Spiritual Roots

CLARE OF ASSISI

St. Clare of Assisi was one of the first followers of St. Francis of Assisi and founded the Order of Poor Ladies (Poor Clares) to organize the women who chose to embrace monastic life in the Franciscan Vision.

FRANCIS OF ASSISI

Patti Normile in the book, Following Francis of Assisi A Spirituality for Daily Living, accurately states, “Francis did only one memorable thing with his life. He lived the Gospel of Jesus.” His life attracted so many others to follow him that it made it necessary for him to write three rules - each for a different lifestyle.

THE THIRD ORDER

Although Francis died in 1126 and Clare died twenty-seven years later, new life continues to grow from their Spirituality. It has spread from one person to another down through the centuries. Even as Francis started to have followers who left their homes to become Friars, many people living in the towns also wanted to follow his way of life. Because of their business and/or family commitments they were unable to travel around as the friars did or become cloistered as in Clare’s case. Francis wrote a, “Letter to all the Faithful” that became a guide for those who lived in their own homes. They met together from time to time to pray or have instruction from one of the Friars.

PATRIARCHAL BASICILA OF ST. FRANCIS

Official web site of the Basilica and Sacred Convent of St. Francis of Assisi. Describes the life of St. Francis, including a history of the 3 Franciscan Orders. Outlines information about Assisi and surrounding areas that are of importance in the life of St. Francis.

THE TAU

The symbolism of cross was connected not only to the letter Chi, but also to Tau, the equivalent of the last letter in the Phoenician and old Hebrew alphabets, and which was originally cruciform in shape.