Order of Saint Clare

religious order

Also known as: O.S.C., Urbanist Poor Clare

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July 23, 2026

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The Order of Saint Clare, also known as the Poor Clares, is a Roman Catholic religious order of nuns cofounded by St. Clare of Assisi and St. Francis of Assisi in 1212. Considered the second Franciscan order, the Poor Clares are known for their austere lifestyle, dedicated to prayer, penance, contemplation, and manual work. They typically observe strict enclosure, severe fasts, and other austerities.12

St. Clare, a noblewoman, took a vow of poverty and followed St. Francis. Her order, initially devoted to a cloistered life, later saw some communities accept property. The rule was revised over time, leading to variations like the Urbanist Poor Clares and the stricter Primitive observance. St. Colette later initiated reforms, leading to the Colettine Poor Clares. St. Clare is also the patron saint of those with eye disorders, embroiderers, and, since 1958, television.12

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Poor Clare
…came to be called the Urbanist Poor Clares or officially the Order of St. Clare (O.S.C.), whereas those communities who continued to observe the stricter rule of St. Clare (as revised in 1253) became known as the Primitives.
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…came to be called the Urbanist Poor Clares or officially the Order of St. Clare (O.S.C.), whereas those communities who continued to observe the stricter rule of St. Clare (as revised in 1253) became known as the Primitives.
Read More