Saint Who?
Saints Who Could Read Souls
Saint Frances of Rome
Foundress († 1440) Feast: March 9
Frances (or Francesca) was born to a prominent family in Rome in 1384. Her devout mother found her a Benedictine monk as a teacher and spiritual director. Under his guidance, Frances seriously considered becoming a nun, but she submitted to her parents when they insisted that she marry in an arranged match.
At thirteen Frances was married to Lorenzo Ponziano. Their marriage lasted nearly forty years. Though Frances was initially grieved at not being able to follow the religious life, she found consolation in the friendship of her sister-in-law. The two supported each other in sanctifying their vocation as married women. Frances earned so much love and respect that upon the death of her mother-in-law, her husband and his family unanimously chose her to manage their household.
Frances lost two of her children to disease. One of these later appeared to his mother in the company of an angel who was to be her special help on earth. After this, it is said, she always had the light necessary to perform her work at night, including errands of mercy. The light also enabled her to read souls. Her final words were: “The angel has finished his work. He is beckoning me to follow.”
Glorious Father, help us to sanctify
our homes, families, and cities.
