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Born into a wealthy Roman family, Frances (1384-1440), wanted to become a nun but her family arranged a marriage with a military commander of papal troops in Rome, Lorenzo Ponziani. She possessed a zeal for the care of souls, the poor, and the sick. Her service occurred during years parts of Italy were devastated or neglected, during the tumultuous years of the Great Schism of the West and wars among various Roman states Rome. Her husband was wounded during one of these conflicts and she cared for him for the remainder of her life. Two of their children died from the plague. During this chaos, she and her hospital associates continued to care for the sick and poor in her change, often in her own home. St Frances’ biography in the Catholic Encylcopedia describes her “advanced life of contemplation” and devotion, stating, “Her visions often assumed the form of drama enacted for her by heavenly personages. She had the gifts 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. 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….” In 1425 she founded the Olivetan Oblates of Mary, a confrateernity of pious women who did not take vows but servied the needs of the poor and sick. In 1433 this became a religious congregation with private vows under papal approval, and later known as the Oblates of St. Francis of Rome. She was canonized in 1608. St. Frances is known as the patron saint of ambulance drivers because of a legend that an angel held a latern to light her path while seeking out caring for the sick. She is also the patron of Benedictine Oblates. Stamp Link: Scott 1413-1414 (2009) which depict miracles of healing and the ‘miracle of the grapes’, events during her life. Article Links: • James Hamilton,“2009 Vatican New Issues: A Look Back” : Vatican Notes, Vol. 58, No. 345 pp. 10-11 (2010) |
