Born in the latter part of the 19th century in a small town of Italy, Frances was born into a large farm family. Her desire was to become a religious and teacher, but poor health would not allow her to fulfill her commitment. She did end up teaching children in some of the poorer communities. Her love for these children, and zealous self-giving, did not go unnoticed. Pope Leo XIII requested her to go to the United States to work among the many Italian immigrants.
St. Frances became the foundress of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart. Her Sisters and herself worked in the cities of New York and Chicago, establishing schools, orphanages, and hospitals. St. Frances worked with a great vigor and joy amongst many of the struggling immigrants who came to seek a new life in a new country. For 28 years St. Francis remained faithful to her missionary activity and vocation until her death in 1917.
From her own life experience St. Frances knew and understood the struggles one had throughout their life's journey. As a person of prayer, humility, and with a great commitment to the faith she professed, she never allowed anything turn her away from what needed to be done. Pope Pius XII, at her canonization, called to mind the great love and devotion by which St. Frances lived.
The Collect from today's mass notes that this Saint had a love of the stranger, sick and frustrated. Her dedication to God, and love of God's people, truly exposes her as a saintly person. We can learn something about having a vocation from her life of service.
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