The lives of St. Francis and St. Clare of Assisi have long captivated Christians with their profound devotion to Gospel poverty. Though they lived mostly apart as founders of the Franciscan friars and Poor Clares, Francis and Clare shared an unbreakable spiritual bond. This is beautifully symbolized in the medieval legend of Francis assuring Clare at their parting “We will meet again when summer returns and the roses bloom.”
By looking into where this famous phrase came from and what it means, we can see how deep faith and sacrifice led to one of the most inspiring friendships in history.
The Close but Chaste Bond Between Francis and Clare
Francis of Assisi first met the young noblewoman Clare Favarone in church. Deeply inspired by his preaching, the 18-year-old Clare soon ran away from home to become his follower. In 1212, Francis received her vows, founding the Order of Poor Clares.
After that, Francis and Clare stayed close but chaste, and they both made a strong commitment to poverty and service. They saw each other rarely, but supported one another spiritually. Francis made sure Clare had food at the San Damiano convent while he went hungry himself.
Some followers criticized their closeness as improper. Biographer Thomas of Celano didn’t like how Francis and Clare were “consorting more familiarly than seemed expedient.”
Francis decided discretion was prudent. He distanced himself from Clare out of sensitivity to outside opinions, not due to any weakening of their spiritual bond.
Francis’ Parting Promise to Clare
The most famous story about Francis and Clare is about how sad it was for them to say goodbye. Texts from the 1300s say that Francis stopped at San Damiano on his way to bless Clare during the winter.
As Francis turned to leave, Clare worried she would not see her dear friend again soon. Amidst the snow, Francis reassured Clare that though they must part now, “when summer returns again and the roses bloom, then we shall meet again.”
This promise of temporary separation reflected their unshakable faith that God joined their paths. Indeed, as Francis walked away, a miracle occurred – the bare hedgerow bloomed with fragrant roses!
For Francis and Clare, this signified that neither snow nor distance could break their eternal bond. Their companionship would endure, like summer and the roses.
Meanings Within the Legend
Behind its folkloric charm, this legend reveals deeper truths about Francis and Clare’s relationship:
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Spiritual intimacy beyond external separation: Despite physically parting, Francis and Clare maintained profound spiritual closeness through shared love of Christ. Their friendship was not dependent on proximity.
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Mutual sacrifice: Out of sensitivity to public perception, they willingly sacrificed close contact. This exemplified their commitment to protecting the integrity of their vocations.
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Unwavering hope: In difficult times, Francis and Clare clung to the hope of reuniting through God’s grace. Their hope reflected that for eternal reunion with loved ones in heaven.
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Sign of God’s favor: The miraculous roses signaled God approved of their pure love and sacrifice. Their bond would endure.
For 800 years, this promise has encapsulated the legends of Francis and Clare – one of true friendship and steadfast faith despite trials.
Enduring Lessons on Spiritual Companionship
The promise between Francis and Clare carries powerful lessons for all on cultivating deep spiritual friendship:
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Seek friends who bring you closer to God. Like Francis and Clare, the best companions share higher purposes and values that improve life’s journey.
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Nurture soul affinity through shared spiritual experiences, conversations and understanding each other’s character.
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Value substance over form. External time together matters less than the internal bond connecting friends. Distance apart cannot break a relationship grounded in God.
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Have faith in reunion. Parting brings sorrow but, like Francis and Clare, we can have faith that goodbyes in this life are temporary for those united in spirit.
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See signs of God’s blessings. In times of doubt, look for affirmations like the miraculous roses that God smiles on a friendship dedicated to Him.
Francis and Clare lived eight centuries ago, yet their companionship remains relevant. May their commitment to poverty and chaste love continue to inspire friendship rooted in perfect love of God and neighbor.
The Unbreakable Bond Between the Saints
In many ways, Francis and Clare’s relationship represents the very best of human connection – spiritually enriching, sacrificial and grounded in absolute faith. Their steadfast affection and trust in God’s purpose, even when forced to separate, sets a poignant example of how love bears and transcends all.
Few stories capture the power of saintly friendship more exquisitely than their enduring promise, “We will meet again when summer returns and the roses bloom.” Across 800 years, through war and plague, that summer reunion still blooms brilliantly for Francis and Clare, and all who nurture similar unbreakable bonds. Their legend remains one of history’s most lyrical expressions of spiritual kinship.
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FAQ
When summer returns and the roses bloom, Mayans?
At the same time, EZ goes to Gaby’s uncle’s place and finds a note left for him on the door that reads: “When summer returns and the roses bloom,” a quote EZ related to Gaby about St. Francis falling in love with St. Clare.
What month do roses start blooming?
‘of rose will bloom continuously, which means they can have more than one bloom cycle during the season, which usually lasts from May to October.’ April 29, 2021
What is the age difference between Francis and Clare?
Clare was a dozen years younger than Francis and a member of the noble class.May 13, 2022
Who did St. Francis fall in love with?
The Love Letters is the love story of Francis and Clare. The mysterious path they took changes how we think about our purpose, our connection with each other, nature, and everything else in the world.
What happens when Roses cease to bloom?
When roses cease to bloom, dear By Emily Dickinson When roses cease to bloom, dear and violets are done, When bumblebees in solemn flight Have passed beyond the sun, The hand that paused to gather Upon this summer’s day Will idle lie, in Auburn. — Then take my flower, pray!.
How many stanzas are in the poem ‘when Roses cease to bloom’?
It is written as two stanzas with four lines in each. When roses cease to bloom, dear By Emily Dickinson When roses cease to bloom, dear and violets are done, When bumblebees in solemn flight Have passed beyond the sun, The hand that paused to gather Upon this summer’s day Will idle lie, in Auburn. –.
Is the last Rose of summer a romantic triangle?
Thus, the two-some of “The Last Rose of Summer,” echoed in “When Roses cease to bloom, Sir” and “Summer for thee, grant I may be,” becomes a romantic triangle. This pattern is clearly spelled out in “If she had been the Mistletoe” (Fr60B), where the speaker’s correct personification “classification” provides the premise (fig. 17): Figure 17.
Why is ‘Tis the last Rose of summer’ so popular?
More important for its long popular ascendancy than Moore’s gentrified nationalism, however, is the fact that “’Tis the Last Rose of Summer” precisely strikes, with its “romantic mixture” of sweetness and melancholy, the exemplary mood of the transatlantic parlor song.
What is the name of the song before the roses bloom again?
The name of the song ‘Before the roses bloom again’ is ‘Where the roses never fade’.
Is ‘Tis the last Rose of summer’ a romantic song?
In short, while the premise of “’Tis the Last Rose of Summer” might lead us to expect a romantic relationship, it redirects us to the deep feelings of friendship—and the relationship between the rose and the speaker we might see, by the time we finish the song, as one that is companionable rather than, or as well as, romantic.