The Courage to Care: Francis and Clare of Assisi for Today course
In this course, we will explore the lives and legacies of Francis and Clare of Assisi, with an eye to understanding their spiritual maturation and how we can learn from them for wising living today. We will use the book, The Courage to Care: Wisdom from Assisi to guide our learning. We will cover topics including spiritual discontent, metanoia, intentional community, Clare’s contemplative method, and living with generosity of spirit. Our 90-minute online sessions will include about 30 minutes of presentation, with 30-40 minutes of conversation, and a final summary with time for Q and A. Reflective prompts in The Courage to Care will guide your integration of course materials. No previous knowledge required.
Gillian Ahlgren, Professor Emerita of Theology at Xavier University, is a church historian internationally known for her work in the Christian mystical tradition, especially with such figures as Teresa of Avila, Ignatius Loyola, and Francis and Clare of Assisi. She is the author of ten books, including The Tenderness of God: Reclaiming Our Humanity, and Faces of Metanoia. Her academic life is informed by decades of pastoral practice, communicating practical dimensions of the mystical life.
