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 Saint Francesca Of Rome 4th Centenary Of Canonization Scott 1413-1414 (2009) March 9 is the Feast of Saint Frances of Rome. She was a mystic, organizer of charitable services, and a Benedictine oblate who founded the religious community of oblates known as the Olivetan Oblates of Mary, later renamed the Oblates of St. Frances of Rome. Born Francesca Bussa de' Leoni in 1384, hers was a wealthy Roman family. Francesesca wanted to become a nun, but her family arranged a marriage with a military commander of papal troops in Rome, Lorenzo Ponziani. She displayed a zeal for the care of souls, the poor, and the sick. Her service occurred during years when parts of Italy were devastated or neglected, primarily during the tumultuous years of the Great Schism of the West and the wars among various Roman states. Her husband was wounded during one of these conflicts and she cared for him for the remainder of her life. In addition, 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, found in the Catholic Encyclopedia, 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 confraternity of pious women who did not take vows but served the needs of the poor and sick. In 1433, this became a religious congregation with private vows under papal approval, later known as the Oblates of St. Frances of Rome. Saint Frances died on March 9, 1440. She was canonized in 1608. The two stamps shown at the top of the page illustrate two events in the life of Saint Frances of Rome. The 0.85-euro stamp shows Saint Frances caring for a man with broken arm. The 1.00-euro stamp depicts the miracle of the grapes. REFERENCE: |
