Support the Renovation of a Convent for Poor Clares in Brazil
Tuesday, September 27, 2016

The house in which the Sisters live was built almost 40 years ago and since then there has been no maintenance or modernization work on it. The most pressing problem is obsolete electrical wiring which is potentially dangerous and could cause a fire. Will you help?

St. Clare of Assisi was profoundly infused with the spiritual ideals of her mentor and spiritual companion, St, Francis of Assisi. In 1212, she secretly left the house of her noble family, choosing a life of total poverty in uncompromising imitation of Christ. Her family were outraged on learning of this fait accompli since – while it was by no means unusual for a young woman of noble birth to enter a convent – it was expected that she would join a congregation in which she could live a dignified life in accordance with her social status. But to choose a life of total poverty was something quite new and unheard of. Nonetheless, she was unwavering in her decision, and very soon other young women came to join her.

This is how the order of the Poor Clares was born, an order in which not only the Sisters individually vowed to renounce all worldly goods, but the order itself was to be poor and own no possessions. To this day, in many countries around the world, there are religious Sisters who still follow the ideals of St Clare. They devote themselves above all to Perpetual Adoration of the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.

Four years ago a group of Poor Clare sisters established a convent in the Diocese of Lages in the south of Brazil. Bishop Irineu Andreassa describes them as a “blessing” for his diocese and sets great store by their presence, their prayers and also the good counsel they are able to give to the many people who come knocking on their door in search of help.

But the Sisters – who now number 11 – face a difficult problem. The house in which they live was built almost 40 years ago and since then there has been no maintenance or modernization work on it. A great deal needs to be done, but the most pressing problem is obsolete electrical wiring which is potentially dangerous and could cause a fire. The danger is real, and help is needed as soon as possible.

Since the community is poor, there is no way the Sisters can provide the necessary money. As a result, they have turned to ACN for help, and we hope to be able to respond with $7,000.

Will you help these Poor Clares renovate their convent in Brazil? We are sure they will remember you in their grateful prayers in front of the Blessed Sacrament.

Progress: 14% Raised: $ 975     Goal: $ 7000

Code: 212-06-19

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