Frances was born in Rome in 1384 to wealthy parents. At an early age she wanted to be a nun, but her parents arranged a marriage instead. She would lose two children to the plague, which sensitized her to the needs of the less fortunate. With her sister she visited the poor and took care of the sick, inspiring other wealthy women to do the same. Frances can serve as our inspiration to practice a little good-old-fashioned Lenten almsgiving.

TODAY’S READINGS: Daniel 3:25, 34-43; Matthew 18:21-35
“Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?”