“The form of life of the Poor Sisters that Blessed Francis established is this: to observe the Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, by living in obedience, without anything of one’s own, and in chastity.” (Our Holy Rule)
By the profession of this way of life “we accept the responsibility before God, the Church and our religious family to observe the Holy Gospel in the spirit proper to our Order and according to our Rule. This is to live an enclosed life of prayer and penance, in solitude and silence, occupied with God alone, urged on by love for the whole people of God.” (Constitutions)
This form of life “appears as the most radical way of living the Gospel on earth, a way which may be called divine.” (Pope St. John Paul II)
THE VOWED LIFE |
PRAYER AND WORSHIP |
WORK AND SACRIFICE |
HOLY UNITY |
| 12:30 a.m. | Rise |
| 12:45 a.m. | Matins (Office of Readings) / Meditation |
| 1:45 a.m. | Retire |
| 5:00 a.m. | Rise / Dusting charge |
| 5:30 a.m. | Lauds (Morning Prayer) |
| 6:00 a.m. | Meditation |
| 7:00 a.m. | Holy Sacrifice of the Mass |
| 7:30 a.m. | Thanksgiving / Rosary / Breakfast / Work period |
| 9:30 a.m. | The Abbess’ blessing / Terce (Midmorning Prayer) / Work period |
| 11:45 a.m. | Sext (Midday Prayer) |
| 12:00 p.m. | Angelus & Examen Dinner |
| 1:00 p.m. | General work |
| 1:30 p.m. | Quiet time |
| 2:00 p.m. | None (Midafternoon Prayer) / Work period |
| 4:30 p.m. | Vespers (Evening Prayer) / Scripture reading |
| 5:30 p.m. | Angelus / Collation (Supper) |
| 6:30 p.m. | Recreation |
| 7:30 p.m. | Compline (Night Prayer) / Free time |
| 9:00 p.m. | Retire |
Although the Poor Clares of Corpus Christi Monastery are cloistered and follow a certain horarium, there are many opportunities to unite oneself to their way of life and prayer, such as daily Mass, weekly adoration and the Feast of St. Clare.