The Contemplative Nun

The consecrated life is at the very heart of the Church; it manifests the inner nature of the Christian calling and the striving of the whole Church as Bride towards union with her one Spouse. Contemplatives are for the Church a source of heavenly graces; by their lives and mission they imitate Christ in His prayer on the mountain, bear witness to God's Lordship over history, and anticipate the glory which is to come. They offer the ecclesial community a singular testimony of the Church's love for her Lord, and they contribute to the growth of the people of God. Religious completely devoted to contemplation are in a special way an image of Christ praying on the mountain; entering more fully into the Eucharistic mystery, they offer themselves with Jesus for the world's salvation. This offering, besides its elements of sacrifice and expiation, takes on the aspect of thanksgiving to the Father, by sharing in the thanksgiving of the beloved Son.

What Do Poor Clare Nuns Do?

Live in community apart from the world, listen to the Word of God, participate in divine worship, practice personal asceticism and prayer in order to direct the whole of their lives to the contemplation of God.

The Poor Clare is called to be the "passionate lover of the poor, crucified Christ" with Whom she wants to identify absolutely. She sees in His Incarnation the poverty of Christ, Who in His humility took on flesh and made Himself subject to man; the nativity and the passion are the focus of the Poor Clare's devotion and meditation. Sisterhood characterizes the interior spirit of the Poor Clare community; reverential love is the guiding spirit of the "daughters, handmaids, spouses" of Christ, who are His servants and co-workers and a source of strength and healing for the weak and suffering members of His Church.

How Do the Poor Clares Live This Out in This Community?

This is to be a small community of sisters living a life ordered to participating in Christ's redeeming work, with structure but without rigidity - with fraternal charity being the supreme rule of life and witness. The Eucharist and the Divine Office are to be both the source and summit of their lives, with the daily prayers, works, studies, meals, and recreations ordered around the liturgy of the day.

The sisters strive to imbue the Franciscan charism of upholding creation as God's handiwork, and consider themselves stewards thereof. Thus, a healthy balance of their work is to be in and with nature to provide sustenance for themselves, as well as fresh air and exercise which are so necessary for both mental and physical health. The community is to strive to be thoughtful users of natural resources and seek ways to use only what is necessary.

The sisters are to spread the Gospel mainly by the example of their lives, following the example of Christ's hidden life in Nazareth, His life of prayer and union with the Father, and His self-immolation for the salvation of the world. They will also work with the local church in the acts of distributing communion breads, and by working to evangelize through the use of modern technology. The sisters are to seek to use their talents in creative ways to advance the Christian, Catholic, and Franciscan values in ways that are compatible with enclosure and the contemplative lifestyle.

The sisters will study the teachings of the Church and strive to develop a true ecclesial understanding and outlook. They will endeavor to advance in holiness and prayer, and to be mirrors of Christ to one another and to the whole Church.