Monastery of St. Clare
We are a Franciscan contemplative community founded by St. Francis of Assisi and St. Clare of Assisi. Our main apostolate is loving God and praying for the world. As Poor Clare Sisters, the Lord has called us to a life of loving and dedicated prayer to be as closely united to Him as possible. We are then called to share His love with each other and the world through our prayers and presence. Our life is lived in simplicity in daily household tasks – making altar breads, cooking, practicing music, sewing, gardening, etc. - and time just to be with the Lord in Adoration, community prayer and spiritual reading. There is time to share with each other as well during community recreation.
The only qualifications are a heart that desires to love and serve the Lord and all people through a life of prayer, together with good physical and emotional health. If you feel that God is calling you to such a life, often a short visit of 3-4 days is a help to listen more deeply to the Lord. Please contact us if you have any questions about our life or if you would like to share any information about yourself. May God bless you and give you his peace!
Professed Members: 8
Year Founded: 1917
Diocese: Philadelphia, PA
Worldwide: No
Qualifications: An attraction to the life (this shows itself in as many different ways as there are Poor Clares); good mental, emotional, and physical health
Formation: 1 year as postulant, 2 as novice, and 3-5 as simple professed before making final vows. Group and individual classes offered on Scripture, Franciscan/Clarian spirituality and human formation over several years’ time
Age range/limit: 18-40
Belated vocations? Some exceptions for later vocations (up to 50)