Review: Il Monastero-Santuario "Santa Gemma Galgani" in Lucca

Il Monastero-Santuario "Santa Gemma Galgani" in Lucca by Bruno Tommasi
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I mean, it barely has a biography of Santa Gemma, and the map doesn't indicate the places mentioned, and the entire last section is about the Monache Passioniste, of which St. Gemma was not a part, but apparently either wanted to be or was fascinated with (it is unclear in the biography). Anyway, they buried her body with them. 

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Review: Light in the Dark Ages: The Friendship of Francis and Clare of Assisi

Light in the Dark Ages: The Friendship of Francis and Clare of Assisi by Jon M. Sweeney
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Not really about the friendship between Francis and Clare of Assisi, since they hardly ever interacted, other than at the very beginning and for a famous meal together.

However, this was still very interesting. Particularly about how badly (and quickly) Francis's teachings were subverted and altered after his death. In fact, even though he left precise instructions, and said that these directions were not to be changed, they still were completely.

Also interesting how his followers (the spirituals) included Ubertino of Casale, of "Name of the Rose" fame.

I get the impression that he probably came closest to taking the life of Christ (and therefore the Bible) literally, getting rid of all his possessions.

I was also impressed by Clare of Assisi, who probably deserves much more acclaim, being the first female to develop her own "rules" in Catholicism.

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