Written by Barb Spies, OFS, Director of Mission Services and Pastoral Care

On August 11, we celebrate the Feast of St. Clare of Assisi. While many have an awareness of St. Francis of Assisi, they may not know much about St. Clare. We see statues of Francis in gardens with birdbaths. We sing songs in church inspired by his words and actions. But, not much about St. Clare who was the founder of the Second Order Franciscans.

St. Clare followed in the path of St. Francis, leading a Gospel life. She left her home, declining to be married to another noble person of the time, choosing instead to live in poverty, chastity, and obedience. Clare was a model for us in humility and care for others. Sr. Ramona Miller, OSF, notes, “Clare’s commitment to follow in the footsteps of Jesus shaped her compassionate heart. She extended such care to others that they were healed of their afflictions.”

Though we may not consider taking the same kinds of vows that St. Clare took 800 years ago, we certainly can follow her lead in caring for others with compassion, and in offering healing, whether physical or spiritual.  Our sensitivity toward others and their needs can be like that of Clare whose “compassion for her Sisters was such that she tried to teach them in the love of God to be sensitive toward the good for both the body and soul.”

The Mission of Felician Village is to continue the healing ministry of Jesus by providing compassionate care that respects the dignity of each person we serve. St. Clare understood this call. Blessed Angela Truskowska, the founder of the Felician Sisters also heard this call. May we find inspiration in their work of compassionate healing to offer the same to others.