Francis and Clare: The Struggles of the Saints of Assisi

When the adolescent Lady Clare agreed to secretly meet Francis Bernadone, the eccentric merchant's son who had become a wandering preacher, she was desperate to avoid the marriage that her parents were arranging for her. Francis, having gathered more than a dozen male followers, including her cousin, believed Clare to be the one to lead the female half of his movement, a movement that was loyal to the church but inspired by heretical sects where women played a prominent part. Over many meet...