Saint Clare: The Anchored Soul -- By: Sharon Baker-Johnson

Journal: Priscilla Papers
Volume: PP 26:2 (Spring 2012)
Article: Saint Clare: The Anchored Soul
Author: Sharon Baker-Johnson


Saint Clare: The Anchored Soul

Sharon Baker-Johnson

Sharon Baker Johnson has always loved history, especially the stories of lesser-known Christian women. Ordained in the Free Methodist Church with a master’s degree in worship and spirituality, she feels passionate about including history in the life and worship of the church.

Sometimes obscured by the reputation of her mentor Saint Francis of Assisi, Saint Clare was an innovator and hero of the faith in her own right. While initially inspired by the convictions and teaching of Francis, Clare went on to develop her own wisdom in interpreting the Franciscan life, as seen in the distinctive guidelines she wrote for living the monastic life. Her drive to live out her ideals led her into conflict with family and with popes.

Clare’s early life is fairly well known due to the personal witnesses called during the church’s canonization process in 1255 and by the biographies First Life in 1228 and Second Life in 1246 by Thomas of Celano.1 Born in 1194, Clare di Favarone came from a well-known and aristocratic family in Assisi of central Italy.2 Her name was chosen from a prophetic dream of her mother’s, who learned of the birth of “a certain light which will make the true light shine forth all the more clearly.”3 Clare’s mother, Lady Ortolana, was devout and spiritually aware, taking pilgrimages to the Holy Land and developing a reputation for caring for the less fortunate.4

While she was reared in a wealthy family, Clare’s childhood was not always serene. In 1198, the Assisians rose up against their foreign rulers, attacking the fortress where the family of the emperor lived. Subsequently, years of war between families and cities followed until Perugia, the rival city of Assisi, defeated Assisi in 1202.5 Clare’s family voluntarily lived in exile in Perugia during those years rather than live under the influence of the rebels of Assisi.6

As Clare became an adolescent and her personal spiritual quest developed, she resisted the many marriage opportunities that became available.7 Clare most likely had contact with Francis during her childhood; her cousin was an early follower of Francis, who converted in 1206.8 Clare’s conversion was noted by Francis as occurring five years after his own, and they had regular contact during the i...

You must have a subscription and be logged in to read the entire article.
Click here to subscribe
visitor : : uid: ()