August 4, Third day of the Novena to St. Clare

Prayer for those suffering from broken relationship and family struggles

Sr. Anthony Nelson, OSC

Living with others can be difficult. As cloistered contemplative Poor Clares, we live with each other 24/7, and conflicts arise from time to time. In her Way of Life (Rule of St. Clare), St. Clare calls us to reconcile and forgive one another, keeping our focus on Jesus and serving one other with love and compassion.

Even St. Clare experienced broken relationships and family struggles. The men in St. Clare’s family, particularly her uncle Monaldo, were very upset when she left home to be the first woman to follow St. Francis. Several other women in the Offreduccio household joined St. Clare at San Damiano, including her sisters, Beatrice and Catherine, and eventually her mother, Ortolana. In the 13^th century, losing three marriageable nieces hurt the family’s ability to increase their land holdings and wealth through arranged marriages.

Although we do not know if St. Clare ever reconciled with her uncle, she did help others reconcile with their families. In her Process of Canonization, a witness testified that St. Clare counseled him, and he was able to reconcile with his wife, and the wife was able to give birth to a son.

We ask St. Clare to intercede for us and for all who suffer from broken relationships and family struggles.

Sr. Anthony

Ask the Poor Clares to pray for your intentions on their website: Poor Clares Cincinnati

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Click here to pray the Novena to St. Clare – Day 3