Bona di Guelfuccio

Bona di Guelfuccio was a laywoman closely connected to Clare of Assisi from childhood and a key witness in Clare’s canonization process of 1253. Belonging to the same aristocratic milieu, she lived near Clare and frequently associated with her before Clare entered religious life. Bona testified to Clare’s virtuous conduct, charitable practices, and secret meetings with Francis of Assisi. Unlike her sister Pacifica, Bona remained a laywoman, embodying a model of female lay spirituality centered on devotion and pilgrimage. Her testimony provides valuable chronological and biographical insights into Clare’s early life and spiritual formation.