Saint Frances of Rome

Biography

Saint Frances of Rome, also known as Franziske av Rome or Francesca Bussa de’ Leoni, was born in Rome, Italy in 1384 to the noble Bussa family. Her parents, Paul Bussa and Jacobella de’ Roffredeschi, provided her with a privileged upbringing. At the tender age of twelve, Frances married Lorenzo de’ Ponziani, and their union would last for forty years. Together, they had three children, born in 1400, 1404, and 1407. Despite her aristocratic background, Frances felt a deep calling to serve God. She lived an exemplary life of faith, devoting herself to prayer and the works of charity. Widowed in 1436, she chose to embrace religious life as a Benedictine Oblate and became the foundress of the Oblates of the Tor de’ Specchi (Collatines). This religious community followed the Rule of St. Benedict and aimed to provide aid to the sick and the poor. Throughout her life, Frances demonstrated an extraordinary level of devotion, and it is said that an archangel guided and accompanied her, visible only to her. This celestial guide inspired and directed her in her chosen path of serving the vulnerable and marginalized. She used her personal fortune to support various charitable endeavors, including the establishment of the first home for abandoned children in Rome. Saint Frances of Rome experienced divine visions, numbering at least 97. In these mystical experiences, she witnessed the sufferings of Hell. Her profound spirituality and unwavering dedication to God made her an invaluable asset to the Church and the people she served. One of the unique aspects of Saint Frances's patronage is her association with cars and drivers. On her feast day, priests bless cars as a testament to her patronage in this area. Although Frances never drove herself, legend holds that her guardian angel illuminated her path during nighttime travels, acting like a headlight for her safety. Saint Frances of Rome is typically depicted as a nun with a book, emphasizing her dedication to religious life and her spiritual writings. Additionally, she is often portrayed with a monstrance and arrow, symbolizing her devotion to the Eucharist. Another representation depicts her alongside an angel holding a branch of oranges, a symbol of her charitable works. Some renditions showcase her with her guardian angel dressed as a deacon or receiving the veil from the Christ Child, held by the Blessed Virgin Mary. In other representations, Saint Frances is depicted as a woman dressed in black, donning a white veil and accompanied by her guardian angel, sometimes carrying a basket of food. Saint Frances of Rome was born on March 9, 1384, in Rome, Italy, as Francesca Bussa de’ Leoni. She passed away in her hometown in 1440. Her relics are preserved at Saint Frances of Rome Church in Rome, while she is entombed beneath the pavement of the Ponziani sacristy within the Church of Saint Cecilia. In recognition of her exceptional holiness and the impact of her charitable works, Pope Paul V canonized Saint Frances of Rome on May 29, 1608. She was proclaimed as the patron saint against plague and the patroness of automobile drivers, motorists, automobilists, aviators, cab drivers, taxi drivers, death of children, laypeople, motorcyclists, people ridiculed for their piety, pilots, Roman housewives, widows, and women. Pope Pius XII further confirmed her patronage of automobile drivers and motorists on September 9, 1951. The life of Saint Frances of Rome serves as a shining example of selflessness, piety, and dedication to serving God and others. Her legacy continues to inspire countless individuals, and her intercession is sought by those in need of protection, guidance, and support.