Ernest Gilliat-Smith 
Saint Clare of Assisi 
Her Life and Legislation

Whilst the greatest effort has been made to ensure the quality of this text, due to the historical nature of this content, in some rare cases there may be minor issues with legibility. Of Saint-Clare’s kinsfolk: the testimony of contemporary witnesses – Celano, the author of the Legenda Sanctae Clarae, Alexander IV, in the bull of canonization and in the primitive office, Cardinal Ugolino. What later mediaeval writers say – the author of the Chronicle of the Twenty-four Generals, Marianus of Florence, Pietro Rodolfi of Tossignano. Concerning the fables of Wadding and of his disciples ancient and modern.<br><br>This is that happy and holy place, says Thomas of Celano, referring to the convent of Saint Damian, this is that holy and happy place wherein, not quite six years after the conversion of Blessed Francis and through his efforts, the glorious religion and most excellent order of poor ladies first began. The foundation stone is stronger and more precious than all the other stones of the pile – to wit, the Lady Clara, bright in name, more bright in life, most bright in conversation. She is a native of Assisi, of noble birth and by grace nobler, a virgin most pure in heart, young in years but hoary in resolution, very steadfast of purpose, but withal wise and meek and a marvellous lover of God.<br><br>The above passage occurs in the eighth chapter of Celano’s first life of Saint Francis, a work which was in all probability written at Assisi and completed in the spring of the year 1229.