Saint Frances of Rome

Saint Frances of Rome (born 1384, Rome [Italy]—died March 9, 1440, Rome; canonized 1608; feast day March 9) was the founder of the Oblate Congregation of Tor de’ Specchi (Oblates of St. Frances of Rome), a community that, with the Olivetan Benedictines, works for the sick and the poor.

When she was only 13, Frances’ parents married her to Lorenzo de’ Ponziani, whose sister-in-law, Vannozza, helped Frances draft a rule of life for the new order. In the fierce civil strife caused by the Great Schism of the Western church, the Ponzianis lost their fortune. While living in part of her ruined palace, Frances shared her last resources with the suffering people. With Lorenzo’s approval, she founded (1425) the Oblates of Mary, known since 1433 as the Oblate Congregation of Tor de’ Specchi. Upon her husband’s death in 1436, she became its superior.