"Among God’s Holy Women: Scholastica, Clare and Us"

Many people know of Sts. Scholastica and Clare primarily because of their association with more prominent men: St. Benedict (Scholastica’s twin) and St. Francis of Assisi (Clare’s mentor).  Yet these women were powerful and charismatic spiritual leaders in their own right.  Both formed communities (still existing) of women religious organized around monastic guidelines: Scholastica in the early 6^th century according to the Rule of Benedict and Clare in the 13th century according to the Rule of Life that she promulgated for the Order of Poor Ladies.  Their influence can be seen and felt today, in the ripple effects of the lives and service of every Benedictine and Poor Clare/Franciscan nun, and all who follow their examples.