Description
Saint Frances of Rome
Feast day: March 9th.
The name Frances is derived from a Latin name that originally denotes a connection to the Franks.
Saint Frances of Rome, often also called Francesca Romana, was born in 1384 in Rome. She was revered for her piety and humanitarian work. Despite an adolescent marriage and motherhood, she maintained her devotion to prayer and helped the poor. After becoming a widow, she founded the community of the Oblates of Tor de’ Specchi (Oblate di Tor de’ Specchi), which provided support to the poor and sick.
Frances’s life was marked by many trials and sufferings, including the loss of children, but she constantly held onto her faith and trusted in God’s will. She was known for mystical visions and lived a life of strict penance. Her fervent loyalty to God and love for her neighbors contributed to her rapid canonization after her death.
She is the patron saint of wives, widows, housewives, motorists, taxi drivers, pilots, and motorcyclists, as well as the city of Rome. She is invoked in the fight against plague and to protect children from death.
