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The Classics of Western Spirituality
Francis and Clare: The Complete Works
Francis (c. 1182-1226) and Clare (c. 1193-1254) together shaped the spirituality of early 13th-century Europe. Here for the first time in English are their complete writings, brought together in one volume.
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1982
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About the author
Francis of Assisi
222 books302 followersSaint Francis of Assisi in Italy as a Roman Catholic friar founded the Franciscan order in 1209 and inspired followers with his devotion, simple living, and love of nature; the pope canonized him in 1228.
A mother at Assisi bore him circa 1182, and he died in 1226.
People more commonly know the order of friars minor.
"To most people ... there is a fascinating inconsistency in the position of Saint Francis. He expressed in loftier and bolder language than any earthly thinker the conception that laughter is as divine as tears. He called his monks the mountebanks of God. He never forgot to take pleasure in a bird as it flashed past him, or a drop of water as it fell from his finger: he was, perhaps, the happiest of the sons of men. Yet this man undoubtedly founded his whole polity on the negation of what we think the most imperious necessities; in his three vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, he denied to himself and those he loved most, property, love, and liberty. Why was it that the most large-hearted and poetic spirits in that age found their most congenial atmosphere in these awful renunciations? Why did he who loved where all men were blind, seek to blind himself where all men loved? Why was he a monk and not a troubadour? These questions are far too large to be answered fully here, but in any life of Francis they ought at least to have been asked; we have a suspicion that if they were answered we should suddenly find that much of the enigma of this sullen time of ours was answered also." --G.K. Chesterton
A mother at Assisi bore him circa 1182, and he died in 1226.
People more commonly know the order of friars minor.
"To most people ... there is a fascinating inconsistency in the position of Saint Francis. He expressed in loftier and bolder language than any earthly thinker the conception that laughter is as divine as tears. He called his monks the mountebanks of God. He never forgot to take pleasure in a bird as it flashed past him, or a drop of water as it fell from his finger: he was, perhaps, the happiest of the sons of men. Yet this man undoubtedly founded his whole polity on the negation of what we think the most imperious necessities; in his three vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, he denied to himself and those he loved most, property, love, and liberty. Why was it that the most large-hearted and poetic spirits in that age found their most congenial atmosphere in these awful renunciations? Why did he who loved where all men were blind, seek to blind himself where all men loved? Why was he a monk and not a troubadour? These questions are far too large to be answered fully here, but in any life of Francis they ought at least to have been asked; we have a suspicion that if they were answered we should suddenly find that much of the enigma of this sullen time of ours was answered also." --G.K. Chesterton
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 30, 2018
Beautiful book on the writings of Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Clare.
June 30, 2015
As it says in the title, this book contains all of the writings of these two saints; neither wrote that much (and at least some writings have not survived). Both had their own emphasis - Francis obedience and Holy Spirit and nature, Clare very stubbornly defended the poverty part - and said it beautifully.
I did like Clare more... her teaching of the contemplation of Christ crucified is explained more thoroughly on Ilia Delio's book on her (which I have read and recommend for anyone interested). The Rules that appear on both saint's writings, but are not identical (again, Clare's looked better and more flowing).
And so on... this gave me more than I thought it would, and reading it didn't take (or feel) long. Recommended for the interested :)
I did like Clare more... her teaching of the contemplation of Christ crucified is explained more thoroughly on Ilia Delio's book on her (which I have read and recommend for anyone interested). The Rules that appear on both saint's writings, but are not identical (again, Clare's looked better and more flowing).
And so on... this gave me more than I thought it would, and reading it didn't take (or feel) long. Recommended for the interested :)
Read
August 4, 2013Inače nemam običaj "ocjenjivati" duhovne zapise pojedinih svetaca, jer bi to bilo poprilično besmisleno. A opet, s druge strane, moram istaknuti nekoliko stvari u ovom slučaju. Ustvari nisam pročitao ovu knjigu, ovo je samo jedina varijanta koju sam pronašao na Goodreadsu da odgovara Spisima Svetog Franje i Svete Klare. Izdanje koje sam ja čitao nosi pun naziv "Spisi Svetog Franje i Svete Klare Asižana" , i izdao ga je splitski Symposion, a sve je popraćeno opsežnim i nadasve korisnim komentarima i fusnotama koje omogućavaju daljnje studiranje.
Nikako ovo nije dobar početak za sve one koji tek upoznaju Franju ili Klaru ili možda samu franjevačku duhovnost. Uistinu, isprva bi bilo potrebno znati nešto ipak o njihovim osobama, o njihovom životu, o povijesnoj pozadini u kojoj su oni izniknuli i djelovali...
Ali svima onima koji to već poznaju ovo djelo bi moglo biti posve jasna svjetiljka, i put kojim bi trebali ući u samo srce franjevaštva i katoličke vjere općenito. Posebno sam bio fasciniran pristupom spisima Svete Klare, kojima je posvećena posebna pozornost i čijoj je rekonstrukciji i raščlambi podana najveća i najljepša pažnja, što je inače rijekto slučaj sa predivnom Siromašnom Gospođom koju toliko često zapostavljamo.
Uistinu, u ovim spisima krije se biser iz prispodobe. :)
Nikako ovo nije dobar početak za sve one koji tek upoznaju Franju ili Klaru ili možda samu franjevačku duhovnost. Uistinu, isprva bi bilo potrebno znati nešto ipak o njihovim osobama, o njihovom životu, o povijesnoj pozadini u kojoj su oni izniknuli i djelovali...
Ali svima onima koji to već poznaju ovo djelo bi moglo biti posve jasna svjetiljka, i put kojim bi trebali ući u samo srce franjevaštva i katoličke vjere općenito. Posebno sam bio fasciniran pristupom spisima Svete Klare, kojima je posvećena posebna pozornost i čijoj je rekonstrukciji i raščlambi podana najveća i najljepša pažnja, što je inače rijekto slučaj sa predivnom Siromašnom Gospođom koju toliko često zapostavljamo.
Uistinu, u ovim spisima krije se biser iz prispodobe. :)
March 13, 2010
When my spirit failed me
You knew my ways
-St. Francis of Assisi
You knew my ways
-St. Francis of Assisi
July 20, 2024
A MARVELOUS COLLECTION OF ALL THEIR WRITINGS
Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) was an Italian Catholic friar who founded the Franciscan Order; at the urging of Clare (1193-1254), he formed the women's Order of St. Clare.
The Foreword to this 1982 volume states that "This volume contains translations of the patrimony of writings that these saints of Assisi left to their followers. The relatively few pieces that have survived the vicissitudes of history have become unwitting witnesses to the attitudes of both Saint Francis and Saint Clare that there is nothing in this world to which a person should cling and by which he should be distracted from that Love which is God." (It also notes that the famous prayer, "Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace" was NOT written by Francis; pg. xiii)
The editor later notes that "A curious difference between the writings of Francis and those of Clare is the emphasis given to poverty... Francis wrote more on the practice of obedience than on that of poverty. On the other hand, Clare insisted on the importance of poverty so strongly because she always kept her attention fixed on the 'poor' Christ." (Pg. 181)
It includes his most famous prayer, Brother Sun and Sister Moon: "Praised be You, my Lord, with all your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun, Who is the day and through whom You give us light... Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars, in heaven You formed them clear and precious and beautiful." (Pg. 38)
Sending his regards to his bishop, he says, "It pleases me that you teach sacred theology to the brothers, as long as---in the words of the Rule---you 'do not extinguish the Spirit of prayer and devotion' with study of this kind." (Pg. 79)
The Rule of St. Clare states, "And for the love of the most holy and beloved Child Who was wrapped in the poorest of swaddling clothes and laid in a manger... and of His most holy Mother, I admonish, entreat, and exhort my sisters that they always wear the poorest of garments." (Pg. 213)
This is a wonderful collection of the scarce writings of these masterful figures.
Francis of Assisi (1182-1226) was an Italian Catholic friar who founded the Franciscan Order; at the urging of Clare (1193-1254), he formed the women's Order of St. Clare.
The Foreword to this 1982 volume states that "This volume contains translations of the patrimony of writings that these saints of Assisi left to their followers. The relatively few pieces that have survived the vicissitudes of history have become unwitting witnesses to the attitudes of both Saint Francis and Saint Clare that there is nothing in this world to which a person should cling and by which he should be distracted from that Love which is God." (It also notes that the famous prayer, "Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace" was NOT written by Francis; pg. xiii)
The editor later notes that "A curious difference between the writings of Francis and those of Clare is the emphasis given to poverty... Francis wrote more on the practice of obedience than on that of poverty. On the other hand, Clare insisted on the importance of poverty so strongly because she always kept her attention fixed on the 'poor' Christ." (Pg. 181)
It includes his most famous prayer, Brother Sun and Sister Moon: "Praised be You, my Lord, with all your creatures, especially Sir Brother Sun, Who is the day and through whom You give us light... Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Moon and the stars, in heaven You formed them clear and precious and beautiful." (Pg. 38)
Sending his regards to his bishop, he says, "It pleases me that you teach sacred theology to the brothers, as long as---in the words of the Rule---you 'do not extinguish the Spirit of prayer and devotion' with study of this kind." (Pg. 79)
The Rule of St. Clare states, "And for the love of the most holy and beloved Child Who was wrapped in the poorest of swaddling clothes and laid in a manger... and of His most holy Mother, I admonish, entreat, and exhort my sisters that they always wear the poorest of garments." (Pg. 213)
This is a wonderful collection of the scarce writings of these masterful figures.
December 8, 2020
(reflection post written for class)
With the familiarity of the brown habit and the rope cincture, and even the terminology of “religious order”, there is a distinction easy to overlook in Franciscans found within the writings of St. Francis and St. Clare. The two sought to shape, define, and bequeath a complete, all-consuming way of life. This is where the radical aspect of the Franciscan reform seems to originate--that it is a way of life, and a way of life that rests in a certain literal manner upon Jesus’ words, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” Francis begins his Admonitions with these words from the Gospel and Clare also references them at the beginning of her Testament. With each of their rules, they craft not just a following of Christ’s teachings, but an active emulation of how he lived. Beg for alms, because Jesus did so, says Francis. Wear the poorest of garments, because Jesus himself was wrapped in swaddling cloths, says Clare. This combination of not only incorporating what Jesus taught but paying attention to how he lived and striving to embrace both leads to the prevalent theme of poverty of body within their writings. Francis and Clare make the exhortation to imitate Jesus not just spiritually but also physically.
As for poverty of spirit, Francis’s admonition on that topic and beatitude reminded me of Plato’s views about the tripartite soul. The way Francis describes people who abstain and mortify their bodies yet are quick to anger translates to a Platonic soul who has successfully subdued the appetitive part, yet allows the spirited part to reign free. In the past, I have read the “Blessed are the poor in spirit” beatitude as a praise and prescription for humility. I believe this is what Francis means when he affirms the person who “hates himself and loves those who strike him on the cheek.” He draws an emotional characterization of what humility is, utilizing the strong emotions or spiritedness of hate and love to get his point of humble self-denial across.
With the familiarity of the brown habit and the rope cincture, and even the terminology of “religious order”, there is a distinction easy to overlook in Franciscans found within the writings of St. Francis and St. Clare. The two sought to shape, define, and bequeath a complete, all-consuming way of life. This is where the radical aspect of the Franciscan reform seems to originate--that it is a way of life, and a way of life that rests in a certain literal manner upon Jesus’ words, “I am the way, the truth and the life.” Francis begins his Admonitions with these words from the Gospel and Clare also references them at the beginning of her Testament. With each of their rules, they craft not just a following of Christ’s teachings, but an active emulation of how he lived. Beg for alms, because Jesus did so, says Francis. Wear the poorest of garments, because Jesus himself was wrapped in swaddling cloths, says Clare. This combination of not only incorporating what Jesus taught but paying attention to how he lived and striving to embrace both leads to the prevalent theme of poverty of body within their writings. Francis and Clare make the exhortation to imitate Jesus not just spiritually but also physically.
As for poverty of spirit, Francis’s admonition on that topic and beatitude reminded me of Plato’s views about the tripartite soul. The way Francis describes people who abstain and mortify their bodies yet are quick to anger translates to a Platonic soul who has successfully subdued the appetitive part, yet allows the spirited part to reign free. In the past, I have read the “Blessed are the poor in spirit” beatitude as a praise and prescription for humility. I believe this is what Francis means when he affirms the person who “hates himself and loves those who strike him on the cheek.” He draws an emotional characterization of what humility is, utilizing the strong emotions or spiritedness of hate and love to get his point of humble self-denial across.
August 10, 2025
This volume contains what are believed by scholars to be all the extant writings of Saints Francis and Clare. Francis of Assisi was the founder of the Order of Friars Minor - the Franciscans. Claire was his friend and the leader of the equivalent women's order. Francis had a vision of Christ in an old church in which Christ told him to repair his church, which Francis did. Francis in his writings stresses obedience to God including when Christ told a rich man in the gospels to sell all he had and give it to the poor and "come, follow me". Poverty was and is one of the hallmarks of the Franciscans to this day. Clare stresses it in her writings. Poverty is the narrow way that leads to the kingdom of heaven. Francis also wrote the Rule for the Franciscan orders, which were approved by the contemporary Popes of his time. Things in them reflect teachings of the Fourth Lateran Council of 1215. He also wrote prayers and hymns. His "Canticle of Brother Sun" is perhaps his most famous.
This collection is translated, mostly from Latin, and has excellent commentary by the two Franciscan scholars who made it. They provide numerous scriptural references, showing that Francis and Clare were well-versed in the Bible, which for them was the Latin Vulgate version. At the end of this volume are a bibliography and indexes.
This collection is translated, mostly from Latin, and has excellent commentary by the two Franciscan scholars who made it. They provide numerous scriptural references, showing that Francis and Clare were well-versed in the Bible, which for them was the Latin Vulgate version. At the end of this volume are a bibliography and indexes.
September 30, 2018
Much of this book describes the writings of both St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi. They didn't leave many lengthy writings of their own. I would have liked their writing to have less commentary on them. The bulk of the writings focus on God's greatness but only as you followed the tenants put forth by the Catholic Church with regard to obedience to man, especially the pope and his appointees. It was rather chilling to read in light of the abuse scandals happening world wide right now.
December 27, 2020
This was a very insightful look into the spiritual lives and Francis and Clare. The writings helped me to learn about their prayer lives and Franciscan spiritually in general. Also, the scholarship provided in the notes was interesting in the connections between the two saints and in the authenticity of the individual writings. Even though Clare has few compared to Francis, I thought she wrote with great beauty and eloquence about her vocation and love for God.
July 29, 2017
Outstanding!!
April 15, 2020
Read in THEO 331 - BENEDICTINE SPIRITUALITY
Fascinating stories on the miracles from the life of St. Benedict
Fascinating stories on the miracles from the life of St. Benedict
June 19, 2021
Ottimo libro per chi vuole conoscere di più su San Francesco e Santa Chiara d'Assisi.
Notizie importanti dell'epoca
Notizie importanti dell'epoca
August 5, 2021
The Canticle of Brother Sun
February 18, 2022
Fascinating look at 13th century religion. Also interesting to see, in light of Constantine's Sword, what aspects of Jesus both St. Francis and St. Clare thought important.
June 3, 2012
I discovered this book years ago in a used book store on Maui, early in my days of reading sacred poetry. I was instantly hooked because, for some reason, it never really occurred to me that you can read the actual personal letters of such great saints of the Catholic tradition, like Francis and Clare of Assisi. But here they are: letters, spiritual guidelines… and poetry. If you’re new to medieval Christian mysticism and thought, this probably isn’t the place to start. But I highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to cultivate a more intimate understanding of the spiritual life of one of the most loved saints of the West.
Place your mind before the mirror of eternity!
Place your soul in the brilliance of glory!
Place your heart in the figure of the divine substance!
And transform your whole being into the image of the Godhead Itself
through contemplation!
So that you too may feel what His friends feel
as they taste the hidden sweetness
which God Himself has reserved
from the beginning
for those who love Him.
– Clare of Assisi
Table of Contents
Preface
Foreword
FRANCIS OF ASSISI
Introduction
The Spiritual Theology
Conclusion
The Admonitions
The Canticle of Brother Sun
The Canticle of Exhortation to Saint Clare and Her Sisters
The Exhortation to the Praise of God
The Form of Life Given to Saint Clare and Her Sisters
The Last Will Written for Saint Clare and Her Sisters
A Letter to Brother Leo
A Letter to the Clergy
The First Letter to he Custodians
The Second Letter to the Custodians
A Letter to the Entire Order
The First Version of the Letter to the Faithful
The Second Version of the Letter to the Faithful
A Letter to a Minister
A Letter to the Rulers of the Peoples
A Letter to Saint Anthony
The Office of the Passion
The Parchment Given to Brother Leo
The Praises to be Said at All the Hours
The Prayer Before the Crucifix
The Prayer Inspired by the Our Father
The Earlier Rule
The Later Rule
The Rule for Hermitages
The Salutation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Salutation of the Virtues
The Testament
The Blessing Given to Brother Bernard
The Blessing Sent to Saint Clare and Her Sisters
A Letter Written for the Citizens of Bologna
A Letter Written to Lady Jacoba
A Letter Sent to the Brothers in France
The Testament Written in Siena
True and Perfect Joy
CLARE OF ASSISI
Introduction
The Letters of Saint Clare to Blessed Agnes of Prague
The First Letter to Blessed Agnes of Prague
The Second Letter to Blessed Agnes of Prague
The Third Letter to Blessed Agnes of Prague
The Fourth Letter to Blessed Agnes of Prague
The Letter to Ermentrude of Bruges
The Rule of Saint Clare
The Testament of Saint Clare
The Blessing Attributed to Saint Clare
Place your mind before the mirror of eternity!
Place your soul in the brilliance of glory!
Place your heart in the figure of the divine substance!
And transform your whole being into the image of the Godhead Itself
through contemplation!
So that you too may feel what His friends feel
as they taste the hidden sweetness
which God Himself has reserved
from the beginning
for those who love Him.
– Clare of Assisi
Table of Contents
Preface
Foreword
FRANCIS OF ASSISI
Introduction
The Spiritual Theology
Conclusion
The Admonitions
The Canticle of Brother Sun
The Canticle of Exhortation to Saint Clare and Her Sisters
The Exhortation to the Praise of God
The Form of Life Given to Saint Clare and Her Sisters
The Last Will Written for Saint Clare and Her Sisters
A Letter to Brother Leo
A Letter to the Clergy
The First Letter to he Custodians
The Second Letter to the Custodians
A Letter to the Entire Order
The First Version of the Letter to the Faithful
The Second Version of the Letter to the Faithful
A Letter to a Minister
A Letter to the Rulers of the Peoples
A Letter to Saint Anthony
The Office of the Passion
The Parchment Given to Brother Leo
The Praises to be Said at All the Hours
The Prayer Before the Crucifix
The Prayer Inspired by the Our Father
The Earlier Rule
The Later Rule
The Rule for Hermitages
The Salutation of the Blessed Virgin Mary
The Salutation of the Virtues
The Testament
The Blessing Given to Brother Bernard
The Blessing Sent to Saint Clare and Her Sisters
A Letter Written for the Citizens of Bologna
A Letter Written to Lady Jacoba
A Letter Sent to the Brothers in France
The Testament Written in Siena
True and Perfect Joy
CLARE OF ASSISI
Introduction
The Letters of Saint Clare to Blessed Agnes of Prague
The First Letter to Blessed Agnes of Prague
The Second Letter to Blessed Agnes of Prague
The Third Letter to Blessed Agnes of Prague
The Fourth Letter to Blessed Agnes of Prague
The Letter to Ermentrude of Bruges
The Rule of Saint Clare
The Testament of Saint Clare
The Blessing Attributed to Saint Clare
March 18, 2018
I am currently reading again the complete works of St Clare which is the second part pf this volume.
I have read the complete book numerous times. This go through I only read the section about St Clare which is the shorter section. Her call to radical gospel poverty is manifest on every page though persons tried to sway her from it. A great read! Always!
I have read the complete book numerous times. This go through I only read the section about St Clare which is the shorter section. Her call to radical gospel poverty is manifest on every page though persons tried to sway her from it. A great read! Always!
March 26, 2016
I have wanted to read this for a long time and I am glad I did, but I didn't learn much more than I already knew. I had already read the most important works. The less important works were less important for a reason.
June 22, 2010
Big difference between the popular fantasy of Francis and the reality of his spirituality. The truth is so much richer.
October 16, 2013
Outstanding book I recommend it for spiritual directors.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews