St Mary Frances

Mary Frances wanted to serve Jesus from a very young age.  When she was 16 years old she became a Third Order Franciscan (from the order that St. Francis started) and continued to live at home with her family.  She later left home to become a priest’s housekeeper.  She lived a very quiet and humble life, but Jesus was so close to her in some very amazing ways.  She received the stigmata, which are the 5 wounds that Jesus had when he was crucified (just like St. Francis had).  She also was given prophesies, which are words from God about things that haven’t happened yet.  People who are given prophesies are called prophets and God uses them to speak to people on earth, to give us special messages and prepare us for things to come.  St. Mary Frances was given the prophesy that the French Revolution was going to happen, which meant a lot of fighting and hard times for Christians in France.  She would ask God to give her other peoples’ sufferings so they wouldn’t have to suffer so much and God would grant her this gift.  She didn’t live a life of fame for the many amazing things God did in her life but, instead, she found great joy in quietly receiving the special gifts God gave her.