Documented theca with relics of St. Frances of Rome, Obl.S.B., Patron Saint of Widows and Car Drivers

19th century oval glass-fronted silver reliquary theca housing substantial first-class ex ossibus  (of the bone) relic of Saint Frances of Rome Obl. S. B.The relic is affixed to a red silk background decorated with gilt paperole and silver cord and identified on a manuscript cedulae as S. Franciscae Roma. On the back, the theca is secured with perfectly preserved seal of red Spanish wax bearing an imprint of a coat of arms of Fr. Giuseppe Mancini (†1855), Archbishop of Siena (1824-1855). It is accompanied by original matching authentics document issued and hand-signed by Mgr. Mancini in 1829. 

Saint Frances of Rome Obl. S. B. (†1440) is an Italian saint who founded a religious community of oblates, who share a common life without religious vows. She was canonized in 1608 by Pope Paul V and her feast is celebrated on March 9.  In 1925, Pope Pius XI declared her the patron saint of automobile drivers because of a legend that an angel used to light the road before her with a lantern when she traveled, keeping her safe from hazards. Within the Benedictine Order, she is also honored as a patron saint of all oblates. She is also a patron saint of widows.