Saint Franca

Franca Visalta OCist (1170–1218), also known as Franca of Piacenza, was a Cistercian abbess and Catholic Saint. Born in Piacenza, Italy, she entered the Benedictine convent at St Syrus Convent at the age of seven. At a young age, Franca became abbess but faced removal and isolation due to her severe austerities. Only one nun, Carentia, agreed with Franca's discipline, leading her to move to a Cistercian convent in Rapallo. Franca then persuaded her parents to build a Cistercian house in Montelana where she entered as abbess and maintained strict austerities even when her health was failing. She spent many hours praying each night. Later, the Cistercian community moved to Pittoli, where Franca died in 1218. Pope Gregory X canonized her as a saint.