Franciscan Christmas: A Time of Miracles

by Theresa Cavicchio

To view the feast of Christmas through Franciscan eyes, we turn to the two saints who most embody that spirituality: its founder, Saint Francis of Assisi (1182 – 1226), and his beloved spiritual daughter, Saint Clare of Assisi (1193 – 1253). One of many hallmarks of Franciscan spirituality which they shared was a deep, intense love for the Incarnation of Jesus Christ, the Word made flesh, in the poverty of His birth. Both were gifted with evidence of this love in miraculous ways.

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A Place at the Divine Banquet

August 11

August 11

Feast of St. Clare, Virgin (1193 – 1253)

 “Happy indeed is she who is granted a place at the divine banquet, for she may cling with her inmost heart to him whose beauty eternally awes the blessed hosts of heaven; to him whose love inspires love, whose contemplation refreshes, whose generosity satisfies, whose gentleness delights, whose memory shines sweetly as the dawn; to him whose fragrance revives the dead, and whose glorious vision will bless all the citizens of that heavenly Jerusalem.”

                                                                                               – St. Clare Read the rest…