Year of St Clare

On the night of Palm Sunday 1212,

Clare di Favarone, a young noble lady of Assisi, left her parents’ home

and consecrated her life to God before St Francis

in the little chapel of St Mary of the Angels, in the woods below Assisi.

This was the beginning of a new Gospel way of life within the Church.

800 years later Poor Clares throughout the world

continue to live the charism of St Clare

in contemplation, simplicity of life and Franciscan joy.

Pope Benedict has written a LETTER to mark this special anniversary year for all Franciscans.