NEW YORK — This week, Franciscans around the world commemorate St. Clare, the founder of the Second Order of Franciscans, the Poor Clares. Her feast day was Aug. 11.
Several Holy Name Province friars and ministries commemorated the saint.
Jerome Massimino, OFM, pastor of St. Francis of Assisi Church on West 31st Street in New York City, celebrated the Solemnity of St. Clare of Assisi on Aug. 11 at the 5:30 p.m. Eucharistic liturgy. A reflection was offered by Sr. Chala Marie Hill, FHM.
The special service was publicized by the SFO Manhattan Cluster through an e-mail from Anna Geraci, SFO, editor, The Troubadour, who said, “Last year’s event was a huge success.” Sr. Chala is a member of the Franciscan Handmaids of the Most Pure Heart of Mary.
In New England, Frank McHugh, OFM, of St. Anthony Shrine in Boston, preached the Triduum of Masses, as well as the Solemnity of St. Clare at the Franciscan Monastery of St. Clare in Jamaica Plain, Mass. In a recent mailing, the Poor Clares mentioned the 800-year history of the Order of Friars Minor and announced a bazaar scheduled for Nov. 14.
A reflection about St. Clare appeared in the Aug. 9 bulletin of St. Bonaventure Parish in Allegany, N.Y. PastorRichard Husted, OFM, said Clare lived in an age when society was becoming urbanized and experiencing an economic revolution. The Church, he said, sought to return to a more authentic Gospel way of life, but the response was slow and others misunderstood. He calls Clare’s Franciscan spirit “a light that shone in the darkness of a crazy world.” He said the saint is an inspiration for today.
“As we try to live the Gospel in our changing world, may we, like Clare, find our own unique way to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ.”