As the Catholic Church marks the eighth centenary of the death of St. Francis of Assisi, the Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor, Massimo Fusarelli, has issued a formal message dedicated to the Poor Clares. In his official message titled “Chiara donna di pace” (Clare, Woman of Peace), emphasized that while St. Francis radiated peace while walking the world’s streets, St. Clare radiated that same peace from the enclosed monastery of San Damiano in Assisi. Both figures drew from the single source of following Christ’s path of poverty and the crucifix, as noted in the official messages released for the August 11 feast day.
A Legacy of Peace Amid Global Conflict
The papal bull of canonization historically designates St. Clare as a “mediator of peace.” Father Fusarelli noted that her radical choice of absolute poverty stripped away the need for defense, accumulation, or control, allowing deep understanding to flourish within her community. This spiritual framework continues to draw contemporary figures to monastic life.
Modern Vocations to the Poor Clares
The centuries-old monastic tradition continues to draw modern professions, exemplified by recent entries into cloistered life across Italy. Among them is Sister Maria Sara of Jesus Christ, formerly a pediatric specialist from Sardinia who practiced medicine in Bologna and completed humanitarian work in Angola during her medical training.
After a formal discernment process that included spiritual retreats and dialogue with Franciscan friars, she entered the monastery of San Biagio. Her initial hesitation—summarized in her prayer asking God not to demand enclosure—resolved after months of community engagement, leading to her first profession of vows on June 7, the Solemnity of Corpus Christi. Her transition was supported by family members and hospital colleagues who accommodated her vocational leave.
Creative Expression Within the Cloister
Cloistered life also embraces modern creative pursuits. A member of the Poor Clares community publishing under the pseudonym Lorenza Ducati authored a 300-page fantasy novel titled “Rod e le pietre del potere” (Edizioni Bertato Ars et Religio), developed over three decades of monastic life with the approval of her abbess. The work uses the metaphor of an underground journey for spiritual growth and self-discovery among young readers.
Liturgical Celebrations Across Italy
Solemn liturgical celebrations mark the feast of St. Clare in communities throughout Italy. According to official church schedules, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, presides over the high mass on August 11 at the Basilica of Santa Chiara in Assisi, where the saint’s body is preserved in the crypt. Additional regional celebrations take place in dioceses including Trapani, Bergamo, and Cosenza, featuring local prelates and specialized prayer vigils.
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