Clare builds a caring community

Clare lived in Assisi, in Italy. She was inspired by Francis’s love of Jesus and chose a simple life of prayer. Other women joined her at San Damiano, where they learned to live and work as a community.

Clare became their leader. She wrote a Rule to guide their life together and worked to protect their commitment to poverty. Her sisters needed prayer, friendship and practical care, just as people in every community do.

A good team makes room for different people. One person may notice a problem, another may know how to fix it, and someone else may help everyone feel welcome. Cooperation means listening before deciding that your way is the only way.

Think of one job you could do with someone today. Agree on what each of you will do. When you finish, thank your partner for something specific. You can make a shared task into a small act of love.

Background: Benedict XVI, General Audience, 15 September 2010. Original retelling and activity; no invented dialogue.

For a grown-up: read the full biography.

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