The House of Clare: Taking Hold of the Hidden Treasure

It was at San Damiano, outside the city of Assisi, during a time of armed battles and powerful vendettas, of Church reform, that Clare emerged as a woman of spiritual depth, persistence, unwavering courage and cultivator of community. What lessons might we draw from Clare, who joyfully embraced the Holy Gospel of Lord Jesus Christ, at the 13th century San Damiano for our chaotic times?

On this retreat, we will:

· Consider the physicality of space and grace, that is, how Clare created a community in a house where depth and divine encounter, mutual love and healing became highly possible. She learned that the house was physically limiting, but spiritually permeable.

· See how Clare opened and closed many doors before, at San Damiano, she opened the door to an unimaginable future, then reflect on what doors we have opened and closed, and where we find ourselves now.

· Go deeper, by looking into the windows of Clare’s life, at the hearth where she fixed the anchor of her soul, at the book of the Cross which became her mirror and pathway, and at the table, where she wrote letters and her Form of life, we will then ask how we can get in touch with our deepest desires and people who share them, and consider what we are willing to struggle and suffer for.

· Celebrate Clare’s Transitus, passing into eternal life, her miraculous interventions, and see how the floor of this house was Clare’s place of travel, grounded, following in the footsteps of Christ.

· Reflect on inspirations from Clare’s garden: Francis’ great Canticle of the Creatures and his Canticle of Advice to the Ladies of San Damiano to “Listen . . .”

This retreat offers spaces for silence, inspiration, meditation, time for journaling, small group sharings, quiet walks in gardens and hills, and a deep listening to the Spirit.

We will begin with a welcome reception on Monday, August 10 at 5:00, and conclude Wednesday, August 12th, after Eucharist, with lunch at noon.