Frances, a devoted and loving wife, she longed for a lifestyle of prayer and service, so she organized a group of women to minister to the needs of Rome’s poor.
Born of wealthy parents (1384), Frances found herself attracted to the religious life during her youth. But her parents objected, and a young nobleman was selected to be her husband.
However, Frances and her sister-in-law, Vannozza, set out together—with their husbands’ blessings—to serve the poor.
The years passed, and Frances gave birth to three sons. The family flourished under Frances’ care, but within a few years a great plague swept across Italy. It struck Rome with devastating cruelty and left Frances’ second son dead.
Frances used all her money and sold her possessions to buy whatever the sick might possibly need. When all the resources had been exhausted, Frances and Vannozza went door to door begging.
Since 1425, Saint Frances is known as the founder of the Congregation of Oblates following the rule of Saint Benedict - dedicated to the poor, sick and virtues of humility and patience.
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