St Frances of Rome was born in the city of Rome in 1384. She was known for her great works of charity to the poor and her zeal for souls. Frances was a devoted and loving wife who longed for a lifestyle of prayer and service, so she organized a group of women to minister to the needs of the poor in Rome. St Frances became an Oblate with the Benedictine Oblate Congregation of Tor di Speechi and led the life of a religious, without taking formal vows. Following the death of her husband, she founded and governed the Congregation of Mount Olivet, and spent the remainder of her life with her community. St Frances of Rome died on the 9th March 1440 and was canonized by Pope Paul V in 1608. She is the patron saint of cars and drivers.
