Synopses & Reviews
In Clare of Assisi, Joan Mueller provides an accessible translation of Clare of Assisi's four letters to Agnes of Prague. The letters bring to life a dynamic moment in the history of women's spirituality. Agnes of Prague, a Bohemian princess, rejected an offer of marriage from the German emperor Frederick II and then built a monastery and hospital from her royal dowry. She wrote to Clare for instructions on how to establish this monastery in the Franciscan spirit. In her letters responding to Agnes, Clare reveals what is essential to the Franciscan life, how to become a person of prayer and of joy, and the spiritual benefits of living a simple and poor lifestyle. Clare of Assisi makes these letters available to al readers.
Chapters are Clare's First Letter to Agnes," *Clare's Second Letter to Agnes, - *Clare's Third Letter to Agnes, - *Clare's Fourth Letter to Agnes, - and *Choosing Poverty: A Contemporary Choice. -
Joan Mueller, OSF, PhD, is an associate professor of systematic theology and Christian spirituality at Creighton University. A member of the Franciscan Sisters of Joy, she has written several books and articles on Clare of Assisi and the early Franciscan movement, as well as Is Forgiveness Possible? published by Liturgical Press."
Review
The story of Clare's abandonment of wealth and position to follow Francis into poverty and to become co-foundress of the female version of his brotherhood is well known. Her intelligence, strength and importance in the world of the 13th century are less well known. . . . We are given brief excerpts of the actual letters, but we do have a feel for the times and the women concerned.Christian History Institute
Review
Joan Mueller's book provides a clear and concise introduction to the world of Clare of Assisi. Weaving together history and spirituality, Mueller leads the reader into the God-centered world of Clare. By sifting out the kernels of Clare's spirituality through her letters to Agnes of Prague, Mueller explores her legacy for us today. This is a fine introduction to the saint who fought for the privilege of poverty - and won.Ilia Delio, O.S.F., Washington Theological Union
Review
. . . this is a unique attempt to make the correspondence of St. Clare of Assisi into a resource for contemporary spirituality. . . . It may challenge some to address their own relationship to the material world and to the search for spiritual meaning, which was so focal a topic for Clare and Agnes.Magistra
Review
In a time of growing disparity between rich and poor, Joan Mueller, O.S.F., has written an engaging and compelling account of the importance of poverty in the lives of early Franciscan women, Clare of Assisi and Agnes of Prague. In an historically astute and prayerfully written text, Mueller locates the four letters Clare writes to Agnes in their ecclesial and political context and explores the depths of their Franciscan spirituality based in the Privilege of Poverty. Writing in an accessible and direct style, Mueller challenges readers to reflect on how Clare and Agnes' fidelity to their particular vocation can inspire today's Christians - who follow very different spiritual paths - to follow the poor Christ 'by living simply so that others can simply live.'Elizabeth Dreyer, Professor, Department of Religious Studies, Fairfield University, Fairfield, Connecticut
Review
Mueller has woven a fine and well-developed book around four brief letters of encouragement and comfort sent by Clare of Assisi . . . Mueller's translations are simple and flowing, and she surrounds Clare's texts with equally accessible treatments of their contemporary context and modern application. . . . Highly recommended.Library Journal
Synopsis
Clare of Assisi's four letters to Agnes of Prague bring to life a dynamic moment in the history of women's spirituality. Agnes, a Bohemian princess, rejected an offer of marriage from German emperor Frederick II and built a monastery and hospital from her royal dowry. She wrote to Clare for instructions on how to establish this monastery in the Franciscan spirit. In her letters responding to Agnes, Clare reveals what is essential to the Franciscan life, how to become a person of prayer and joy, and the spiritual benefits of living a simple and poor lifestyle.