Saint Mary Frances of The Five Wounds of Jesus

Biography

Saint Mary Frances of the Five Wounds of Jesus, also known as Anna Maria Gallo, was born on 25 March 1715 in Naples, Italy. From a young age, Mary Frances faced numerous trials and hardships in her life. Her father, Francesco Gallo, was known to be a greedy and angry man, while her mother, Barbara Basinsin, was a pious and patient woman who endured her husband's abusive behavior towards herself and Mary Frances. Despite the challenging circumstances, Mary Frances demonstrated an extraordinary devotion to her faith from an early age. She made her first Communion at the tender age of 7, and from then on, she attended Mass nearly every day of her life. It was at this early age that her sanctity and holiness were recognized by Saint John Joseph of the Cross and Saint Francis de Geronimo, who both predicted her future path towards sainthood. When Mary Frances was 16 years old, her father attempted to force her into a loveless marriage with a wealthy young man. However, she resolutely refused and instead chose to dedicate herself to a life of religious devotion. On 8 September 1731, she became a Franciscan tertiary. Throughout her life, Mary Frances experienced remarkable mystical phenomena. She was a stigmatist, bearing the wounds of Christ on her body. However, these visible signs would disappear when she prayed, unseen by others. In addition to this extraordinary aspect, she also suffered from various illnesses and endured severe penances inflicted upon her by her family, including her sisters and even her confessors. Despite the physical and emotional tribulations she endured, Mary Frances became renowned for her wisdom and counsel. Many sought her guidance, including priests, sisters, and pious laypeople. She was often relied upon as a source of spiritual direction and support. During the last 38 years of her life, Mary Frances lived as a recluse in the home of Father Giovanni Pessiri. It was here that she dedicated herself solely to a life of prayer, contemplation, and communion with God. Her humility and holiness were evident to all who encountered her, and her deep spirituality became an inspiration to those who sought her out. Saint Mary Frances of the Five Wounds of Jesus passed away on 6 October 1791 in Naples, Italy, at the age of 76. Her death was due to natural causes, and she was laid to rest in the church of the Alcantarines, Saint Lucia del Monte, Naples, Italy, near the tomb of Saint John Joseph of the Cross. Her sanctity and holiness were officially recognized by the Catholic Church. She was beatified on 12 November 1843 by Pope Gregory XVI, and later canonized on 29 June 1867 by Pope Blessed Pius IX. Saint Mary Frances of the Five Wounds of Jesus continues to inspire and intercede for all those who seek her powerful intercession in their spiritual journeys. Though she is not currently recognized as a patron saint, her life and example serve as a testament to the transformative power of faith and devotion to God.