Welcome to the Parish of Sts Francis and Clare
Bishop George with the priests of the American National Catholic Church
Christmas Eve mass 6 30 gathering time – 7 pm mass time
Christmas Day Mass at 10 30, with Father Vinnie
As Franciscans, it is our goal as individuals to come together who wish to live and spread the spirit
Sunday service at 10 30 AM
https://www.facebook.com/stsfrancisandclare
Address: 2300 NW 9th Ave,, Wilton Manors, FL, United States, 33311
803-257-0214
Blessing of the pets
Sts Francis and Clare
Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Clare of Assisi are two of the most revered figures in Christian history, renowned for their profound spirituality, commitment to poverty, and dedication to serving others. Their lives and teachings have inspired countless individuals and continue to influence Christian thought and practice today.
Saint Francis of Assisi
Born Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardone in 1181 or 1182 in Assisi, Italy, Francis was the son of a wealthy merchant. His early life was marked by indulgence and a desire for social status. However, after a series of personal and spiritual experiences, including a period of illness and a profound encounter with lepers, Francis underwent a radical transformation. He renounced his family’s wealth and embraced a life of poverty, humility, and service.
In 1209, Francis founded the Order of Friars Minor, commonly known as the Franciscans, with the approval of Pope Innocent III. The order emphasized living in poverty, preaching, and serving the poor and marginalized. Francis’s commitment to poverty was so profound that he is often depicted in art and literature as a symbol of simplicity and humility.
Francis’s spirituality was deeply connected to nature, and he is often referred to as the patron saint of animals and the environment. He believed that all creatures were part of God’s creation and should be treated with respect and love. This connection to nature is exemplified in his “Canticle of the Sun,” a poem that praises God through the elements of the natural world.
In 1224, Francis received the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, marking him as the first recorded person to bear these marks. He died on October 3, 1226, in Assisi. Canonized as a saint in 1228 by Pope Gregory IX, his feast day is celebrated on October 4.
Saint Clare of Assisi
Clare Offreduccio was born in Assisi on July 16, 1194, into a noble family. From a young age, she was deeply religious, and at the age of 18, she heard Francis preach during a Lenten service. Inspired by his message, Clare sought him out and expressed her desire to live a life dedicated to God.
On Palm Sunday in 1212, Clare left her family’s home, cutting her hair and exchanging her rich gown for a plain robe and veil, symbolizing her commitment to a life of poverty. She joined Francis and his followers at the Portiuncula, and together they established the Order of Poor Ladies, later known as the Poor Clares. This order was unique in its strict adherence to poverty, with members owning no property and living entirely on alms.
Clare’s rule for the order was approved by Pope Innocent IV in 1253, the day before her death. She is often depicted in art holding a monstrance or pyx, commemorating the time when she defended her convent from invaders by exposing the Blessed Sacrament and praying. Clare died on August 11, 1253, and was canonized by Pope Alexander IV in 1255. Her feast day is celebrated on August 11.
The Poor Clares
The Poor Clares, officially known as the Order of Saint Clare, is a contemplative order of nuns founded by Clare of Assisi. The order emphasizes a life of poverty, chastity, and obedience, with members living in enclosure and dedicating themselves to prayer and service. As of 2011, there were over 20,000 Poor Clare nuns in more than 75 countries worldwide.
**Legacy and Influence**
The lives of Francis and Clare have left an indelible mark on Christian spirituality and practice. Their commitment to poverty, humility, and service challenges believers to live out their faith authentically and selflessly. The Franciscan and Poor Clare orders continue to thrive, with members dedicated to the principles established by their founders.
In Assisi, the Basilica of Saint Clare houses her remains and serves as a pilgrimage site for those seeking to honor her life and legacy. The city also celebrates the Feast of Saint Clare on August 11, drawing visitors from around the world.
Saint Francis and Saint Clare’s teachings on poverty, humility, and love for all creation continue to inspire individuals and communities, encouraging a deeper commitment to living out the Gospel in everyday life.
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