St. Francesca Romana, Foundress of the Oblates of Tor de’ Specchi

St. Francesca Romana (1384-1440) was a prominent Roman noblewoman who founded the Oblates of Tor de' Specchi, a community of women dedicated to prayer and service. Born into a wealthy family, she married at a young age but later devoted herself to a life of piety and charity. Francesca established a community for women who wished to live a religious life while remaining in the world, and she was known for her care of the poor and her mystic visions. She is the patron saint of Roman housewives and is invoked for protection from storms and floods.