Saint Frances of Rome

Since Vatican Council II, in the 1960’s, the Church has entrusted new roles of service to laywomen and laymen which previously were reserved to ordained and consecrated persons. Yet, even in the fifteenth century, Frances of Rome (1384 – 1440), the daughter of wealthy parents, devoted her life to God as wife, mother, nurse, and founder of a religious community known as the Olivetan Oblates of Mary. With great effort, Frances was able to balance her devotion to family with her care of the poor. God comes to us today in prayer and in our service to those who need us.