St. Frances of Rome
Born: c. 1384 CE
Died: March 9, 1440
Feast Day: March 9
Patron: Benedictine oblates, automobile drivers, widows
Frances was born in 1384 to a wealthy Italian family. From a young age, she wanted to dedicate her life to prayer and service; however, her parents ultimately disagreed. Instead, they married her off to Lorenzo de’ Ponziani, a young nobleman. Frances realized that her sister-in-law, Vannozza, had the same religious desire as she did: With their husbands’ blessing they set out on a quest to help those in need.
However, the plague struck Italy, and Frances became violently ill for months. When she recovered, Frances decided to help others affected by the plague, and she sold her possessions to buy them necessities. Along with Vannozza she opened a part of her home to other plague victims, turning it into a hospital. Frances truly believed that her calling was to help those in need. To help others live out a similar vocation, she established a society for laywomen who wished to devote their life to service and prayer. She continued to work for this society until her death on March 9, 1440.
Today, St. Frances of Rome serves as a guide for all those who seek to serve others. Frances found a way to balance both her family commitments and desire to live a holy life: Her life is a model to all those who seek to do the same.
—Sierra Machorro
Image: Wikimedia Commons
