Frances was born in 1384 in Rome. She was a married woman and mother of six children. She patiently endured many trials, including the death of two of her children, the exile of her husband, and the confiscation of their estates. In 1433 she founded the Benedictine Oblates of the Tor de’Specchi to continue her works of charity, and after her husband died in 1436 she became their superior. She often saw her guardian angel at her side, guiding and protecting her, which may be why she was named patron of motorists by Pope Pius XI. She died in 1440. – CTS New Daily Roman Missal 2012, p 2593; Christian Prayer 1990, p 1092.
