Francis and Clare

Description

St. Francis and St. Clare are plentiful. Who has not heard of Francis preaching to hundreds of birds about being thankful to God for their wonderful clothes, for their independence, and for God’s care for them? The story tells us the birds stood still as he walked among them, only flying off when he said they could leave. It was often reported that wild animals – rabbits, birds, even a wolf – became tame before Francis. Or early in his conversion, the experience of Francis’ encounter with a leper he met on the road? Though having a great aversion to the lepers, Francis was led to embrace the leper and sought to minister to this marginalized community. And of Clare, who as her convent was about to be attacked, prayed before the Blessed Sacrament, forcing the attackers to flee?
Possibly the greatest heritage Francis and Clare leave for us is a deeply rooted desire for God, a fervent commitment to prayer, and a life that generates action. Today one and a half million Franciscans live throughout the world in many groups belonging to the three Orders – the Friars Minor, the Poor Clares, and the Third Order Franciscans. Franciscan institutions today include colleges and universities, hospitals, missions serving the poor and marginalized, and organizations engaging in activities on behalf of peace and the environment globally and locally.