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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Whenever you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you.
When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words.
Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
Pray then in this way:
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
