Frances of Rome

Saint Frances of Rome

Also known as
Franziske av Rome
Francesca Bussa de’ Leoni
Francesca Romana

memorial
9 March

Profile

Our Saint today was a 14th century visionary in Rome. She was born to the aristocracy, she felt called to the religious life.

Guided by an invisible Archangel, she founded religious orders and the first foundling home in Rome. She spent her life ministering to the sick and it is said she hat up to 97 mystic visions, in which she witnesses the torments of Hell.

Pious legend says that when Frances went out at night, her guardian angel went before her with a lamp to light the way. Because of this she is the patron saint of cars and drivers. Priests and Deacons are supposed to bless your car today.

She is buried under the sacristy of the church of St Cecilia in Rome.

Born
1384 in Rome

Died
1440 in Rome,

Patronage
against plague
automobile drivers (given in 1951)
automobilists
aviators
cab drivers
death of children
lay people
motorcyclists
motorists
people ridiculed for their piety
pilots
Roman housewives
taxi drivers
widows
women