St. Frances of Rome was born in 1384 and died on this date in 1440. As a child, Frances wanted nothing more than to enter a convent. But not only did her parents marry her off when she was just twelve… she also had to leave home to live with her in-laws!
But it turned out the situation was blessing to Frances in so many ways. She and her husband Lorenzo were happily married for forty years. And… she found a dear spiritual friend in her sister-in-law Vanozza. Working together, they ministered to the sick and poor. Later, Frances founded Oblates of Tor de’ Specchi, a group of laywomen ministering to the poor, a group that still exists today as an order of religious sisters.
Vanozza said to Frances: “Let us be friends, Francesca; I will help you to lead the life you desire, and together we shall arrive at the end we have in view.”
Sisters and sisters of the heart are so special. Some of our sisters of the heart are cousins or cousins by marriage, or perhaps daughters-in-law or mothers-in-law. Today, let one of those special women to whom you are bound by love know how much she informs your faith journey.
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