Francis and Clare: The Complete Works (The Classics of Western Spirituality) (Paperback)

~ Regis J. Armstrong (Author), Ignatius C. Brady (Author) "G. K. Chesterton wrote in his reflections on the life of Saint Francis of Assisi: "It is the highest and holiest of the paradoxes that..." (more)
Key Phrases: propositum vitae, primitive fraternity, non bullata, Saint Francis, Saint Clare, Lord Jesus Christ (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Francis (c. 1182-1226), "The Little Poor Man" of Assisi, and Clare (c.1193-1254), "The Clear One," the woman who lived out his vision with heroic simplicity, together shaped the spirituality of early thirteenth-century Europe. Each gathered communities of like-minded persons to live out a radical commitment to the Gospel message of poverty and in the process left a legacy that has captured the imagination of both believer and nonbeliever throughout the ages.

Here for the first time in English the complete writings of both Francis and Clare have been brought together in one volume. The book represents the first English translation based on the critical texts of the writings of Francis assembled by Kajetan Esser in his 1976 Opuscula des Heiligen Franziskus von Assisi, and the critical texts of Clare's writings done by Ignatio Omaechevarria.

Writing in the preface to this volume, John Vaughn, Minister General of the Friars minor, sums up the relevance of Francis's and Clare's vision for today: "[It] Calls us to revitalizes our lives and those of others, and indeed to renew the very life of the Church in these times of crisis."

Language Notes

Text: English, Latin (translation)

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Paulist Press (January 1, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0809124467
• ISBN-13: 978-0809124466
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #44,287 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent in the absence of the Omnibus, September 4, 2001

By	Brian Tullius (Auburn, California United States) - See all my reviews

It is unfortunate that the Omnibus of Sources has become increasingly difficult to get one's hands on, yet this collection of the works of Francis and Clare is a splendid alternative. Francis and Clare articulate such an incredible vision of what it means to enter into the mystery of Christ. Perhaps the most splendid account in this collection is Francis' words to Brother Leo on what constitutes true joy. These texts are excellent for anyone wishing to embrace Christ by way of the example of the Little Poor Ones of Assisi. An excellent supplement to this text is "Franciscan Christology" published by the Franciscan Institute in Bonaventure, New York. Pax et Bonum.

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars St. Francis and St. Clare Full Force from a Fire Hydrant, August 14, 2004

By	Fan of Francis - See all my reviews

If you are interested in Franciscan Spirituality this book is an absolute must; but beware this is St. Francis and St. Clare full force from a fire hydrant. Watch out! If you are used to getting St. Francis via an eyedropper you are going to get soaked! The editors have added scriptural references to the text. This allows the reader who has a Bible handy to go from St. Francis' or St. Clare's words right to Holy Scripture. That is a powerful combination. Don't read this book in a week, take a long, long time. You will be glad you did.

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars rare source material, June 12, 2000

By	NotATameLion (Michigan) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

Wow! This book has to be my favorite in "The Classics of Western Spirituality" series so far. Francis and Clare of Assisi's know writings are all collected here. This is wonderful source material rarely found in its entirety elsewhere. Francis and Clare are given their own excellent introductions. This is an indispensable resource that is very nicely done. Buy it.