The Church of Santa Chiara in Enna has a rich and varied history. In 1619, the Jesuits settled in Castrogiovanni (the ancient name for Enna) and several properties were donated to them, including a house that became the first nucleus of the convent. The church and convent soon became the center of the Jesuits’ apostolic activity in the city, which they devoted to preaching, teaching and other social works.However, in 1767, the Jesuits were expelled from the kingdom of Sicily and their college in Enna was closed. This represented a loss for the city, as the Jesuit institute represented an important center of education and culture. Although the Enna college had only lower studies, it played a significant role in the education and training of young people.After the expulsion of the Jesuits, the college was given to the city’s Poor Clares in 1779, who reunified the monasteries of Santa Chiara and Santa Maria delle Grazie into a large central monastery. St. Clare’s church was used as a war memorial during the post-World War II period, and the side chapels were adapted to house the burial niches of soldiers who died in the war.The Church of Santa Chiara in Enna thus represents an important historical and artistic testimony, with a past linked to the presence of the Jesuits and a significant role in the local community over the centuries.
