Frances was born in 1384 to the noble roman family Bussa de Leoni; since she was a child she wanted a consecrated life, but since she was educated to obey, she did not oppose to her family whishes and she married Lorenzo de Ponziani.

The young girl accepted this condition and was an exemplary wife and mother during a difficult period in the history of Rome.

In 1408 Ladislao of Naples seized the city, Frances family, who was with the Pope, had to undergo several sufferings. This situation did not prevent the saint to continue with her charity works, she sold her jewelry and the pantry of the palace was always open.

In order to help better the poor she founded in 1425 the Congregation of the oblates of Mary, virgins and widows devoted to a virtuous and charitable life.

After the death of her husband in 1436, Frances was appointed mother superior of the congregation that she had founded; she remained in that position until her death, four years later.

Printer friendly page