St Francis of Rome

     Francesca Bussa de' Leoni, known as Francis of Rome Obl.S.B., was an Italian Catholic mystic and a Benedictine Oblate who founded a religious community of Oblates, who shared a common life without religious vows. She was canonized in 1608. 

     When she was just 11 years old she wanted to be a nun. But, at age 12, her parents forced her to marry Lorenzo Ponzani, a commander of the papal troops of Rome and a member of an extremely wealthy family. Although the marriage had been arranged, it was a happy one, which lasted for 40 years. 

     Francis visited the poor and cared for the sick, inspiring other wealthy women from the city to do the same. Soon after her marriage, Francis fell seriously ill. Her husband called a man who dabbled in magic, but Francis drove him away by saying, "begone, thou satan, nor ever venture into these walls again!" She later recounted to her husband, that St. Alexis had appeared to her and cured her. 

     When her father-in-law died, Francis became the Mistress of the household. Turning part of the family estate into a hospital and distributed food and clothing to the poor. 

     Francis had the gift of miracles and ecstasy, as well as the bodily vision of her Guardian Angel. She could read the secrets of consciences and detect plots of diabolical origin. Although possessing such graces, she was remarkable for her humility and detachment, obedience and patience.     

     After years of service, dedicated to God, she died in 1440 and was buried in Santa Maria Nova. 

     This remarkable Saint teaches us, that following the Will of God with total trust and surrender marks our own crown that we may receive by doing the same. 

     St Francis of Rome, pray for us!