Sister Margaret Carney, OSF STD

Clare’s writings often include the metaphor of a mirror. In Francis’s body she beheld a stark mirror of the Passion. She then taught the sisters how clearly they must pattern their lives on that of Jesus. He had to become their Mirror.

Clare’s “peace surpassing understanding” drew them daily into her orbit of sisterly solidarity.

Clare’s bereavement could hardly be equaled since for her, as for her sisters, Francis was “after God, her only consolation.” Now she must face an abyss of solitude in the quest for Gospel perfection.

Clare recalled these new beginnings in later years. That she and her sisters had survived the painful trials of the foundation was not nearly as surprising to her as it was to Francis