A life of lived communion can only be realised by our living out what Pope Innocent IV (Papacy 1243-1254) asked of St. Clare: to live in holy unity and most high poverty.
Our vowed life of Poverty, Chastity and Obedience is lived in Enclosure. This coming apart is the place of decision to remain with the Lord. The innermost enclosure is the space of the heart, an oasis of life, a place of salvation for the Church and all of humanity. Consecrated Chastity, bridal love, is embraced in Poverty and lived in Obedience, directed towards Christ.
The Liturgy of the Hours, which sanctifies the entire day, is the prayer of the contemplative. This comprises psalms, scripture readings and intercessions offered in the name of the Church and for the Church. For us, the midnight hour (called Matins) opens up the first section of this official prayer.
Our day begins with the Eucharist, the memorial of the Lord’s sacrifice, the heart of the life of the Church and of every community.
Our encounter with the Lord in holy Mass is prolonged throughout the day in periods of eucharistic adoration when each sister is alone with the Lord to love Him and to be loved by Him. Etched in each sister’s heart are the words of St. Clare: only the faithful soul is His tabernacle and throne. Each sister knows she too must strive to become that faithful soul. Clare, (Chiara in Italian) means a' light' . Clare by her life was a beacon of light for her sisters and all who came in contact with her.
Work is an important part of the Poor Clare way of life.St. Clare considered it an essential element of our journey towards God. She said that idleness is 'the enemy of the soul'. Apart form the many tasks done in the ordinary running and maintenance of the monastery, chapel and garden, we pack and distribute altar breads for the parishes of the diocese.
Our life of prayer, praise and work, is centred on God alone.
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Praised be You, my Lord, through those who give pardon for Your love,
and bear infirmity and tribulation.
Blessed are those who endure in peace
for by You, Most High, shall they be crowned.
Praised be You, my Lord, through our Sister Bodily Death,
from whom no one living can escape.
Woe to those who die in mortal sin.
Blessed are those whom death will find in Your most holy will,
for the second death shall do them no harm.
Praise and bless my Lord and give Him thanks
and serve Him with great humility.
Canticle of the Creatures by St. Francis
