March 9 + Saint Frances of Rome

Frances was born in 1384 to a wealthy, noble family. From her mother she inherited a quiet manner and a pious devotion to God. From her father, she inherited a strong will. She decided at eleven that she knew what God wanted for her — she was going to be a nun. Her father told Frances she was far too young to know her mind — but not too young to be married. He had already promised her in marriage to Lorenzo Ponziani, commander of the papal troops of Rome and member of an extremely wealthy family. Although the marriage had been arranged, it was a happy one, lasting for forty years.

Soon after her marriage, Frances fell seriously ill. Saint Alexis had appeared to her and her recovery was immediate and complete. This experience only deepened her commitment to the suffering people she met.

The years passed and Frances gave birth to two sons and a daughter. With the new responsibilities of family life, the young mother turned her attention more to the needs of her own household. When her mother-in-law died, Frances became mistress of the household. During a time of flood and famine, she turned part of the family's country estate into a hospital and distributed food and clothing to the poor. Her father-in-law was so angry that he took away from her the keys to the supply rooms but gave them back when he saw that the corn bin and wine barrel were replenished after Frances finished praying.

Frances discovered that her sister-in-law Vannozza also wished to live a life of service and prayer. So the two set out together — with their husbands’ blessings — to help the poor and take care of the sick, inspiring other wealthy women of the city to do the same.

During a period of forced exile, much of Lorenzo's property and possessions were destroyed. In the course of one occupation of Rome by Neapolitan forces, he was wounded so severely that he never fully recovered. Frances nursed him throughout the rest of his life.

With her husband's consent, Frances practiced continence and advanced in a life of contemplation. She had the gift of miracles and ecstasy, as well as the bodily vision of her guardian angel, had revelations concerning Purgatory and Hell, and foretold the ending of the Western Schism. It is said she had the gift of healing and over 60 cases were attested to during the canonization proceedings. She could read the secrets of consciences and detect plots of diabolical origin. She was remarkable for her humility and detachment, her obedience and patience.

With Lorenzo's support and respect, Frances started a lay order of women attached to the Benedictines called the Oblates of Mary. The women lived in the world but pledged to offer themselves to God and serve the poor. Eventually they bought a house where the widowed members could live in community.

Frances nursed Lorenzo until he died. His last words to her were, "I feel as if my whole life has been one beautiful dream of purest happiness. God has given me so much in your love.”

After his death, Frances moved into the house with the other Oblates and was made superior. At 52 she had the life she dreamed of when she was eleven. She had been right in discerning her original vocation — she just had the timing wrong. God had other plans for her in between. Frances died four years later. Her last words were "The angel has finished his task — he beckons me to follow him."