September 2004

Sister Katherine from the monastery in Victoria, Texas has spearheaded a wonderful project to showcase the beauty of the Poor Clare vocation. This lovely book containing almost one hundred stories from Poor Clares around the world is inspirational and a joy to read. Yes, even if you don't have a vocation to contemplative life as a nun! The stories are an encouragement to listening to God's call no matter who you are or what state of life you are in. The sub-title for this book is, "Franciscan Poor Clare Sisters Share Special Stories" and they truly are special!

August 11, 2004

In honor of the 750th anniversary of the life and charism of St. Clare of Assisi, the Mother Bentivoglio Federation of Poor Clare monasteries has released a book entitled Wrapped in Joy:  Franciscan Poor Clare Sisters Share Special Stories.  Wrapped in Joy is a celebration of the lives and vocations of Poor Clare sisters throughout the world (DWH Publishing, August 2004).  Sr. Katherine, O.S.C., of the Monastery of St. Clare in Victoria, Texas, compiled the book.

Nearly 100 sisters share inspiring stories of their lives and vocations in Wrapped in Joy (ISBN 0-9759443-0-4).  The stories reflect lives that are diverse in age, experience, personality, and background.  And yet, as Franciscan scholar Murray Bodo, O.F.M., says in the Welcome to the book, "It is God's providence that has brought them together in monasteries across America and throughout the world."

Sister Frances Teresa, O.S.C., who wrote the introduction says, "At its very best, Poor Clare life is a generous sharing in the total self-giving of the Trinity."  Sister Frances Teresa is the author of numerous books on Franciscan spirituality.

The stories found in Wrapped in joy reveal much about the lives of St. Francis and St. Clare.  Wrapped in Joy also features special sections detailing the Evangelical Life of St. Clare and includes excerpts from her letters.

"From the very beginning, Franciscan spirituality has much to do with stories:  the stories of Francis and Clare, the stories they told and wrote down of God's marvelous Providence and surprising intervention in their lives." says Fr. Bodo.  "The Franciscan story from Francis and Clare from until now in the 21st century is filled with stories like those found on the pages of Wrapped in Joy, lovingly gathered:  stories of women who have responded to God's call and entered the monastery of St. Clare of Assisi, the first woman Franciscan."

"What is the core story that all their stories partake of?  It is the story of Christ, surely, but more specifically it is the story of a way of extending Christ's story, which St. Clare lived and handed down to her sisters."

Sr. Katherine says it was her desire to share the stories of her sisters so that others would be inspired to follow the way of Francis and Clare in their everyday lives, "walking in the footprints of Jesus."

To order the book contact 1-866-316-1003.  Wrapped in Joy is distributed by Park Press in Waite Park, MN.  The cost is $12.95 plus shipping.