The Community of Saint Clare
The Second Order of the Society of Saint Francis in the European Province
Sister Elsie Felicity writes:
There has always been a close link between us, the Community of Saint Clare, and the First Order, and more
recently with the Third Order, though our way of life is different from either. We live ‘enclosed’, which means
we are always at home here at Freeland, near Oxford in central England, unless some really necessary reason takes
us out. This degree of seclusion and space is valued and needed for prayer which is the purpose of our life. Like
others, we work to earn our living – printing, making altar breads, various handicrafts as well as caring for our
guests and growing all we can of our own food.
The daily Eucharist and the Office, said according to The Daily Office SSF, are shared by our guests and
any others who wish to join us. This is supplemented by Monastic Matins said early each morning and about three
hours of personal prayer and reading. Our community life is of great importance to us – to learn to live peacefully
with as varied a group of sisters as we are, is part of our prayer for the world.
To find out more about the Community of Saint Clare, write to:
The Abbess OSC
St Mary's Convent
Freeland
WITNEY
Oxford
OX29 8AJ
UK