What Does “Poor Clares” Mean in the Bible?
Office or title
Nuns of the order founded by Saint Clare of Assisi, a friend of Saint Francis. They live to pray.
It can mean
- How they live: they pray and live in community in their monastery.
- Their vows: they promise God chastity, poverty and obedience.
- In the Bible: Mary of Bethany sat at the feet of Jesus and listened to his word. Jesus said she had chosen the better part.
Where it appears in the Bible
Luke 10:39; Luke 10:42
What the Bible says
Luke 10:39
And she had a sister called Mary, who sitting also at the Lord’s feet, heard his word.
Luke 10:42
But one thing is necessary. Mary hath chosen the best part, which shall not be taken away from her.
Douay-Rheims Bible (Challoner revision), public domain.
Source: RAE, “clarisa”; Catechism 915 and 925