This Morning Bell series explores one of the letters of St Clare of Assisi (1193/4 – 1263) whose life and example we celebrate on 11 August. In her letter to (the fabulously-named) Ermentrude of Brussels, who founded several monasteries in Flanders, Clare encouraged Ermentrude to remain faithful to her calling, and to ‘love God and Jesus his son with your whole heart’. There’s no doubt that Clare was wary of the wider world, her view clouded no doubt by personal experience and the experiences of the women in her order. But if there is a world-denying aspect to her writing, there is also evidence for a great love for God and for neighbour.
The photography for this series is provided by Gloucestershire-based photographer Roger Hare from a series he calls ‘Successions’ – and we are delighted to collaborate with Roger in this way. We hope that this series will encourage you to step with us into stillness and prayer each day, re-shaping us and re-shaping the world…
Grace and peace to you
Ian & Gail
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Ian’s latest collection of poems Unfurling is out now in paperback and e-format on Canterbury Press, also via your local bookshop, via Kindle and all usual online sources including Book Depository with free delivery world-wide.