Main Stream: Franciscans

The charism of the OSC is to live a Gospel life of radical poverty, humility, and contemplative prayer in imitation of St. Clare and St. Francis of Assisi. Their vocation emphasizes: Perpetual prayer and Eucharistic adoration; Intercession for the needs of the Church & world; Simplicity, poverty, and obedience; Quiet witness to the presence of Christ through contemplative life rather than external apostolates.
This way of life makes the Poor Clares a spiritual source of strength and prayerful support for the Church’s mission everywhere.

The Poor Clare Sisters (OSC) were founded in 1212 by St. Clare of Assisi under the inspiration of St. Francis of Assisi, forming the female branch of the Franciscan family. Their original monastery was at San Damiano near Assisi, where Clare embraced a radical life of poverty, humility, and prayer. They spread throughout Europe and later globally, establishing contemplative monasteries dedicated to the Eucharistic life and intercessory prayer.
In East Africa, Poor Clare monasteries exist in various countries (e.g., Itahwa & Bukoba in Tanzania listed in directories) and communities in Uganda (Mbarara and Ggaba) with local leadership and contact structures.
Unlike many active congregations, the Poor Clares are primarily contemplative cloistered nuns, focusing on a hidden life of prayer and sacrifice for the Church and the world.

Poor Clare Sisters, P.O.Box 75, Mwanza Tanzania, stclarembar150@gmail.com — Poor Clare Sisters (OSC), P.O. Box 150, Mbarara, Uganda (useful to get local contacts of nearby Poor Clare convents)