods-precious-infants.html.
I think you will find this post helpful and inspirational. Msgr. Reilly is the priest who inspired me to do this kind of work.
Thanks for asking.
God bless you,
Jean
Cool - thanks for explaining, Jean!
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