Clare of Assisi from New CIty Press

you may recognize that which has been set down for many as an example of salvation, and that you may finally merit to be placed in our eternal Fatherland accompanied by a concourse of holy Virgins; to Us who are about to take possession of that immensity of joy over this which is accustomed to originate for the Father from a virtuous Son, who pursues the glory of steadfast honor.

Given at the Lateran on the seventh before the Ides of May in the 12th year of Our Pontificate.^a

Angelis gaudium, May 11^b

Gregory, Servant of the servants of God, sends greetings and Apostolic blessings to His beloved daughter Agnes, handmaid of Christ and of His glorious Virgin who is blessed forever.

We believe that joy came to the angels and that there was an increase of devotion among those converted to the Lord, when you cast aside your royal trappings and assumed the habit of poverty in order to obtain those rewards of heaven which were promised to those who follow the footsteps of the eternal King. Truly, you have to maintain careful vigilance in order that your intention, with God's help, may be directed to this end and come to realization. That your heart, however great it is, may be inflamed to the observance of virtue under the inspiration of the Lord, you have to be prompt in the practice of the obedience and always disposed for the glory of Him who was made obedient to the Father of all the faithful, and since We are mindful that Our principal concern is the salvation of souls which, with the help of God, is able to be accomplished through the administrations of Our office, you ought to accept Our advice with a devout heart and follow it with efficient and diligent zeal, especially on those matters where the only consideration is to please the Creator of all things. Surely, O daughter of benediction and grace, when We were yet established in a lesser office, and that beloved daughter in Christ, Clare, the Abbess of the Monastery of Saint Damian in Assisi, and certain other devout women in the Lord cast aside worldly vanity and chose to serve Him under the yoke of religious observance,

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