Franciscan Sisters of St. Joseph

“St. Clare’s conversion, represented by Jesus’ way of the cross, was a lifelong process of self-transcending love.  She not only saw God’s image in the life story of Jesus’ responsiveness to God and his responsibility for others, but also felt the call to go and do likewise.  Clare’s aim was to imitate Christ in all of her life, after the manner of St. Francis, so that she could arrive at absolute conformity that involved an imitation of the poverty and humility of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Her image of Christ was defined from the viewpoint of poverty and humility”.

Clare’s Life as a Magnificat, a Dissertation for
Masters of Arts in Franciscan Studies by
Sister Ann Lyons, FSSJ

“Clare’s spiritual conversion was not an instantaneous nor once-for-all-action. It was a journey of major and minor conversions that ultimately led to her transformation in Christ.  Continual growth and conversion marked Clare’s entire life.  Openness served as the basis for her continual growth and development; it meant that Clare was never content with what she did.  She was always looking for further development.  No matter how well she lived, she must always remain open for God’s Call.  No static norms can ever express the fundamental vitality and dynamism of her life.”    

Clare’s Life as a Magnificat, a Dissertation for Masters of Arts in Franciscan Studies by Sister Ann Lyons, FSSJ

What you hold may you always hold.
What you do, may you always do and never abandon.
But with swift pace, light step and unswerving feet,
so that even your steps stir up no dust,
Go forward, the Spirit of our God has called you.