Researching Francis and Clare for the newsletter was a huge joy!

I'd like to thank Sr. Margaret Klotz of the Franciscan Archives at Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Her sure assistance saved me hours of sifting.

If you live near enough to visit, it's worth the trip!

The best way to truly "know" them, is to read their writings: 

The Collected Works of Francis and Clare (Paulist Press, 1982)

Click below to read two more excerpts:

From the third letter of St. Clare to Agnes of Bohemia

(In response to a request for clarification on fasting for her nuns)

"Those of us who are healthy and strong...must fast every day except Sundays and the Nativity of the Lord, on which days we may have two meals. And on ordinary Thursdays everyone may do as she wishes...During the entire Easter week, as the writing of Saint Francis tells us, and on the feasts of the Blessed Mary and the Holy Aposles, we are not obliged to fast, unless those fasts occur on a Friday.

[snip]

I beg you,,,to refrain wisely from indiscreet and impossible austerity in the fasting that I know you have undertaken. And I beg you in the Lord to praise the Lord by your very life, to offer to the Lord your reasonable service (Rm 12;1), and your sacrifice always seasoned with salt (Lev 2:13).

From St. Francis' Salutation of the Virtues

Hail, Queen Wisdom, may the Lord protect you

with your sister, holy pure Simplicity.

Lady, holy Poverty, may the Lord protect you

with your sister, holy Humility.

Lady, holy Charity, may the Lord protect you

with your sister, holy Obedience.

O most holy virtues, may the Lord protect all of you,

from Whom you come and proceed.

***

We wish you a blessed remainder of Lent!