St. Clare of Assisi - Photos from the CWL Ottawa Convention

St. Clare of Assisi was the first woman to practice the life of entire poverty as taught by St. Francis.

Placed by him at the head of a few companions in the small convent of San Damiano, she governed her community for forty-two years thus founding at the gates of Assisi the Order of Poor Clares.

Their Rule included austerities hitherto unknown in monasteries of women. They went barefoot, slept on the ground, kept perpetual abstinence and made poverty the basis of their lives. St. Clare died on August 11, 1253, and was canonized two years after her death.

O God, who in your mercy led Saint Clare to a love of poverty, grant, through her intercession, that following Christ in poverty of spirit, we may merit to contemplate you one day in the heavenly Kingdom. Through our Lord.

PHOTOS FROM THE CWL 90th ANNUAL NATIONAL CONVENTION (August 8-11)

This evening, the CWL 90th Annual National Convention draws to a close with a Concelebrated Mass presided by Archbishop Martin Currie at Notre Dame Cathedral Basilica, followed by the closing banquet at the Crowne Plaza convention centre.

With thanks to photographers Heri Riesbeck and Deborah Gyapong for them, here are photos from the Opening Mass at St. Patrick's Basilica, greetings given afterwards, a reception offered by Kelly Funeral Homes, scenes from the convention Mass and Monday's gathering:

The procession with the national, provincial and territorial flags is led by the CWL flag

Concelebrating priests enter St. Patrick's Basilica

A view of the congregation

On behalf of the host Ottawa delegation, Spiritual Director, Fr. Jessimar Tapia invites everyone to put on a happy smile like his

Hamilton Bishop Anthony Tonnos, Ontario Spiritual Advisor welcomes delegates from across Canada to the Province

Federal Justice Minister Rob Nicholson brings best wishes from Prime Minister Stephen Harper

Archbishop Martin W. Currie St. John's, NL, CWL National Spiritual Moderator brings greetings to the delegates

CWL National President Danielle McNeil-Hessian declares 90th Convention officially open

Reception at St. Anthony Hall following Opening Mass

Weekday Mass at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, presided by Regina Archbishop Daniel Bohan

In good fun, delegates take turns dressing in old-style fashions