Frances of Rome, religious - March 9th
St Frances of Rome (d. 1440, Rome, Italy) (Relics: Rome, Italy)
First Class Relics
Santa Francesca Romana
(Saint Frances of Rome)
Piazza di Santa Francesca Romana 4
Rome, Italy
*This church is next to the Roman Forum.
*The remains of St Frances of Rome are in the crypt below the main sanctuary. Her skeleton is vested in the habit of the Oblate Sisters.
*To the right of the sanctuary is the tomb of Pope Gregory XI (d. 1378). He returned the papal seat to Rome after the exile in Avignon. St Catherine of Siena (d. 1380) was instrumental in persuading him to return. A relief depicting her involvement can be seen on the tomb.
*Two flagstones within the right transept of the church are said to bear the imprints of the knees of St Peter. According to a legend the magician Simon Magus levitated in the Roman Forum to demonstrate that his powers were superior to those of Peter. In response Peter fell to the ground in prayer causing the knee imprints in the stone. Simon Magus then immediately fell to his death.
Churches of Honor in Rome
Sant’Agnese in Agone (Saint Agnes in Agone)
Piazza Navona
Rome, Italy
*St Frances of Rome received the sacraments of Baptism and Confirmation in this church.
*According to tradition St Agnes was martyred here in 304. A relic of her skull is present in a chapel on the left side of the nave.
Casa di Santa Francesca Romana
(House of St Frances of Rome)
Via dei Vascellari 61
Rome, Italy
*Located in Trastevere at the Ponte Rotto Hotel.
*Ask within the hotel for access to St Frances’ house. Generally access is only available during weekday mornings.
Santa Maria Annunziata a Tor de’Specchi
(Annunciation of Mary at the Tower of Mirrors)
Via del Teatro di Marcello 32
Rome, Italy
*This church is west of Piazza Venezia.
*St Frances of Rome lived here after the death of her husband. This church is only open to the public on March 9th the feast day of St Frances of Rome.
Santa Maria in Trastevere (Our Lady in Trastevere)
Via della Paglia 14 / Piazza Santa Maria in Trastevere
Rome, Italy
*This church is located in Trastevere.
*Within the first chapel on the right side of the nave is a painting by Giacomo Zoboli that depicts St Frances of Rome receiving the Eucharist.
*Relics of the two popes St Callistus I (d. 222) and St Cornelius (d. 253) also rest under the main altar of this church. These relics are joined by others in particular those of the priest and martyr St Calepodius (d. 232).
