In sharing images from this year’s Franciscan Sisters’ of Christian Charity Motherhouse May Crowning, it seems very appropriate to look to St. Clare during her 800th year of celebration for words of inspiration on Mary, our Mother and Queen of the Seraphic Order.
Specifically, we quote from The Testament of St. Clare near the end of the document.
Therefore, as we have set out on the path of the Lord, let us take care that we do not turn away from it by our own fault or negligence or ignorance nor that we offend so great a Lord and His Virgin Mother, and our Father, the blessed Francis, and the Church Triumphant and, indeed, the Church Militant. For it is written: “Cursed are those who turn away from Your commandments (Ps 118:21).
For that reason I bend my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ (Eph 3:14), that through the prayers and merits of the glorious and holy Virgin Mary, His Mother, and of our most blessed Father Francis and all the Saints, the Lord Himself Who has given us a good beginning will [also] give the increase and constant perseverence to the end. Amen
