Mary Frances of the Five Wounds
Mary Frances of the Five Wounds was an Italian Third Order Franciscan known for her deep prayer, charitable works, and mystical experiences, including receiving the stigmata. She is honored as a saint in the Catholic Church and is particularly remembered as a patroness of expectant mothers and those having difficulty conceiving.
- Feast Day
- October 6
- Century
- 18th century
- Country Or Region
- Italy
Key Facts
- ›She was born Anna Maria Gallo in Naples, Italy, to a middle-class family and experienced a violent father.
- ›At sixteen, she refused an arranged marriage and joined the Franciscan Third Order, living a religious life at home.
- ›She adopted the religious name Mary Frances of the five Wounds out of devotion to the Blessed Mother, Francis of Assisi, and the Passion of Christ.
- ›She is said to have received the stigmata and experienced visions of Raphael the Archangel.
- ›Mary Frances was declared venerable in 1803, beatified in 1843, and canonized in 1867.
- ›Her home has been preserved as a chapel and museum, and her relics were transferred there in 2001.
Maria Francesca delle Cinque Piaghe, Anna Maria Gallo
Expectant Mothers, Women Having Difficulty Conceiving
Third Order Franciscan
About Mary Frances of the Five Wounds
Mary Frances of the Five Wounds, born Anna Maria Gallo on March 25, 1715, was an Italian Third Order Franciscan revered as a saint within the Catholic Church. She died on October 7, 1791. Her life was marked by deep prayer, charitable works in the Spanish Quarter of Naples, and mystical experiences, most notably the reception of the stigmata.
Life and Ministry
Born into a middle-class family in Naples, Anna Maria Gallo faced significant hardship due to her father's violent nature. At sixteen, she resisted an arranged marriage by joining the Franciscan Third Order, allowing her to live a religious life within her home. She adopted the religious name "Mary Frances of the Five Wounds" out of devotion to St. Francis of Assisi and Christ's Passion. She was guided spiritually by Franciscan friar John Joseph of the Cross and confessed by Barnabite priest Francis Xavier Bianchi. She became known for her charity towards the poor and her long hours of prayer and meditation.
In 1753, she moved into a small house with another tertiary, Maria Felice, where she is said to have received the stigmata. She endured physical afflictions and spiritual trials, often wearing gloves to conceal the marks on her hands. Tradition also credits her with visions of the Archangel Raphael, who healed her from various ailments.
Veneration and Legacy
Mary Frances was buried in the Franciscan Church of Santa Lucia al Monte in Naples. She was declared venerable by Pope Pius VII on May 18, 1803, beatified by Pope Gregory XVI on November 12, 1843, and canonized by Pope Pius IX on June 29, 1867. Her feast day is celebrated on October 6.
She holds a special place as the patroness of expectant mothers and women experiencing difficulty conceiving. Devotion to her remains strong in her neighborhood, which residents credit with minimal damage during World War II. Her former home has been preserved as a chapel and museum, and it is a custom for expectant mothers to be blessed with her relic there. Votive offerings from grateful mothers are displayed in the sanctuary, testament to her intercessory power.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Mary Frances of the Five Wounds?
Mary Frances of the Five Wounds, born Anna Maria Gallo, was an Italian Third Order Franciscan who lived from 1715 to 1791. She is honored as a saint in the Catholic Church for her life of deep prayer, charity, and mystical experiences.
What is Mary Frances of the Five Wounds known for?
She is chiefly remembered for her deep prayer life, her charitable work with the poor in Naples, and for reportedly receiving the stigmata, the wounds of Christ. She is also recognized as a patroness of expectant mothers.
When was Mary Frances of the Five Wounds canonized?
Mary Frances of the Five Wounds was beatified by Pope Gregory XVI on November 12, 1843, and canonized by Pope Pius IX on June 29, 1867.
Where is Mary Frances of the Five Wounds venerated?
She is venerated in the Catholic Church, with strong devotion continuing in her native neighborhood of Naples, Italy. Her home has been preserved as a chapel and museum.
What are the patronages of Mary Frances of the Five Wounds?
Pope Pius IX declared her a patroness of expectant mothers and of women having difficulty conceiving. She is also the patroness of the Gallo World Family Foundation.
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