‘What’s lovely about this book is you don’t just follow Francis and Clare, but you follow their followers as well, including the story of the Franciscan revival within the Anglican Communion. This is how discipleship works. Those who follow Christ have others follow them. The imprint of their witness is magnified through other lives and inspires us to follow too.’ Stephen Cottrell

‘Through simple stories of martyrs and mystics, missionaries and thinkers, writers and others involved in pastoral care and social justice, Sister Helen Julian offers a series of compellingly written and moving biographies. From 13th century Italians to 20th century Congolese, she weaves a rich and diverse tapestry of friars, sisters and Poor Clares, members of religious congregations, housewives and priests – mostly Roman Catholic but also Anglican – saints and ‘ordinary’ Christians. In providing us with these accounts, Sister Helen invites us to do what Clare advised her own sister, Agnes: “Place your mind before the mirror of eternity! Place your soul in the brilliance of glory! And transform your entire being into the image of the Godhead Itself through contemplation.”’ John-Francis Friendship, author and former first order SSF brother

‘I really enjoyed this book, which surveys some of the fruits growing on the Franciscan tree through the centuries. It is not a history book, but it is well-researched, and the people chosen for consideration are happily varied. There are some pillars of Franciscan life, beginning with Francis and Clare, as well as Franciscans from almost every period in history. There is a balance of men and women, professed religious and lay people, bishops and doorkeepers, well-known, lesser known and new names, but all are presented in a relaxed style which makes this book easy and pleasant to read. It is an excellent introduction to a wide view of the Franciscan charism and will be ideal for anyone wanting to know about the people inspired by Francis and Clare.’ Frances Teresa OSC, Poor Clare