Unfortunately, in this fallen world of ours, sometimes it isnt possible and sometimes God is calling us to encounter him in a less traditional way. "What has always made me respect you, even in the bad times, was your ability to look out at the world and see what's there. Action. Frances was born in the city of Rome in 1384 to a wealthy, noble family. Frances was a good wife and homemaker, and the . Everyone thought that sixteen-year-old Frances was best qualified to take her mother-in-law's place. You're my life. The hardest words she could have said -- but the right words to set her on the road to sanctity. During a famine she gave away corn to the poor so lavishly that her husband began to object. At the age of 12 she married another Roman noble, Lorenzo Ponziani. A married woman must, when called upon, quit her devotions to God at the altar to find Him in her household affairs. As if that werent enough, she was able to see and receive spiritual advice from him. read more . If God can work through me, he can work through anyone. Over the course of her life, though, she learned some valuable lessons that helped her not only be a good wife and mother, but also a holy, prayerful woman of God. She would always been able to see him. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, She desired to enter the convent, but in obedience to her parents was instead married at age twelve to a young nobleman named Lorenzo de' Ponziani. She is co-patroness of all Benedictine Oblates along with St. Henry. Each being (human or creature) has the same right of protection. In her spare time, you can find her trying to beat her Goodreads record, out and about with a camera, tweeting at @MelissaCeciliaG, or blogging over at Journey of a Catholic Nerd Writer. Donate. Not what you'd like to see, oreven what you need to see, but simply what's there. by Marion Habig, ofm. Frances surely experienced moments like this. She had a vision that St. Alexis. Now the father-in-law changed his tune, saying: "Oh, my dear child, dispose henceforward of everything I possess, and multiply without end those alms that have gained you such favor in God's sight!". Instead of stopping to help them, she brushed the person aside, saying, I have to get to Mass! On the way home, the woman was in an accident and died. In the dishes, in the checking of our inboxes, in the conference calls, in the laundry, in the meetings, in the diaper changeshe is there. Eventually they bought a house where the widowed members could live in community. St. Frances of Rome is one of them. Raise your hand if youve ever felt like God was calling you She turned the spicket on the empty cask and wine began to flow - the best wine any of them had ever tasted. St. Frances of Rome always saw him standing before her, his arms clasped at his breast, his eyes uplifted to Heaven; but at the slightest failing, he would cover his face as if in shame, and at times, turn his back to her. Help us to discern what comes from our will and what comes from God's desire. But a household as large as the Ponziani's needed someone to run it. Frances collapsed from the strain. After her husband died, she went Living at the Ponziani palace with St Frances of Rome was Vanozza, the wife of her oldest brother. Her father, however, had promised her hand in marriage to the son of Your gift is tax-deductible as allowed by law. Though he wrote relatively little in his life, St. Francis radical approach to serving those in need and his commitment to nature has continued to have an impact on Christians hundreds of years after his death. Her desire as a young girl was to enter religion but, at her father's wish, she married at age twelve and had three children. 2016. Civil war came to Rome -- this was a time of popes and antipopes and Rome became a battleground. It might surprise some to discover that he did not, in fact, say this. But neither of us should tolerate degradation in any of it forms. A constant companion and spiritual adviser, he once commanded her to stop her severe penances (eating only bread and water and wearing a hair shirt). But the two spiritual friends went to mass together, visited prisons, served in hospitals and set up a secret chapel in an abandoned tower of their palace where they prayed together. And sometimes she must leave God at the altar to find Him in her housekeeping.. To be consoled as to console, It was found empty when her annoyed father-in-law sought a glass of wine for himself. Frances prayed that God would somehow prevent the marriage from happening. At seventeen, St Frances of Rome gave birth to her first son, John Baptist; and shortly afterwards her mother-in-law died. This friend, like Frances' Vannozza, may be near you already. Again Frances tried to embrace her cross and again it proved to heavy for her. Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Later in life, with her husbands permission, Frances started a lay order of women attached to the Benedictines called the Oblates of Mary. Unfortunately for her, her father was entirely unconcerned about her desireshe insisted that she marry. At her worst, she had a vision of St. Alexis. We are going to want to spend time in prayer. God has given me so much in your love. She was a Third Order Benedictine, founded an order of Oblates, and for decades saw her guardian angel with her at all times. Copyright 2023 Catholic Exchange. Sign up to get our top five trending stories delivered every weekday! In 1433, after Lorenzo's death, St Frances of Rome and her companions founded a religious community of Oblates. Featured image: Wikimedia commons. Frances was stunnedand chastened. But the troubles were not over. The peasants from the wasted Ponziani farm came to St Frances, begging for food. Catholic Online is a Project of Your Catholic Voice Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Corporation. For months she lay close to death, unable to eat or move or speak. She did this for seven years, until her husband passed away, and then came to live the remainder of her life with the societyserving the poorest of the poor. From her mother she inherited a quiet manner and a pious devotion to God. By age 11, she decided that she wanted to become a nun. There was nothing she could do to change his mind so her choice was this: accept the call of God put before her in peace or in misery. Since when do you and I talk about the world," she said. She also lived in this house following the death of her husband. inspirational to young men This weekend marked the death of Giovanni de Bernardino in 1226, the wealthy heir to a silk merchant who would go on to dedicate his life to God. When their father-in-law sold all the familys extra grain and wine so that Frances could no longer give it away, the granary was miraculously filled for months, no matter how much she passed out to the poor, and the one cask of wine never ran dry. If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men. The family flourished under Frances care, but within a few years a great plague began to sweep across Italy. If you don't have one now, ask God to send you such a companion. It is no use walking anywhere to preach unless our walking is our preaching. The Los Angeles, CA native holds a B.A. In an effort to help alleviate some of the suffering, Frances used all her money and sold her possessions to buy whatever the sick might possibly need. (Source), We must not be wise and prudent according to the flesh, but, instead, we must be simple, humble and pure. Sports Betting Hits a New High: A Crisis in the Making? "T, The writer Fran Leibowitz once gave an inter, Inequality is a problem and an issue. as an ebook download. However, there is another layer to St. Francess words. Most memorably, I remember a time when I was at Mass with my daughters, not long after my second was born. Then look around you. Pelayo's resistance initiated the nearly 800-year-long Reconquista to take back his country from the ruthless invader who had conquered his homeland and sought to erase his culture and his faith. After her husbands death, Frances moved in with the Oblates of Mary and became the superior. "What has always made me respect you, even in thebad times, was your ability to look out at the worldand see what's there. St. Frances had three children: two sons and a daughter. Lorenzo became even more devoted to her after this -- he was even a little in awe of her because of what she'd been through. St Frances of Rome was born into a noble Roman family in 1384. Throughout her life, Frances endured war, plagues, the kidnapping of her son, and the early deaths of two children. Ask the beasts and they will teach you the beauty of this earth. ~Famous quote of Saint Frances. He told her that God was offering her a choice as to whether or not she would recover. Thanks to their partnership in our mission, we reachmore than 20 million unique users per month! Now available as an e-book! He told her that God was giving her a choice: to recover or not. The marriage was a happy one, lasting forty years. (Source: The Counsels of the Holy Father St. Francis) On Living a Life of Ministry .css-tadcwa:hover{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;}Meg Hunter-Kilmer - @media screen and (max-width: 767px){.css-1xovt06 .date-separator{display:none;}.css-1xovt06 .date-updated{display:block;width:100%;}}published on 03/09/17. Looking at the exemplary life of fidelity to God and devotion to her fellow human beings which Frances of Rome was blessed to lead, one cannot help but be reminded of Saint Teresa of Calcutta, who loved Jesus Christ in prayer and also in the poor. What Frances had written off as frivolity was just Vannozza's natural easy-going and joyful manner. Help us continue to bring the Gospel to people everywhere through uplifting and transformative Catholic news, stories, spirituality, and more. He would give her a little nudge when she fell into any fault. The very strong-willed St. Frances of Rome We need only look and be surprised by the ways he reveals himself. All I want is some quiet time with You, Lord. Probably the hardest work of healing Frances had to do in her life was to restore Lorenzo back to his old self. Writings, Francis of Assisi (2017). Frances nursed Lorenzo until he died. However, at 12yrs, she was forced by her family into an arranged marriage to a wealthy commander of papal troops, Lorenzo Ponziani. The world is a great stage on which God displays his many wonders. another wealthy family. You may be surprised at their reaction. Where there is injury, pardon; From an early age, Frances felt drawn to the religious life, but at the age of thirteen her parents forced her into marriage.. After all, Lent is arguably the most important liturgical season of the year. age of 13. . The verbiage hasn', "I could destroy you with one interview." More than anything in the world, she wanted to be a nun, and she told her father just that. Nicole Abisinio, Author Insights: an Insider Look at Catholic Publishing. This Hilarious Card Game Will Keep You In Holy Stitches (and Out of Confession)! Improve yourself, find your inspiration, share with friends, This website or its third-party tools use cookies, which are necessary to its functioning and required to achieve the purposes illustrated in the cookie policy. A year after the death of her younger son, Evangelista (who died due to a plague that hit Rome), she had a vision in which he told her that her only daughter would soon die as well. As long as Troja had Battista he knew the Ponzianis would stop fighting. On the street, she ran into her spiritual adviser Don Andrew who told her she was choosing the wrong way and ordered her to trust God. I stumbled upon the above quote from St. Frances of Rome a few years ago, when I was curious about the Saint whose feast day shares my birthday. In return God was granting her a special grace by sending an archangel to be her guardian angel for the rest of her life. What made it worse was that Frances was thrown into a very social life. Valerian was delighted when the deacon asked for three days to gather all the gold and silver of the Church together in one central place! She gave in to the marriage -- reluctantly. While she was constantly surrounded by people, Frances felt utterly alone. We chose the wrong vocation or the wrong spouse or made one bad choice that ruined our lives. After her surviving son was grown and marriedand with the full support of her husbandSt. There is so much more I wish I could share about St. Frances of Rome but it would make this article a lot longer than it is. Any unauthorized use, without prior written consent of Catholic Online is strictly forbidden and prohibited. With Lorenzo's support and respect, Frances started a lay order of women attached to the Benedictines called the Oblates of Mary. Whom do you have to fear? An ideal match -- except for someone who was determined to be a bride of Christ. Hoping for quiet and stillness at Mass so I can soak in the grace I desperately need for the next week. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. (and some new ones have been added since then!). Cecilia suffered under the laughter of her friends and yelled at her daughters-in-law to stop theirs spiritual practices. Finally, she whispered, "God's will is mine." Where there is the Fear of God to guard the dwelling, there no enemy can enter. Maybe I could have been a saint, we think, if I hadnt married him or had so many children or gotten in that car accident or had an abortion or dropped out of college or become so bitter. But whatever brought them about, its by those circumstancesthose crossesthat God is sanctifying us. O Divine Master, Finally, Frances took a risk and confided in her sister-in-law Vannozza, who seemed to like being social. St. Alexis told St. Frances her choice: to do Gods will and recover or to die. Now the father-in-law changed his tune, saying: Frances was still kneeling before the altar when she felt Battista's little arms around her. 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 Romes poor. At 52 she had the life she dreamed of when she was eleven. (Source), Pure holy simplicity confounds all the wisdom of this world and the wisdom of the flesh. Where there is Peace and Contemplation, there is neither Care nor Restlessness. I also know that you have given me work to do in this world. Francis of Assisi Quotes Here are 50 of his most famous quotes. (But don't force your opinions on others or get discouraged by lack of interest. They renewed their commitment to their husbands and families and worked with joy. Do few things but do them well, simple joys are holy. Her mother-in-law Cecilia loved to entertain and expected her new daughter-in-law to enjoy the revelry of her social life too. A single sunbeam is enough to drive away many shadows. Born of wealthy parents, Frances found herself attracted to the religious life during her youth. But it wasn't fashionable for noblewomen to help the poor and people gossiped about two girls out alone on the streets. The only thing ever achieved in life without effort is failure. Her family was right, though -- she was an excellent administrator and a fair and pleasant employer. This book is filled with amazing stories of little-knownCatholic heroes presenting spectacles of bravery andvalor never exceeded in all the annals of history.Demonstrating hisgallantry through daring featsof arms, the knight's faith,coupled with his marvelouscourage, made him nearlyinvincible on the fieldof battle. You get one life. Copyright Aleteia SAS all rights reserved. Frances also struggled with finding a balance between living a quiet, contemplative, and prayerful life and being present to the obligations she had to her husband and children. Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Born in Normandy, France, she joined the Sisters of the Christian Schools in 1833 after meeting St. Marie, I doubt she was singing in 1987 (Afghanistan, "Free States." Her recovery was immediate and complete. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you. The whole thing overwhelmed Frances of Rome, the married saint most famous for remarking, A married woman must, when called upon, leave her devotions to God at the altar to find him in her household affairs, did not want to be married. Every day we present the best quotes! "Preach the Gospel at all times. Pope Paul V canonized Frances in 1608. There are two parishes that represent St. Frances of Rome. The tomb of St Frances was opened some months after her death, and besides finding the saint incorrupt, her body gave off a delightful fragrance. I loved going to daily Mass. We might expect that the grief of losing her mother-in-law soon after might have been mixed with relief -- no more pressure to live in society. O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console; to be understood as to understand; to be loved as to love. little known incorrupt saint For a time she too was stricken by the plague, but after she was suddenly cured she at once resumed her works of charity. Writing under the pen name "Melissa Cecilia," she is the author of the Will and Lina series. She received her BA and MA in theology from the University of Notre Dame (09 and 11). . Frances fell ill for a time, but this apparently only deepened her commitment to the suffering people she met. She stubbornly prayed to God to prevent the marriage until her confessor pointed out, "Are you crying because you want to do God's will or because you want God to do your will?". As she and Battista walked the streets, crowds of people tried to block her way or grab Battista from her to save him. And that's alright. Then a miracle happened. Frances began a lay order of women who attached to the Benedictine. She too had entertained thoughts of entering a convent before her marriage, and she joined St Frances in her works of piety and charity. But before him, there was a Frances of Rome. During study breaks, I would pour over the library shelves, trying to find a book on married saints. Married life was not easy for her, especially at the tender And where there is sadness, joy. Her family flourished under her care. The Lord also gives me important work to do. My, Saint of the Day Quote: Saint Placide Viel, Saint of the Day Quote: Saint Cele-Christ, Saint of the Day Quote: Saint Chad of Mercia, Matthew Archbold of Natl Catholic Register, Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition, Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest (ICRSS), Sisters Adorers of the Royal Heart of Jesus, Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity, The Canons Regular of Saint John Cantius (SJC), Latino Partnership for Cnsrvtv Principles, Personal Apostolic Administration of Saint John Mary Vianney, The Republican National Hispanic Assembly. One day in the middle of yelling at her, Mabilia suddenly turned pale and fainted, crying, "Oh my pride, my dreadful pride." It's FREE! The life of Frances of Rome calls each of us not only to look deeply for God in prayer, but also to carry our devotion to Jesus living in the suffering of our world. Copyright EpicPew. Her last words were "The angel has finished his task -- he beckons me to follow him. ""My guess is, we'll stay absolutely still for an hour. During the forty years or their married life they never had a disagreement. If you donate just $5.00, the price of your coffee, Catholic Online School could keep thriving. But her problems did not disappear. Even though my children are older now, new challenges come into play. Finally Frances was so desperate for food to give to the poor she went to the now empty corn loft and sifted through the straw searching for a few leftover kernels of corn. to do something you didnt want to do. St. Alexis replied, "Then you will live to glorify His Name." Frances shows us that this life need not be restricted to those bound by vows. Copyright 2022 Catholic Online. St. Frances of Rome, Pray for Us! While spending her days in retirement and prayer, she attended promptly to every . St. Frances of Rome is one of the great mystics of the 15th century. May our resources renew your spirit as we share God's love in the spirit of St. Francis. When I think of the happiness that is in store for me, every sorrow, every pain becomes dear to me. But though her son came back a charming young man her husband returned broken in mind and body. Lord, help me to live this day, quietly, easily. God had had other plans for her in between. He who works with his hands and his head and his heart is an artist. The life of Frances of Rome calls each of us not only to look deeply for God in prayer, but also to carry our devotion to Jesus living in the suffering of our world. Her husband called a man in who dabbled in magic, but Frances drove him away, saying, "Begone, thou servant of Satan, nor ever venture into these walls again!" and later recounted to Vannozza that St. Alexis had appeared to her and cured her. KolbesLittleFlowers. I am not alone in my struggle to find balance. The Franciscans remain an influential group within the Church, and the pope himself was so moved by his ministry that he took the name Francis. What is it that stands higher than action? Frances Of Rome. To meet others, peacefully, joyously. It struck Rome with devastating cruelty and left Frances second son dead. Learn interesting facts and tidbits about the beloved St. Patrick. God just had other plans for her in between. Her husband called a man in who dabbled in magic, but St Frances drove him out of the house in no uncertain terms. the holy Catholic knight He told Frances she was far too young to know her mind -- but not too young to be married. Frances died four years later. Saint Frances of Rome had a great love for and devotion to the Poor Souls in Purgatory. Melissa Guerrero is a freelance writer. But I know, deep down, that my experience is not unique. Return to Franciscan Calendar Page Return to Incorruptible Saints Page Return to Saints Page Return to Roman Catholic Saints Homepage. But they also attended Mass together and set up a secret chapel in the palace where they could go and pray. Daily Reading for Sunday, March 5th, 2023, Lent - A Season of Reflection, Renewal and Preparation, Continue reading about St. Frances of Rome, St. Frances of Rome Sterling Silver Oval Pendant, Almsgiving, Prayer, and Fasting: The Three Pillars of Lent. They devoted themselves to God and served the poor. There they worked and prayed for the Holy Father and the peace of Rome, for the city was once more in turmoil. Our Lord Jesus asked her to go into Purgatory to feel the pain of the poor souls there. Wolfgang Moroder / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0), A Conversation with a Catholic Filmmaker | feat. When he went to the empty granary, however, he found it miraculously filled with forty measures of wheat "so shining and so fullthat it seemed as though it had been raised in Paradise and reaped there by angels". The deeds you do may be the only sermon some persons will hear today. Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace. Michele Chronister is a wife, and mother to three little girls and one little one in heaven. St. Alexis promised Frances that she would live a life that glorified the Lord. There is a mistake in the text of this quote. After giving him up, Frances ran to a church to weep and pray. (Source), Where there is peace and meditation, there is neither anxiety nor doubt. 5 out of 5 stars (694) $ 31.95. These incidents completely converted Lorenzo and her father-in-law. "That ma, The writer Fran Leibowitz once gave an interviewer, Inequality is a problem and an issue. Frances of Rome was an introvert who learned to thrive amid people. Amen. Welcome to Blessed is She, where we love Jesus and you. She looked around, cleared out the wreckage of the house and turned it into a makeshift hospital and a shelter for the homeless. Blessed is She is a sisterhood of women who want to grow in their relationship with Jesus Christ through their Catholic faith. Today that would describe the, Incredible post Guy. Saint Francis (of Assisi) (1964). (Source: The Writings of St. Francis of Assisi 1905). She decided at eleven that she knew what God wanted for her -- she was going to be a nun. The Lord loves the time I spend with Him. At 11yrs, St Frances wanted to be a nun. To lean upon Thy great strength, trustfully, restfully. Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you. Its no surprise that most saints whose feast days fall during Lent every year are often overlooked. Remember that when you leave this earth, you can take with you nothing that you have received - only what you have given: a full heart, enriched by honest service, love, sacrifice and courage. During the plague, she worked tirelessly to save those whom she could, and bury those who died. If you want to know more or withdraw your consent to all or some of the cookies, please refer to the. Frances nursed her back to health and healed their differences as well. . The poor child was terribly colicky, and I couldnt get her to stop crying. After a vision, Bernardino (later St. Francis) gave away his fortune, committing his life to serving God and the poor. It's a little awkward to ask, but we need your help.

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