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Clare
and the Beginning of the Poor Clares
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Important
Franciscans in History
Before Francis
even died, there were more than 5000 friars, throughout Europe
and in the East. About 50 years later, there were more than 50,000
friars, of all nationalities and strata of society. Before the
death of Clare of Assisi, about 10 convents had been established
all over Europe. Since the time of Francis, the Franciscan family
has had more members than any other group in Catholicism. If we
were to cite every saint and blessed of our tradition, nearly
every day of the year we could name a brother or sister of our
family. In our history, there are some figures who cannot be forgotten.
Among the
brothers, apart from Francis of Assisi himself, we would have
to single out Anthony of Padua, certainly the most celebrated
figure after Francis. We would also have to single out some of
the great theologians of our tradition, such as Bonaventure and
Duns Scotus, the great mystics (St. Peter of Alcantara, spiritual
director of Teresa of Avila), and the holy brothers (St. Pascal
Baylon, etc.). A number of popes and cardinals have come from
the Order of Friars Minor - even though, technically, Francis
demands in his Rule deference to others. As well, in our country,
there are two friars whose causes are being advanced: Venerable
Didace Pelletier, the first Franciscan Recollect born in Canada,
who built with his own hands more than a hundred missions along
the St. Lawrence River, in the Maritimes, and Newfoundland. Recently,
Pope John Paul II beatified "Good Father Frederic”,
a charming character of the 20th century, a worthy son of Saint
Francis. As for the Clares, one cannot remain silent about women
such as Clare and Agnes of Assisi, Agnes
of Prague, or Colette of Corbi. We could also add the mystics
(Angela of Foligno, Battista Varani, etc.), the reformers, etc.
And we also have a long list of Secular Franciscans: Frederic
Ozanam, St. Louis of France, Leon Harmel, etc. The Franciscan
family is indeed one of the most numerous and one of the most
fertile in the Church.
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