Frances of Rome, an Italian saint, was a wife, mother, mystic, organizer of charitable services and a Benedictine oblate who founded a religious community of oblates. With her husband's consent St. Frances practiced continence and advanced in a life of contemplation. Her visions often assumed the form of drama enacted for her by heavenly personages. She had the gift of miracles and ecstasy, as well as the bodily vision of her guardian angel, had revelations concerning Purgatory and Hell, and foretold the ending of the Western Schism. She could read the secrets of consciences and detect plots of diabolical origin. She was remarkable for her humility and detachment, her obedience and patience.
