What is the official name of the order commonly known as the Poor Clares?

The official name of the order commonly known as the Poor Clares is the Order of Saint Clare. In Latin, this is referred to as *Ordo Sanctae Clarae*. They were originally known as the Order of Poor Ladies.

How are the Poor Clares related to the Franciscan order?

The Poor Clares are the second Franciscan branch to be established. They were founded by Saint Clare of Assisi and Francis of Assisi, following the establishment of the first Franciscan order, the Order of Friars Minor, founded by Saint Francis in 1209.

When and by whom was the Order of Saint Clare founded?

The Order of Saint Clare, or Order of Poor Ladies, was founded by Saint Clare of Assisi and Saint Francis of Assisi on Palm Sunday in the year 1212. This occurred three years after Francis founded the Order of Friars Minor.

What is the approximate number of Poor Clare nuns worldwide as of 2011?

As of 2011, there were over 20,000 Poor Clare nuns spread across more than 75 countries globally. They follow various observances and are organized into federations.

Which papal bull approved the Rule of Saint Clare, and when?

The Rule of Saint Clare, which the Poor Clares follow, was approved by Pope Innocent IV on the day before Clare's death in 1253. This rule was later amended by Pope Urban IV in 1263.

What are the main branches of the Poor Clares that follow unique constitutions?

Besides the main branch (OSC) following the observance of Pope Urban, other branches with unique constitutions include the Colettine Poor Clares (PCC), founded in 1410; the Capuchin Poor Clares (OSCCap), founded in 1538; and the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration (PCPA), founded in 1854.

What was the popular tradition regarding Saint Clare's family background?

Popular tradition suggests that Saint Clare of Assisi came from a relatively well-to-do family in Assisi. At the age of 17, she was inspired by Francis of Assisi's preaching and ran away from home to join his friars.

What role did Saint Francis play in Clare's decision to become a nun?

Saint Francis encouraged Clare in her journey to become a nun, believing that women, like men, were capable of completely forsaking worldly pleasures and living in poverty. This shared belief was foundational to the formation of the Order of St. Clare.

Where did Clare and her companions establish their first monastery, and what was Clare's role there?

By 1216, Francis of Assisi helped Clare and her companions establish a monastery adjoining the chapel of San Damiano in Assisi. Clare became the abbess of this community.

What was distinctive about Clare's rule for her order regarding poverty?

Clare dedicated her order to strict Franciscan principles, establishing a rule of extreme poverty that was more severe than that of any other female order at the time. She insisted that the nuns live entirely from alms and not possess property, either individually or communally.

What was the *Privilegium paupertatis*?

The *Privilegium paupertatis* was a papal bull issued by Pope Innocent III that initially protected Clare's determination for her order not to be wealthy or own property, ensuring they lived solely from alms.

How did Cardinal Ugolino influence the spread of the Poor Clares?

Cardinal Ugolino (later Pope Gregory IX) was tasked with overseeing the burgeoning monasteries of women devoted to the Franciscan ideal. He prepared a formal Monastic Rule, which allowed for property to be held in trust by the papacy for the communities, though Clare herself did not adopt this rule.

What is the difference between the Urbanist Poor Clares and the "Primitive" Poor Clares?

The Urbanist Poor Clares (OSC) adopted the rule formulated by Cardinal Ugolino, which was later amended by Pope Urban IV to permit communal property ownership. Communities that followed Clare's original, stricter rule forbidding any possession became known as "Poor Clares" (PC) or Primitives, sometimes referred to as Damianites before 1263.

Who was Colette of Corbie, and what was her contribution to the order?

Colette of Corbie was a 15th-century figure who restored the primitive rule of strict poverty to 17 French monasteries. Her followers became known as the Colettine Poor Clares (PCC).

When and where was the first Poor Clare monastery established in England?

The first Poor Clare monastery in England was founded in 1286 in Newcastle upon Tyne. In medieval England, the nuns were known as 'minoresses', and their principal monastery was located near Aldgate in the City of London.

What happened to the English Poor Clares after the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII?

Following the dissolution of monasteries under King Henry VIII, several English Catholic communities formed in continental Europe. One such community was a Poor Clare monastery founded in Gravelines, France, in 1609 by Mary Ward.

What challenges did the Gravelines Poor Clare monastery face?

The Gravelines Poor Clare monastery faced significant challenges, including a fire in 1626 that destroyed much of the building and an explosion in 1654 that devastated the town and the convent. Later, in 1795, the community was expelled by the French Revolutionary Army.

How did the Poor Clares re-establish themselves in England after their expulsion from France?

After being expelled from Gravelines, the Poor Clare community eventually relocated to England. They settled first in Northumberland and later built a monastery in Darlington in 1857, which remained operational until 2007.

When did other Poor Clare communities begin establishing themselves in the United Kingdom following Catholic emancipation?

Following Catholic emancipation in the first half of the 19th century, other Poor Clare communities began establishing themselves in the United Kingdom. They founded communities in various locations, including Notting Hill, Woodchester, Levenshulme, and Arundel, among others.

What impact did the Reformation have on Catholic monasteries in Germany?

During the Reformation, nuns in Catholic monasteries in Germany were compelled to leave their convents and return to their families or other support networks.

What is the significance of the Poor Clares Order in Ireland's history?

The Poor Clares Order is recognized as the longest-surviving female religious community in Ireland. As of 2024, they celebrated their 382nd anniversary of presence in the country.

Where did the Galway Poor Clares monastery trace its historical roots?

The Poor Clares monastery on Nuns' Island in Galway traces its history back to the monastery in Gravelines, France. This community possesses a rare book collection that is considered the most comprehensive single collection of early-modern Clarissan material in English worldwide.

Who was Marianna Cheevers, and what was her role in the Irish Poor Clares?

Marianna Cheevers, an Irish woman from Wexford, sought admission to the Poor Clare abbey in Gravelines, France, in 1619. She became the first Irish Poor Clare since the Reformation and, along with four other Irish women, formed the foundation for an exclusively Irish convent.

Who was chosen as the first abbess for the exclusively Irish Poor Clare convent?

Cisly Dillon, the 22-year-old daughter of Theobald Dillon, 1st Viscount Dillon, was chosen by the five founding Irish nuns to be their abbess when they established their convent.

When did the first Poor Clares arrive in Ireland, and where did they initially settle?

The first Poor Clares arrived in Ireland in June 1629 and settled in Dublin, establishing a convent on Merchants' Quay. They received twelve novices, professing six of them.

What led to the scattering of the Poor Clare community in Ireland in the 17th century?

An order from England in February 1630 mandated the closure of all religious houses, forcing the Dublin Poor Clares to hide. Although a street riot occurred when they were apprehended, they were eventually allowed to leave Dublin. Later, war forced the community to move from Dublin to Galway in 1642, and persecution under the Penal Laws led to repeated destruction of their monasteries over the next two centuries.

When was monastic life permanently re-established by the Poor Clares in Galway?

Monastic life was permanently re-established by fifteen Poor Clare nuns on the site in Galway in 1825, after centuries of disruption due to war and persecution.

What are some of the locations where Poor Clare monasteries have been established in continental Europe?

Poor Clare communities, particularly the Colettine branch, are found in Bruges (Belgium), Eindhoven (Netherlands), and Larvik (Norway). Urbanist and Capuchin observances are present in Hungary, Lithuania, and Poland. Notable churches are in Bamberg, Bratislava, Brixen, and Nuremberg, with a community in Münster (Germany) and a Capuchin monastery in Sigolsheim (France).

What significant event occurred in Belorado, Spain, involving the Poor Clares in the 2020s?

In the 2020s, a Poor Clares convent in Belorado, Spain, encountered conflicts with the Vatican, resulting in the excommunication of ten of its members.

What challenges did the Poor Clares in Toulouse, France, face after the Black Plague?

After the Black Plague and other wars, the Poor Clares in Toulouse saw their numbers drastically reduce from around 80 women to just four. The remaining sisters faced difficulties as not all new recruits were willing to adhere to the vows of abstinence, obedience, and poverty, leading to internal conflict and reform movements.

Who was Saint Colette of Corbie, and what was her spiritual focus?

Saint Colette of Corbie, born in 1381, was inspired by visions to restore the vows of poverty to the Franciscan order. She received support from noble women and the Pope, gaining permission to establish communities emphasizing poverty in line with Clare of Assisi's ideals.

When was the Order of Saint Clare officially renamed, and why?

Pope Urban IV changed the name of the order to the Order of St. Clare in 1263 as a tribute to Saint Clare of Assisi, honoring her foundational role and ideals.

What was the initial attempt to establish the Poor Clares in the United States?

An initial attempt to establish the Poor Clares in the United States occurred in the early 1800s by three nuns who were refugees from Revolutionary France. However, this attempt was abortive, and the order was not permanently established until the late 1870s.

What led to the establishment of a Poor Clare monastery in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1877?

A group of Colettine nuns, expelled from their monastery in Düsseldorf, Germany, due to government policies during the Kulturkampf, found refuge in the Diocese of Cleveland and established a monastery there in 1877.

In which US state was a community of Poor Clares of the Primitive Observance established in 1878?

A community of Poor Clares of the Primitive Observance, authorized by Pope Pius IX, was established in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1878, after facing reluctance from several bishops.

What are some of the locations where Poor Clare monasteries are currently found in the United States?

As of the source text's information, Poor Clare monasteries are located in various US states, including Virginia, Massachusetts, Illinois, New Jersey, Boston, Texas, Chicago, Ohio, Indiana, California, Tennessee, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Arizona, Michigan, Washington, South Carolina, and New York.

How many Poor Clare monasteries are there in Canada?

There are three Poor Clare monasteries in Canada: one in Duncan, British Columbia; another in Mission, British Columbia; and a French-speaking community in Valleyfield, Quebec.

What is the status of Poor Clare monasteries in Mexico?

Mexico has had monasteries of the Poor Clares since colonial times. The Capuchin nuns alone number approximately 1,350 individuals residing in 73 monasteries across the country.

When and where was a Poor Clare monastery founded in Guatemala?

A Poor Clare monastery was founded in Huehuetenango, Guatemala, in November 1981 by nuns from the community in Memphis, Tennessee. This was during the early stages of a civil war in Guatemala.

What happened to the Poor Clares at Acre during the Crusades?

The Poor Clares at Acre were massacred during the reconquest of Palestine following the Crusades.

When did the Poor Clares return to Nazareth and Jerusalem, and who served them there?

The Poor Clares returned to Nazareth in 1884 and to Jerusalem in 1888. Saint Charles de Foucauld ministered to both these communities between 1897 and 1900.

What led to the reestablishment of the Poor Clare communities in Israel after World War I?

The French Clarissian nuns were expelled from the Ottoman Empire at the start of World War I. Their communities were subsequently reestablished in 1949 amidst the creation of Israel.

Who led the establishment of the Poor Clare order in the Philippines?

Jerónima of the Assumption led the establishment of the Poor Clare order in the Philippines. She was authorized by the King of Spain and the Minister General of the Order of Friars Minor to found a monastery there.

When did Jerónima of the Assumption and her sisters arrive in Manila to found a monastery?

Jerónima of the Assumption left Madrid in April 1620 and arrived in Manila on August 5, 1621, with 14 other sisters to found the Real Monasterio de Santa Clara.

How did the Poor Clare monastery in Intramuros, Philippines, fare through historical events?

The Poor Clare Monastery in Intramuros was severely damaged by an earthquake but was rebuilt. It was destroyed again during the war for independence in 1945, forcing the sisters to evacuate and find shelter elsewhere before relocating to their present location in Quezon City.

How many Poor Clare monasteries are there in the Philippines, and what is their founding principle?

The Philippines has a total of 27 Poor Clare monasteries. They adhere to the 'privilege of poverty' by not having a permanent income, relying instead on alms and the generosity of the people.

Which individuals are recognized as Saints within the Order of Saint Clare?

The Saints associated with the Order of Saint Clare include Saint Clare of Assisi, Saint Agnes of Assisi, Saint Agnes of Bohemia, Saint Kinga of Poland, Saint Catherine of Bologna, Saint Eustochia Smeralda Calafato, and Saint Camilla Battista da Varano.

What is the significance of Saint Clare in relation to television?

In 1958, Saint Clare of Assisi was declared the patron saint of television by the Catholic Church.

What was the subject of the BBC Two television series 'The Convent'?

The BBC Two television series 'The Convent,' broadcast in 2006, admitted four women into a Poor Clare monastery in southern England for six weeks to observe and experience their way of life.

Poor Clares Wiki: The Cloistered Path: Understanding the Order of Saint Clare

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Foundation and Rule

Humble Beginnings

The Order of Saint Clare, commonly known as the Poor Clares, was established in 1212 by Saint Clare of Assisi, with the guidance of Saint Francis of Assisi. Clare, inspired by Francis's preaching, left her noble family to embrace a life of radical poverty and devotion. She was initially housed in Benedictine monasteries before establishing her own community at the chapel of San Damiano in Assisi, becoming its first abbess.

The Rule of Life

The order follows the Rule of St. Clare, formally approved by Pope Innocent IV in 1253, shortly before Clare's death. This rule emphasized a life of strict poverty, forbidding the possession of property either individually or communally. Over time, various branches emerged, adhering to different constitutions while maintaining the core Franciscan spirit:

Order of Saint Clare (OSC): Follows the observance approved by Pope Urban IV, allowing communal property.
Colettine Poor Clares (PCC): Founded by Colette of Corbie in the 15th century, restoring the primitive rule of strict poverty.
Capuchin Poor Clares (OSCCap): Established in 1538, also adhering to strict poverty.
Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration (PCPA): Founded in 1854, focusing on continuous prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.

Historical Trajectory

Early Expansion

Following Clare's example, the order rapidly spread throughout Italy and across Europe. By 1300, numerous monasteries existed in Spain alone. The order established communities in France, Belgium, England (from 1286), and beyond, often facing challenges but maintaining their commitment to prayer and poverty.

Trials and Reforms

The order faced significant disruptions from events like the Black Death and the Hundred Years' War, which led to population decline and necessitated periods of rebuilding. These challenges spurred reform movements, such as the one initiated by Colette of Corbie, aimed at re-emphasizing the original ideals of poverty and strict observance.

The need to adapt to changing social and demographic landscapes led to various reform efforts. The Colettine reform, for instance, sought to return to the rigorous poverty envisioned by Clare and Francis. These movements highlight the order's resilience and commitment to its foundational principles amidst historical turmoil.

Modern Presence

Despite historical challenges, the Poor Clares have maintained a continuous presence. Following periods of suppression, such as during the Reformation in Germany and the dissolution of monasteries in England, communities were re-established. The order's presence expanded significantly in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and eventually across the Americas and Asia, adapting to new contexts while preserving its contemplative mission.

Global Presence

Worldwide Reach

As of 2011, the Order of Saint Clare comprised over 20,000 nuns residing in more than 75 countries. This extensive network reflects the enduring appeal of the contemplative life and the Franciscan charism across diverse cultures and continents.

European Communities

Significant communities thrive across Europe, including notable monasteries in Belgium (Bruges), the Netherlands (Eindhoven), Norway (Larvik), and numerous foundations in Hungary, Lithuania, and Poland, representing various observances.

Americas and Asia

The order has a substantial presence in the Americas, with monasteries established throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Guatemala. In Asia, communities are found in the Philippines, Japan, and Jerusalem, continuing the tradition of prayer and contemplation in these regions.

Notable Figures

Canonized Saints

The Order of Saint Clare has produced numerous figures recognized for their holiness and contributions to the Church. Among the most prominent are:

Saint Clare of Assisi (Founder)
Saint Agnes of Assisi (Clare's sister, early abbess)
Saint Agnes of Bohemia (Bohemian princess and abbess)
Saint Kinga of Poland (Grand Duchess, later nun)
Saint Catherine of Bologna (Writer, mystic, artist)
Saint Eustochia Smeralda Calafato (Abbess)
Saint Camilla Battista da Varano (Princess, abbess)

Blesseds and Venerables

Beyond the canonized saints, many others have been beatified or declared Venerable, recognized for their heroic virtue and dedication to the Poor Clare way of life. Their lives exemplify the spiritual depth and commitment of the order.

Blessed Philippa Mareri
Blessed Helen Enselmini
Blessed Salomea of Poland
Blessed Yolanda of Poland
Venerable Maria Agnese Belloni
Venerable Coloma Antònia Martí Valls
Venerable María Amparo Delgado García

The list also includes numerous Servants of God and martyrs, particularly from the Spanish Civil War, whose causes for canonization are ongoing or recognized.

Cultural Impact

Spiritual Influence

The Poor Clares' dedication to prayer, poverty, and contemplation has profoundly influenced Catholic spirituality for centuries. Their witness continues to inspire individuals seeking a life centered on faith and service.

Media Representation

The order's unique lifestyle has captured public interest, leading to representations in media. Notably, Saint Clare was declared the patron saint of television by the Catholic Church in 1958. The Eternal Word Television Network (EWTN) is operated by the Poor Clares of Perpetual Adoration. Furthermore, the BBC series The Convent provided a glimpse into the monastic life of the Poor Clares for a wider audience.

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References

Poor Clare Tercentenary Record, 1629-1929: being a brief account of the lives and actions of certain devout women who restored the Poor Clare cloister to the Ireland of the early seventeenth century. (1929). Cahill & Co.

Queen Isabella (c.1295/1358) and the Greyfriars: An example of royal patronage based on her accounts for 1357/1358, Michael Robson, Franciscan Studies, Vol. 65 (2007), 328.

Wiesner-Hanks, M. E. (1998). Convents confront the Reformation: Catholic and Protestant nuns in Germany. Marquette University Press

Goodrich, Jaime.(2021). âThe Rare Books of the Galway Poor Clares.â Library 22.4:: 498â522.

Poor Clare Tercentenary Record, 1629-1929: being a brief account of the lives and actions of certain devout women who restored the Poor Clare cloister to the Ireland of the early seventeenth century. Dublin: Cahill & Co, 1929.

Rodriguez, Moises. âThe Spanish Habsburgs and Their Irish Soldiers (1587-1700).â Irish Migration Studies in Latin America. Accessed December 11, 2024. https://irlandeses.org/0707_125to130.pdf.

Casway, Jerrold I. âOwen Roe OâNeillâs Return to Ireland in 1642: The Diplomatic Background.â Studia Hibernica, no. 9, 1969, pp. 48â64. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/20495923. Accessed 11 Dec. 2024.

Rodriguez, Moises. âThe Spanish Habsburgs and Their Irish Soldiers (1587-1700).â Irish Migration Studies in Latin America. Accessed December 11, 2024. https://irlandeses.org/0707_125to130.pdf.

Howell, Samantha. From oppression to Nationalism: The irish penal laws of ... Accessed December 10, 2024. https://hilo.hawaii.edu/campuscenter/hohonu/volumes/documents/FromOppressiontoNationalism-TheIrishPenalLawsof1695SamanthaHowell.pdf

Life is beautiful for the Poor Clare sisters by Olivia Ryan, The Argus, 9 July 2014.

Roest, Bert. âThe Poor Clares during the Era of Observant Reforms: Attempts at a Typology.â Franciscan Studies, vol. 69, 2011, pp. 343â86. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/41975513. Accessed 25 Oct. 2024.

Hermanas Clarisas "Sobre Nosotras" [1](in Spanish)

A full list of references for this article are available at the Poor Clares Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This educational resource was generated by an Artificial Intelligence, drawing upon publicly available data. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the source material, it is intended for informational purposes only and may not encompass all nuances or the most current details.

This is not professional religious or historical advice. The content provided should not substitute consultation with qualified theologians, historians, or representatives of the Order of Saint Clare. Always consult primary sources and official documentation for definitive information.

The creators of this page are not liable for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the information presented herein.

The Cloistered Path

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Foundation and Rule ⛪

✨ Humble Beginnings

📜 The Rule of Life

Historical Trajectory ⏳

🌍 Early Expansion

🌪️ Trials and Reforms

🏛️ Modern Presence

Global Presence 🌐

🌍 Worldwide Reach

🇪🇺 European Communities

🌎 Americas and Asia

Notable Figures 🌟

😇 Canonized Saints

🙏 Blesseds and Venerables

Cultural Impact 📺

✝️ Spiritual Influence

📺 Media Representation

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Foundation and Rule

Humble Beginnings

The Rule of Life

Historical Trajectory

Early Expansion

Trials and Reforms

Modern Presence

Global Presence

Worldwide Reach

European Communities

Americas and Asia

Notable Figures

Canonized Saints

Blesseds and Venerables

Cultural Impact

Spiritual Influence

Media Representation

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice