COCHABAMBA, Bolivia — The Poor Clare nuns here left their cloister on Aug. 18 to feed the hungry in honor of their founder, St. Clare of Assisi.
As with most religious orders, the Poor Clares have a big meal on the feast day of their founder. Each year, the friars are invited and all have a good time. In reflecting on the feast, the Poor Clares realized that the Franciscans had eaten well, but that the poor had not been invited to the feast.
Consequently, for the second year in a row, on the Saturday following the feast day, the Poor Clares prepared the food and served it to the poor who come to the soup kitchen, now located in the Centro Social Franciscano here.
The diners, who usually receive a bowl of soup and some bread, were treated to a pasta salad, chicken and bread, all prepared by hand for them by the nuns.
It is a tradition that the Poor Clares here promise to continue in the coming years.
— Br. Jim is serving in the mission in Cochabamba.