Clara claris praeclaraClara claris praeclara

Bulla The Bull of

Alexandri episcopi Pope Alexander IV, Bishop

servi servorum Dei servant of the servants of God
IN CANONIZATIONEM S. CLARAE ON THE CANONIZATION OF ST. CLARE
ASSISIENSIS OF ASSISI
Fundatrix Clarissae Co-Foundress of the Poor Clares
 
Textus latinus ex ed. S. Brufani, Fontes Franciscani, & E. Latin text taken from Ed. S. Brufani, Fontes Franciscani, & E.
Menestò, S. Brufani et al., Assisi, Edizioni Porziuncola, 1995, Menestò, S. Brufani et al., Assisi, Edizioni Porziuncola, 1995,
pp. 2331-2337. pp. 2331-2337.
http://www.uan.it/alim/testi/xiii/AlimClaAssisBullaScheda.htm http://www.uan.it/alim/testi/xiii/AlimClaAssisBullaScheda.htm
  Agnani: Sept. 26. 1255 A.D.
   
[Alexander episcopus, servus servorum Dei] [Alexander, Bishop, Servant of the servants of
Venerabilibus fratribus universis God,] To Our venerable brothers, the
Archiepiscopis et Episcopis per regnum Archbishops and Bishops established
Franciae constitutis, [salutem et apostolicam throughout the Kingdom of France, [health
benedictionem]. and apostolic benediction]:
 

CLARA CLARIS C
meritis,1 LARE OUTSTANDINGLY CLEAR WITH
PRAECLARA
magnae in caelo claritate gloriae, ac in terraCLEAR merits,1 in Heaven with the clarity of
splendore miraculorum sublimium clare claret.great glory, and on Earth with the splendor of
Clarae huius arcta et alta Religio2 hic coruscat,sublime miracles, is clearly clear. Here this
huius sursum aeterni praemii radiatClare's strict and high Religion2 twinkles
magnitudo, huius virtus signis magnificis,[coruscat], above the greatness of this one's
mortalibus illucescit. Huic Clarae intituIatumeternal reward radiates, this one's virtue by
hic fuit summae Privilegium paupertatis;3 huicmagnificent signs, begins to shine [illucescit]
in excelso rependitur inaestimabilis copiaupon mortals. To this Clare there was entitled
thesaurorum; huic a catholicis plena devotio ethere the Privilege of most high poverty;3 to
honoris cumulus exhibetur. Hanc Claram suathis one there is repaid in the highest an
fulgida hic insignierunt opera, hanc Claram in inestimable abundance of treasures; to this one
alto divinae lucis clarificat plenitudo, hancby Catholics a full devotion and a heap
christianis populis prodigiorum eius stupenda[cumulus] of honor is exhibited. This Clare
declarant. did her shining [fulgida] works here mark out,
this Clare the plenitude of Divine Light on
high does clarify, this one to the Christian
peoples do the stupendous (works) of her
prodigies declare.
  The Brilliance of St. Clare
§2. O Clara multimode titulis praedita§2. O Clare, endowed in a manifold manner
claritatis! Ante conversionem tuam utiquewith titles of clarity! Before thy conversion
clara, in conversione clarior, in claustrali(thou were) indeed clear, in thy conversion
conversatione praeclara, et post decursumclearer, in thy comportment in the cloister [in
vitae praesentis spatium clarissima illuxisti!claustrali conversatione] outstandingly clear,
Ab hac Clara clarum exempli speculum huicand after having run down the space of thy
saeculo prodiit; ab hac inter amoenitatespresent life thou has begun to shine as most
caelestes suave lilium virginitatis offertur; abclear! By this Clare a clear mirror of example
hac in terris manifesta subventionum remediagoes forth to this generation [saeculo]; by this
sentiuntur. O admiranda Clarae beatae claritas,one the lily of virginity is offered among the
quae tanto studiosius per singula quaeritur,heavenly amenities; by this one throughout the
tanto splendidior in singulis invenitur! Emicuitlands [in terris] are the manifest remedies of
haec, inquam, in saeculo, in Religioneinterventions [subventionum] sensed. O clarity
praefulsit; in domo illuxit ut radius, in claustro of blessed Clare to be admired, which as much
coruscavit ut fulgor. Emicuit in vita, postas it is sought more studiously through
mortem irradiat; claruit in terra, in caeloindividual examples [per singula], so much
relucet! O quanta huius vehementia luminis etmore splendid is it found among individual
quam vehemens istius illuminatio claritatis!examples [in singulis]! This one gleamed
Manebat quidem haec lux secretis inclusa[emicuit], I say, in the world [saeculo], in
claustralibus, et foras Religion she outshone [praefulsit]; in her
house she enlightened [illuxit] as a ray, in the
cloister she flashed [pcoruscavit] as lightning.
She gleamed in life, after death she irradiates;
she was clear on Earth, in the sky she shines
back [relucet]! O how great the vehemence of
the light [lumen] of this one and how
vehement the illumination of this clarity of
hers! This light [lux], indeed, remained
enclosed in secret cloisters, and outside
1 1
Hic praeclara indicat clara prae ceteris. Praeclaritas Here the Latin praeclara signifies clear before all
est signaculum civitatis Hierosolymae caelestis: cf. Ps. others, or in other words outstandingly clear, which
47,2. translation will be followed throughout. Being
2
Religio, id est, institutum religionis. Erat verbum outstandingly clear [praeclaritas] is a mark of the
communis in saeculum tertium decimum; cf. Opuscula heavenly Jerusalem: cf. Ps. 47:2.
2
S. Francisci. Religion, that is religious institute. This was the
3
Privilegium summae poveratis erat permissio ottenta common term for a religious order in the 13th Century;
ex Pontifice Romano pro sororibus S. Damiani ad cf. Writings of St. Francis.
3
vivendum sine propria communitaria. The Privilege of most high poverty was the permission
obtained from the Roman Pontiff for the sisters of S.
Damiano to live without community property.

p. 2332
micantes radios emittebat; colligebatur in arctoit emitted sparkling [micantes] rays; it was
coenobio, et in amplo saeculo spargebatur;gathered together in a strict convent [arcto
servabatur intra, et extra manabat. Latebatcoenobio], and it was sprinkled upon the entire
namque Clara, sed eius vita patebat; silebatage [in amplo saeculo]; it was guarded within,
Clara, sed sua fama clamabat; celabatur inand it flowed forth outside. For indeed, Clare
cella, et in urbibus noscebatur. Nec mirum;lay hidden, but her life lay open; Clare was
quia lucerna tam accensa, tam lucens,silent, but her fame shouted out; she was
abscondi non poterat quin splenderet etconcealed in her cell and she was known
clarum in domo Domini daret lumen;1 necamong cities. Nor (is it) wonderful; because a
recondi poterat vas tot aromatum quinlight [lucerna] so enkindled, so lightsome
fragraret et suavi odore dominicam respergeret[lucens], could not be hidden away so as to not
mansionem. Imo, cum in angusto solitudinis shine [spenderet] and give a clear light in the
reclusorio alabastrum sui corporis haec durehouse of the Lord;1 nor could a vessel of so
contereret, tota omnino Ecclesiae aulamany aromatics be put back and not fragrance
sanctitatis eius odoribus replebatur.2 and resprinkle the Lord's mansion with a
sweet odor. Nay, since in the narrow recluse
of solitude this one harshly ground down the
alabaster of her body, the whole court [aula] of
the Church has been filled full in every
manner with the odors of her sanctity.2
  How St. Clare forsook the world
§3. Sane cum ipsa, dum adhuc puella esset in§3. In a healthy manner, when she, while she
saeculo, hunc mundum fragilem et immundumwas still a girl in the world, studied to leap
mundo calle ab aetate tenera transilireover this fragile and unclean world from a
studeret, et pretiosum suae virginitatistender age by means of a clean, narrow path
thesaurum illibato semper pudore custodiens,[calle], and guarding the precious treasure of
claritatis et pietatis operibus vigilanterher virginity by a sense of shame, always
intenderet, ita quod ex ea grata et laudabilis adunspotted, vigilantly stretched unto works of
vicinos et alios fama prodiret, b. Franciscus,clarity and piety, so much that there came
audito huius famae praeconio, coepitforth from her a pleasing and praiseworthy
confestim hortari eam, et ad Christi perfectam report [fama] to her neighbors and others,
inducere servitutem. Quae sacris illius monitisblessed Francis, having heard the public
mox adhaerens, et mundum cum terreniscommendation [praeconio] of her fame,
omnibus penitus abdicare, ac soli Domino inundertook with complete haste [confestim] to
paupertate voluntaria famulari desiderans, hocexhort her, and to induce her to the perfect
suum fervens desiderium, quam cito potuit,service of Christ. Who, thereupon adhering to
adimplevit: quia tandem cuncta sua bona, uthis sacred warnings, and desiring to abdicate
una secum quidquid etiam habebat Christithoroughly [penitus] the world with all earthly
obsequio deputaret, in eleemosynas etthings, and to serve as a family member
pauperum subsidia distribuit et convertit. 3[famulari] the Lord alone in voluntary poverty,
Cumque de saeculi strepitu fugiens, adshe fulfilled this her fervent desire, as soon as
quamdam campestrem declinasset ecclesiam,4she could: because at last she distributed and
et ab ipso b. Francisco, sacra ibi recepta converted all her goods, as she counted out of
tonsura, processisset ad aliam, consanguineisreverence to Christ whatever else she had as
eius ipsam exinde reducere molientibus, illaone thing with herself, into alms and subsidies
protinus amplectens altare, pannosquefor the poor.3 And when fleeing the clatter of
apprehendens ipsius, crinium sui capitisthe world [de saeculi strepitu], she went down
incisura detecta, eisdem consanguineis in hocto a certain country [campestrem] church,4 and
fortiter restitit et constanter; quia cum iam by blessed Francis himself, there received the
esset mente integra iuncta Deo, pati nonsacred tonsure, she processed to another
poterat ab eius servitio se divelli. Deniquechurch), with her relatives growing soft
cum ad ecclesiam S. Damiani extra civitatem[molientibus] to lead her back (home) from
Assisinatem, unde traxit originem, per eundemthat place, she, immediately embracing the
b. Franciscum adducta foisset, ibi ei Dominusaltar, and grasping her clothes, having
ad amorem et cultum assiduum sui nominisuncovered the sheering [incisura] of the hair of
plures socias aggregavit. her head, strongly and steadily resisted the
same relatives in this. Then when she had been
brought by the same blessed Francis to the
church of San Damiano, outside the city of
Assisi, where she was born [unde traxit
originem], there the Lord for the love and
 assiduous cult of His Name gathered to her
very many associates.
  St. Clare founds the Order of St. Damiano
§4. Ab hac siquidem insignis et sacer Ordo S. §4. From this, indeed, distinguished and
Damiani, sacred Order of San Damiano,
1 1
Hic editores citat Mat. 5,14.15. Here the editors cite Mt. 5:14-15.
2 2
Hic editores citat Mat. 26,7; Joan. 13,3. Here the latin editors cite Mt. 26:7, Jn. 13:3.
3 3
Hic editores citat Luc. 12,33; 18,22. Here the latin editors cite Lk. 12:33; 18:22.
4
Scilicet, S. Maria Angelorum in Portiuncula, quae in 4 St. Mary of the Angeles of the Portiuncula, which at
illo tempore intra campis infra civitatem Assisiensem that time lay among the fields below the city-state of
fuit. Assisi.

p. 2333
per orbem iam longe diffusus, salutare sumpsitspread far throughout the whole globe, one
exordium. Haec, adhortante ipso b. Francisco,takes up a salutary exordium. She, by the
huic novae sanctaeque observantiaeexhorting of blessed Francis himself, gave a
sequendum dedit initium; haec huius magnae start, that must be followed, [sequendum
Religionis fuit primarium et stabileinitium] to this new and holy observance; she
fundamentum; haec huius alti operis lapisof this great Religion was the primary and
extitit1 primitivus. Haec genere nobilis, sedstable foundation; she of this high work stood
conversatione nobilior, virginitatem, quamforth1 as its primitive stone. She of a noble
prius etiam custodiverat, sub hac sanctimoniaefamily, but of a more noble comportment,
regula praecipue conservavit. Hancconserved in an outstanding manner
postmodum Religionem mater eius, Hortulana[praecipue] the virginity, which she had also
nomine, piis intenta operibus, ipsius nataepreviously guarded, under this rule of
sequendo vestigia, devote suscepit; in quasanctimony. After a while her mother,
demum haec optima hortulana, quae in hortoHortulana by name, intent on pious works, by
dominico protulit talem plantam, conclusitfollowing the footsteps of her own newborn
feliciter dies suos. [ipsius natae], devoutly undertook this
Religion; in which at last this optimum little
garden [hortulana], which brought forth such a
plant in the Lord's garden, happily concluded
her days.
  The Brilliance of St. Clare as Foundress
§5. Post aliquot vero annos, ipsa b. Clara §5. But after a few years, blessed Clare
monasterii et Sororum regimen, nimiaherself, having been overcome by the
eiusdem S. Francisci devicta importunitate,exceeding importunity of the same St. Francis,
recepit. Haee utique fuit arbor procera2 etreceived the government of the monastery and
eminens, longis distenta ramis, quae in agrothe Sisters. She, indeed, was the tall and
Ecclesiae dulcem fructum religionis attulit, eteminent tree,2 which, having spread out with
ad cuius delectabilem umbram, sub3 illiuslong branches, brought into the field of the
amoenitate fructum huiusmodi libaturaeChurch the sweet fruit of a Religion, and to
concurrerunt undique multae alumnae fidei etwhose delightful shade, under3 its amenity
concurrunt. Haec fuit vena munda Vallisthere would run together from all sides many
Spoletanae, quae novam aquae vitalis fontem4nurslings of the faith, (who) were to offer fruit
ad refectionem animarum et commodumof this kind, and do they run! She was the
propinavit; qui iam per diversos rivulos inclean vein of the Valley of Spoleto, which
territorium Ecclesiae derivatus, plantariagave a new fount of living water4 as drink for
religionis infudit. Haec fuit altum sanctitatis the refection and convenience of souls; which,
candelabrum vehementer in tabernaculo5diverted now through diverse rivulets in the
Domini rutilans, ad cuius ingentemterritory of the Church, infuses the young trees
splendorem plurimae properaverunt et[plantaria] of Religion. She was the tall
properant, suas de illius lumine lampades6candelabra of sanctity vehemently shining red
accendentes. Haec profecto in agro fidei[rutilans] in the tabernacle of the Lord,5 to
plantavit et coluit vineam paupertatis, de quawhose vast [ingentem] splendor very many
fructus salutis pingues et divites colliguntur; women hastened and do hasten, enkindling
haec in praedio Ecclesiae humilitatis hortumtheir own lamps from that light [lumine].6 She
constituit, multiplici rerum consertum inopia,as a result [profecto] planted and cultivated in
in quo magna virtutum copia reperitur; haec in the field of the Faith the vine of poverty, from
Religionis districtu arcem arctae7 abstinentiaewhich the fatty and rich fruits of salvation are
fabricavit, in qua larga spiritualis alimoniae gathered; she established in the praesidium of
refectio ministratur. the Church a garden of humility, in which,
having twined together those poor in a
manifold of things, there is found a great
abundance of virtues; She in the occupation
[districtu] of Religion constructed [fabricavit]
a citadel of strict7 abstinence, in which there is
ministered a broad refection of spiritual
nourishment.
  The Brilliance of St. Clare's Virtues
§6. Haec fuit pauperum primiceria, ducissa§6. She was the princess [primiceris] of the
humilium, magistra continentium, etpoor, the duchess [ducissa] of the humble, the
poenitentium Abbatissa. Haec suumteacher of the continent, and the Abbess of the
monasterium, creditamque in illo sibipenitent. She governed her monastery, and the
familiam, solicite ac prudenter in timore etfamily entrusted to her in it, solicitly and
servitio Domini et plena Ordinis observantiaprudently in the fear and service of the Lord
gubernavit: vigil and in the full observance of the Order: vigil
1 1
I. e. exstitit. There the text reads extitit [stood out], that is exstitit
2
Hic edd. citat Dan. 4,8. [stood out].
3 2
Hic edd. citat Cant. 2, 3. Here the editors cite Dan. 4:8.
4 3
Hic edd. citat Est. 10,6. Here the editors cite Cant. 2:3.
5 4
Hic edd. citat Heb. 9,2. Here the editors cite Ester 10:6.
6 5
Hic edd. citat Mat. 25,7. Here the editors cite Hebr. 9:2.
7 6
Hic textus legit artae pro arctae. Here the editors cite Mt. 25:7.
7
Here the text reads strict [artae] instead of strict
[arctae].

p. 2334
in cura, in ministerio studiosa, in exhortatione in care, in ministry studious, in exhortation
attenta; diligens in admonitione, in correctioneattentive; diligent in admonition, in correction
moderata, temperata in praeceptis; inmoderate, temperate in precepts; in
compassione praestabilis, discreta in silentio,compassion outstanding, discrete in silence, in
in sermone matura, et consulta in cunctis adspeech mature, and well considered in all the
perfectum regimen opportunis, volens magisthings opportune to a perfect government,
famulari quam dominari, et honorare quamwilling more to serve as a family member
honore sustolli. Huius vita erat aliis eruditio et[famulari] than to rule as a lord [dominari],
doctrina. In hoc libro vitae1 ceterae vivendiand to honor than to be taken up in honor. Her
regulam didicerunt; in hoc vitae speculolife was an education [eruditio] and a doctrine
reliquae vitae semitas inspexere. Corporeto others. In this book of life1 all the other
namque sistebat in terra, sed animo versabatur(sisters) learned the rule for living; in this
in caelo; humilitatis vasculum, armariummirror of life the rest (of women learn) to
castitatis, charitatis ardor, dulcor benignitatis,inspect the paths to life. For indeed she caused
patientiae robur, nexus pacis et familiaritatis herself in body to stand on Earth, but in spirit
communio: mitis in verbo, lenis in facto, et in she was turned unto the sky; a little vessel of
omnibus amabilis et accepta. Et ut, carne humility, an armoire [armarium] of chastity,
depressa, convalesceret spiritu (quia quisquean ardor of charity, a sweetness of benignity,
hoste suo debilitato fit fortior), nudum soluman oak-strength of patience, a knot of peace
et interdum sarmenta pro lecto habebat, et proand a communion of familiarity: meek in
pulvinari sub capite durum lignum, unaquework, supple in deed, and in all things lovable
tunica cum mantello de vili, despecto etand accepted. And, with the flesh depressed,
hispido panno contenta. His humilibusto convalesce in spirit — because anyone,
indumentis ad operimentum sui corporiswith their enemy debilitated, is made the
utebatur, aspero cilicio de cordulis crinium stronger — she kept [habebat] the floor bare
equorum contexto nonnunquam adhibito iuxtaand brushwood for a bed, and for a pillow
carnem. Arcta quoque in cibo et in potuunder her head hard wood, and content with
districta, tanta se in his froenabat abstinentia,one tunic with a mantle of vile, despised and
quod longo tempore tribus diebus inrough cloth. These humble garments did she
hebdomada, videlicet secunda, quarta et sextause for the covering of her body, a sharp cilice
feria, nihil penitus pro sui corporis alimentowoven from little cords of horse hair [de
gustavit, reliquis nihilominus diebus adeo secordulis crinium equorum] sometimes
cibariorum paucitate restringens, quod aliae deemployed next to the flesh. Strict too in food
ipsa, quomodo sub tam forti districtione and in drink severe [districta], she curbed
subsistere poterat, mirabantur. Vigiliis insuperherself with so great an abstinence in these,
et orationibus assidue dedita, in his praecipue that for a long time for three days a week,
diurna et nocturna tempora expendebat.namely, Monday, Wednesday and Friday, she
Diuturnis tandem perplexa languoribus, cumtasted nearly nothing for her body,
ad exercitium corporale non posset surgere pernevertheless on the rest of the days restricting
se ipsam, Sororum suarum suffragio levabatur herself to such an extent with a paucity of
et, ad tergum eius fulcimentis appositis,foods, that the other (sisters) use to wonder
propriis manibus laborabat,2 ne in suis etiamabout her, in what manner she could subsist
esset infirmitatibus otiosa. Unde de pannounder so strong a withdrawal [districtione].
lineo huius sui studii et laboris plura proOver and above these, dedicated assiduously
altaris sacrificio corporalia fieri fecit, et perto vigils and prayers, she expended day and
plana et montana Assisii diversis ecclesiisnight-time chiefly in these. At last perplexed
exhiberi. with daily languors, when she could not rise
by herself to corporal exertion [exercitium],
she was raised by the suffrage of her Sisters
and, having placed supports at her back, she
worked with her own hands,2, lest even in her
infirmities she be idle [otiosa]. Whence from
linen cloth of this her own study and labor, she
caused very many corporals for the Sacrifice
of the Altar to be made, and to be employed
throughout the plains and mountains of Assisi
in diverse churches.
  St. Clare's love of holy Poverty
§7. Amatrix vero praecipua et colona sedula§7. But a chief lover and sedulous column of
paupertatis; sic illam suo affixit animo, sicpoverty; thus did she affix it in her soul, thus
eam in suis desideriis alligavit, quod semper indid she bind herself to it in her desires, that
ipsius dilectione firmior et ardentior inalways more firmer in its love [dilectione] and
amplexu, a districta et delectabili more ardent in its embrace, from its severe and
delightful
1 1
Hic edd. citat Apoc 21,27. Here the editors cite Apoc. 21:27.
2 2
Hic edd. cfr. 1 Cor 4,12. Here the editors refer to 1 Cor 4:12.

p. 2335
eius copula pro nulla unquam necessitatebond she never stepped back for any necessity.
discessit. Nec aliquibus prorsus potuit induciNor could she in a straightforward manner
suasibus ad consentiendum, quod suum[prorsus] be induced by any persuasions to
monasterium proprias possessiones haberetconsent, that her monastery have its own
quamquam fel. rec. Gregorius papa,possessions, even though Pope Gregory, our
praedecessor noster, de multa indulgentiapredecessor of happy memory, from much
ipsius monasterii pie cogitans, libenter illiindulgence thinking piously of this very
voluerit, pro Sororum eius sustentatione,monastery, had freely willed to depute to it,
possessiones sufficientes et congruas deputare. for the sustenance of her Sisters, possessions
sufficient and congruous.
  The Miracles of St. Clare
§8. Verum quia magnum et splendidum§8. Truly, because a great and splendid
luminare supprimi non potest, quin suae radioswindow cannot be concealed [luminare
praeferat claritatis, in ipsius etiam vita multissupprimi], and not bring forth the rays of its
et variis miraculis virtus suae sanctitatisclarity, even in her life did the virtue of her
effulsit. Nam cuidam de Sororibus ipsiussanctity shine out in many and various
monasterii vocem, quam a longo temporemiracles. For to a certain one of the Sisters of
quasi omnino perdiderat, restauravit. Alii,her monastery, she restored the voice, which
officio linguae penitus destitutae, loquelamshe had for a long time almost entirely lost. To
restituit expeditam. Alteri aurem surdamanother, thoroughly destitute of the use
aperuit ad auditum. Laborantem febre,[officio] of the tongue, she restored
tumentem hydropisi, plagatam fistula et aliis unencumbered [expeditam] speech. To another
oppressas languoribus, liberavit, facto Crucisshe opened a deaf ear to hearing. Having made
signaculo super eas.1 Quendam Fratrem dethe sign of the Cross upon them, 1 she liberated
Ordine Minorum sanavit ab insaniae passione.one laboring under fever, one swelling with
Cum autem quadam vice oleum in monasteriohydropsy, one plagued with a fistula and
totaliter defecisset, ipsa, vocato Fratre qui eratothers oppressed by languors. A certain friar
eidem monasterio pro colligendis eleemosynisof the Order of Minors she healed from the
deputatus, accepit urceum atque lavit,suffering of insanity. Moreover when at a
vacuumque iuxta fores ipsius monasteriicertain time [quadam vice] the olive oil in the
posuit, ut illum idem Frater pro oleomonastery totally failed, she herself, having
acquirendo deferret; quem cum vellet ipsecalled the Friar who has been deputed to the
apprehendere, invenit eum oleo, beneficiosame monastery for the gathering of alms,
divinae largitatis, impletum. Rursum cum unoaccepted a jug [urceum] and washed it, and
die nonnisi unius panis medietas proplaced it empty next to the doors [fores] of the
refectione Sororum in eodem monasteriomonastery, so that the same Friar might bear it
haberetur, ipsa medietatem eandem iussit inoff for acquiring olive oil; who when he
frusta dividi et Sororibus dispensari; quamwanted to take it, found it filled with oil, by
inter manus frangentis, Ille qui vivus est panisthe benefice of a divine largess. Again, when
et dat escam esurientibus,2 multiplicavit inone day not but one half of a loaf of bread was
tantum, quod quinquaginta sufficientes factaehad in the monastery for the refection of the
fuerunt exinde portiones, et SororibusSisters, she herself ordered the same half-loaf
discumbentibus distributae.3 Per haec et aliato be divided in vain and dispensed to the
signa conspicua, suorum, dum adhuc viveret,Sisters; which among the hands of the one
innotuit praeeminentia meritorum. Nam etbreaking it, He who is the Living Bread and
cum in extremis ageret, candidus beatarumwho gives food to those who are hungry,2
virginum coetus, micantibus coronis ornatus,multiplied it unto so much, that there was
in quo una ex ipsis eminentior et fulgidiormade from it portions sufficient for fifty, and
apparebat, visus est domum intrare, ubi eademit was distributed for the Sisters reclining at
Christi famula decumbebat, et usque adtable [discumbentibus].3 Through these and
lectulum eius procedere, ac circa eam quasiother conspicuous signs, He marked out, while
visitationis officium et confortationis solamen,she still lived, the pre-eminence of her merits.
quodam humanitatis studio, exhibere. For even when she was in her last moments [in
extremis ageret], the brilliant white company
of blessed Virgins, ornamented with sparkling
crowns, among whom one of them appeared
more eminently and more shiningly, was seen
to enter the house, where the same family of
Christ use to recline at table, and even unto
her small bed [lectulum] to proceed, and as if
to exhibit about her the office of visiting and
the solace of comforting, with a certain zeal
for human kindness [humanitatis studio].
1 1
Scilicet, Sorores eius. That is, her Sisters.
2 2
Hic edd. citat Ioa. 6,41; Ps. 145,7. Here the editors cite Jn. 6:41 ;Ps. 145:7.
3 3
Hic edd. citat Luc 9,14-16. Here the editors cite Lk. 9:14-16.

p. 2336
Post obitum vero eius, quidam, qui morbo But after her passing, a certain man, who
caduco ruebat et propter crus contractum gradihaving fallen sick grew worse [morbo caduco
non poterat, ad sepulcrum delatus ipsius fuit:ruebat] and on account of a contracted shin
ibi, crure ipso quasi fragoris sonitu faciente, abbone could not walk, was brought to her
utraque infirmitate curatus. Curvi renibus,sepulchre: there, with the shin bone itself
membris contracti, praecipites furia et dementimaking a sound as if of breaking, he was
furore ferales, receperunt ibidem integramcured of each infirmity. Those bent-over at the
sospitatem. Cuidam sua dextra manus, cuius kidneys, contracted in members, quick to fall
ipse usum ex illata sibi vehementi percussioneheadlong into a rage and wild men, demented
ita perdiderat, quod nihil omnino per eam, by fury, received in that place a complete cure
velut prorsus inutilem, poterat operari, fuit ad[integram sospitatem]. A certain man's own
actum suum pristinum, ipsius Sanctae meritis,right hand — the very use of which he had
plenarie reformata. Alius qui diutina caecitatethus lost out of a vehement percussion brought
lumen amiserat oculorum, cum ad idemupon him — because he could do entirely
sepulcrum sub ducatu alterius accessisset,nothing by means of it, just as if it were, in a
recuperato inibi visu, rediit exinde sine duce.word, useless, was reformed in a full manner
His et quamplurimis aliis operibus et miraculis to its pristine acting, by the merits of the Saint
haec venerabilis Virgo resplenduit gloriosis, utherself. Another, who by a long-termed
evidenter appareat adimpletum illud quod de[diutina] blindness has lost the light of his
ipsa mater eius, dum esset ex ea gravida et eyes, when he had approached the same
oraret, dicitur audivisse: videlicet quodsepulchre under the guiding [ducatu] of
paritura erat quoddam lumen, quod orbemanother, having recovered his sight in that
plurimum illustraret. place, returned from that place without a guide
[duce]. In these and how very many other
works and glorious miracles is this venerable
Virgin resplendent, so that there evidently
appears fulfilled that which her very own
mother, while she was pregnant with her and
was praying, is said to have heard: that she
was going to bear a certain light [lumen],
which would light up the globe in very many
ways [orbem plurimum illustraret].
  The Act of Canonization
§9. Gaudeat itaque mater Ecclesia, quod talem§9. And so, let Mother Church rejoice, that
genuit et educavit filiam, quae tamquamShe has born and educated such a daughter,
virtutum foecunda parens, multas religioniswho as a parent fecund with virtues, has
alumnas suis produxit exemplis, et adproduced many nurselings of (this) Religion as
perfectum Christi servitium pleno magisterioHer own examples, and has informed them to
informavit. Laetetur et devota turba fidelium,the perfect service of Christ by Her full
quod Rex eaelorum et Dominus, sororemmagisterium. Let the devout crowd of the
ipsorum et sociam, quam in sponsam sibifaithful also be glad, that the King of Heaven
elegerat, ad suum praecelsum et praeclarumand (their) Lord, has introduced their sister
palatium cum gloria introduxit.1 Nam etand companion, whom He had chosen as His
Sanctorum congaudent agmina, quod inown spouse, to His palace, outstandingly
superna eorum patria novellae regalis sponsaeexcelling [praecelsus] and outstandingly clear
nuptiae celebrantur. Ceterum, quia congruit ut,with glory.1 For the marching armies [agmina]
quam Dominus exaltavit in caelo, Catholicaof the Saints rejoice also together, that in their
Ecclesia veneretur in terra quia de sanctitate supernal fatherland the nuptials of a new royal
vitae ac miraculis eius, diligenti et attentaspouse are celebrated. All the rest, because it
inquisitione ac examinatione distincta etis fitting as, she whom the Lord has exalted in
solemni discussione praemissis, liquidothe sky, the Catholic Church venerate on
constitit: licet alias etiam et in propinquis et inEarth, that from the sanctity and miracles of
remotis partibus satis essent prae; cognitaher life, having been reviewed [praemisssis]
lucide eius acta: Nos de communi fratrumby a diligent and attentive inquisition and a
nostrorum et praelatorum omnium, tunc apuddistinct examination and a solemn discussion,
Sedem apostolicam existentium consilio etShe plainly establish: even though otherwise,
assensu, de omnipotentia divina confisi,both in near and in remote parts, they would
auctoritate beatorum Petri et Paulialso be sufficient beforehand; her acts having
apostolorum ac nostra ipsam cathalogobeen lucidly known: We from the common
sanctarum Virginum duximus adscribendam. counsel and assent of our brother (Cardinals)
and of all prelates, at that time present at the
Apostolic See, having drawn confidence
[confisi] from the Divine Omnipotence, by the
authority of the blessed Apostles, Peter and
Paul, and Our own, we direct that the same is
 to inscribed in the catalogue of holy Virgins.
1 1
Hic edd. citat Cant. 1,3; Mat. 22,2. Here the editors cite Cant. 1,3; Mat. 22,2.

p. 2337
  The Feast of St. Clare
§10. Ideoque universitatem vestram monemus§10. And for that reason we warn and exhort
et hortamur attente per apostolica vobis scriptaall of you attentively through apostolic
mandantes, quatenus II idus augusti festummandates written by Us, to this extent that on
eiusdem Virginis devote ac solemniterthe second day before the Ides of August you
celebretis et faciatis a vestris subditiscelebrate devoutly and solemnly the feast of
venerabiliter celebrari, ut ipsam haberethe same Virgin and cause it to be celebrated
mereamini apud Deum piam et sedulamby your subjects in a venerable manner, so that
adiutricem. Et ut ad venerandum eiusyou may merit to have her before God as your
sepulcrum avidius et copiosius christianipious and sedulous adjutrix. And so that the
populi confluat multitudo, ac celebrius ipsiusmultitude of the Christian people might flow
festivitas percolatur, omnibus [vereto venerate her sepulchre in a more avid and
poenitentibus et confessis], qui ad illud cumcopious manner, her festivity be also
reverentia in eiusdem Virginis festo, vel etiamthoroughly honored with greater crowds
infra ipsius festi octavas, annuatim accesserint,[celebrius percolatur], to all [truly penitent and
ipsius suffragia humiliter de omnipotentis [Deiconfessed], who come to it with reverence on
misericordia et beatorum Petri et Paulithe feast of the same Virgin, and/or who might
apostolorum eius auctoritate] confisi, unumeven approach yearly during the octave days
annum et quadraginta dies [de iniunctis sibiof her feast, having confided humbly in her
poenitentiis] relaxamus. suffrages, We do, by the mercy of the
Omnipotent God and by the authority of the
blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, loosen them
one year and forty days [from the penances
enjoined upon them].
[Datum Anagniae, sexto kalendas octobris,[Given at Anagni, the sixth day before the
pontificatus nostri anno primo]. Calends of October, in the first year of our
pontificate.]

 
In textu latino divisiones propter convenientiam The English translation here has been released to the
lectoris ab interprete additae sunt. Ea intra [ ] public domain by its author. The paragraph divisions
continunt verba, non inventa in textu orginali, sed and titles have been added by the translator for the
inferenda ex more ab editoribus textus latini. Nota convenience of the reader. Items in square [ ]
inferiora sunt addita ab interprete. brackets are either translations of those in the same
in the Latin text, or the Latin words corresponding to
the English words. Items in round ( ) brackets are
terms implicit in the Latin syntax or which are
required for clarity in English, added by the English
translator. Footnotes have been added by the English
translator.