Saint Frances of Rome (1384-1440) was born into a noble Italian family and displayed exemplary virtue from her earliest youth. A devoted wife and mother, and later, founder of the Oblates of St. Frances of Rome, St. Frances devoted herself to a life of service and prayer in each stage of her life. She received a series of private revelations regarding the eternal realities of hell, purgatory, and heaven.Saint Frances of Rome is venerated as the patroness of widows and car drivers.