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Copyright © 1998-2010 Society of Saint Francis, European Province |
| Why after you? | |
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Maureen CSF
Maureen CSF came from
New Zealand to join CSF in 1981; she has since lived in various
parts of the UK, back in New Zealand for a time, and is now living
in Birmingham where she combines part time work as a nurse with
voluntary work and the life of the sisters’ house there. As I learn more about Clare, I value her wisdom for living in
community and a practical concern for the needs of her sisters while
avoiding unnecessary distinctions of status. Both Francis and Clare
constantly challenge me by their poverty and determined lack of
security in possessions of any kind, whereas I am inclined to want,
not only a ‘backstop’ but a backstop for the backstop!
Francis and Clare in thirteenth century Italy lived in an
environment which in many ways was very different from mine in
twenty-first century Britain, and while allowances need to be made
for this, the way they lived is still surprisingly relevant to
following Christ today. Perhaps some of their relevance is because
they always point beyond themselves to God, Jesus Christ as God’s
son and love incarnate, and the Holy Spirit as the essential
foundation for a life of Christian faith.
Yet Francis and Clare are for me a way of saying that it
is possible to give more of myself to God, to live ‘in
penance’, loving God and my neighbour, as a fulfilment of my own
personhood and to God’s glory.
Links to other 'Why after you' pages |
