Feast day: March 9th
When did St. Frances of Rome live: 1384- 1440
Biography of St. Frances of Rome:
Frances was born in 1384 in Rome to a noble couple, and wished to pursue a religious life. Despite her wish, her parents arranged the marriage with Lorenzo Ponzaini. They led a happy marriage and Frances helped the poor whenever she could. Frances then gave birth to four children and turned her attention to the needs of her family. As two of her children died of plague, she founded a society of women bound by no vows. After the death of her husband, she passed the last years of her life with the society helping the poor.
Patronage: St. Frances of Rome is patroness of benedictine oblates and automobile drivers
Statues and wooden sculptures representing St. Frances of Rome - portrayal, imagery and emblem: St. Frances of Rome is shown as foundress of a religious community of oblates with book and pen and an angel who appeared to her several times.