Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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.

"Francis and Clare: The Complete Works" is a collection of the Rules, Letter, Prayers and any other writings believed to have been written by these two founders of the Franciscan movement, Sts. Francis and Clare of Assisi. I say "believed to have been written" because the authorship of some of the writings is based on the best scholarly research available, not on a reliable canon collected during the saints' lifetimes. The writings of Francis are presented first, followed by those of Clare.

Because the works consist of a collection of unassociated writings, they do not provide a guide to holiness, as do other works, such as St. Francis' DeSales "Introduction To The Devout Life" or St. Ignatius of Loyola's "Spiritual Exercises". This is more like a law school case book in which one reads the material in order to discern the important themes.

The important themes are not difficult to ascertain. One obvious one is the well known Franciscan emphasis on poverty. From these readings the reader gets the idea that the virtue of poverty is the detachment from things of earth so that one may concentrate on the things that truly matter. A second theme, which I had not associated with Francis, is that of reverence for and adoration of the Holy Eucharist. The prescriptions made by Francis in his day resonate well in our time with its struggle in maintaining a balance between Eucharist reverence and accessibility.

This book serves well as a tool in a study of the life of St. Francis. We look to biographies to learn from him through an organized rendering of his life. We look to "Francis and Clare: The Complete Works" to learn from the saint himself.

I consider this volume a "must have" for anyone interested in Franciscan history and spirituality. The content, translations, and notes provide a very fine background in the original writings of Francis and Clare.

Until the Omnibus of Sources returns to "print," this is the best primary souce material available.

Frequently, to suit the author and their own agenda, translations of Francis' and Clare's works are either watered down or misunderstood. Regis Armstrong is one of the rare authors who truly understands the Franciscan mentality. He is, therefore, able to do outstanding translations that allow the true spirit of Francis and Clare to emerge. As a former Poor Clare (Poor Lady of Assisi), this book was highly recommended by our Mother Abbess (who is a highly valued Franciscan theologian in her own right). If it were possible to rate this book with 6 stars, it would be well deserving of it!

I would recommend this book to anyone interested in the writings of St Francis and St Clare. The Classics of Western Spirituality volumes are generally well-researched, relevant, and well-introduced selections, and this is no exception.

Francis and Clare both have some wonderful devotional writings, perfect for reading small portions at a time and then meditating on them. My only regret is that there isn't more of their own writings to read. This book, like many others, is filled with commentary and introductions to the writings which, although sometimes useful, often get in the way of simple devotional use. I tend not to like books where the commentaries and introductions take up more space than the writings themselves and that's nearly true of this book. Nevertheless, it's a good collection and worth having and reading.

I am new as an Inquirer to the Secular Franciscan Order. This book is a must read and was recommended by a Franciscan Priest.