Friends of the Monastery

Poor Clares have traditionally lived a life of enclosure; that is, we are cloistered.

However, Clare lived such a life while at the same time she solicitously shared in the concerns of the citizens of Assisi. She cared for people's needs in a very real, practical and personal way primarily through prayer, but also by her gift of healing and in giving counsel.

In other words, the original Poor Clares enjoyed a relationship of mutual and reciprocal support with their neighbors. That is our aim and desire as well.