Approximately 35 Poor Clare Sisters from across the United States will come together on the campus of St. Bonaventure University today (June 18) to begin a 10-day assembly focusing on their life and mission in the church.

Poor Clares are members of an enclosed order of nuns in the Roman Catholic Church, formally known as the Order of Saint Clare. They are the second Franciscan order, founded by St. Clare of Assisi and St. Francis of Assisi in 1212. The Poor Clares live a contemplative life centered on prayer and penance, primarily serving the church and the world through intercessory prayer. There are about 20,000 Poor Clare sisters in 75 countries around the world.

During their time at St. Bonaventure, the sisters will attend lectures on Franciscan spirituality by Fr. Joseph Chinnici, O.F.M., former president of the Franciscan School of Theology in San Diego, California. Sr. Constance Gilder, a Sister of St. Joseph, will facilitate discussions on the future of the Poor Clare mission in the United States. Fr. Dominic Monti, O.F.M., distinguished professor of Franciscan Studies at St. Bonaventure, and Fr. Russel Murray, O.F.M., a religious assistant, serve as spiritual assistants to the Poor Clare communities and will preside and preach at various Masses during the assembly.

Fr. David B. Couturier, O.F.M. Cap., director of the Franciscan Institute at St. Bonaventure, highlighted the importance of this gathering.

“Our Poor Clare sisters have been coming to St. Bonaventure University for Franciscan Studies for more than 60 years. That tradition changed during the time of Covid when the pandemic made traveling too risky. We are honored to welcome them back,” Fr. David said.

“When they come to campus, they bring the spirit of St. Clare with them. They remind us of her courage, faith, and intense love for Christ and for Francis,” he said.