A Compelling New Book about Saint Frances of Rome

Andrea Vij reviews The Eucharistic Visions of St. Frances of Rome, translated by Father Robert Nixon, O.S.B. 

The Eucharistic Visions of St. Frances of Rome

Translated by Father Robert Nixon. O.S.B.
Published by Sophia Institute Press

Get to Know Saint Frances of Rome 

If you’re looking for something new to read during Adoration or quiet reflection, consider The Eucharistic Visions of St. Frances of Rome, translated by Father Robert Nixon, O.S.B. This new collection provides detailed accounts of more than twenty mystical visions experienced by Saint Frances of Rome (1384-1440) over a period of eight years, all occurring immediately after she received the Eucharist. Father Nixon’s translation is based on the writings of her lifelong spiritual director, Canon Giovanni Matteotti, who was present with her at the time of each vision, observed her in a trance-like state, and carefully recorded what she told him afterward. 

Although particularly well suited for Adoration, the book lends itself to multiple ways of reading. For example, if you want to get to know Saint Frances of Rome better, this book rises to the task. It includes a short biography, also written by Canon Matteotti, which provides a wonderful introduction to the life of Saint Frances from the perspective of a firsthand witness and companion. In addition, an appendix offers Matteotti’s account of several demonic attacks experienced by Saint Frances, giving the reader yet another way to view her life and spirituality through the eyes of someone who knew her well. 

The Heart of the Book 

The visions themselves form the heart of the book and provide a unique window into the soul of Saint Frances. But what exactly did she see in these visions? Most offered a precious glimpse into the realm of heaven, which she experienced as a place of incomprehensible beauty and love, complete with fountains, meadows, blazing fires, ornate temples, and choirs of angels. There she encountered the Lamb of God, the Blessed Mother, and a long list of holy saints, including Saint John the Evangelist, Saint Mary Magdalene, Saint John the Baptist, Saint Catherine of Alexandria, Saint Peter, Saint Agnes, and others. She also witnessed scenes evoking the final judgment, the soul’s journey to heaven, and God’s creation of the angels. 

For all of their depth, brilliance, and symbolism, however, we should note that the visions of Saint Frances of Rome fall into the category of private revelation and therefore should not be viewed as dogmatic. That said, readers will want to savor the profound insight they offer into various aspects of our Catholic faith. 

An Interesting Progression 

Although organized chronologically, there’s no need to read the visions in order — but if you do, you’ll notice at least one interesting progression. In the early visions, Saint Frances experiences a sadness bordering on despair when her states of spiritual ecstasy come to an end. Over time she must learn to cope, and as part of this process she receives mild “scoldings” from Saint Jerome and Saint Benedict, who appear in later visions to remind her of the need for patience. They warn her to submit humbly and obediently to God’s will, for the visions are a gift and she is privileged to receive them.  

The final vision in the book takes up this idea, effectively summarizing God’s purpose in allowing her to experience these foretastes of heaven. It contains a message of hope for all of us, delivered by a voice of “ineffable and enchanting sweetness”: 

Behold, I am the Divine Fire of love … I lead those who love me to this refuge of peace … But I permit such a soul to remain here for only as long as I wish it to do so. I do this to fill the soul with desire and wonder at the greater and more exalted gifts that, in the fullness of time, I shall bestow upon all those who become truly pleasing to me! 

Ideal for Adoration and Prayerful Reflection 

With short chapters full of meditation-worthy ideas and symbols, this collection is ideal for Adoration, prayerful reflection, and devotional reading. With Saint Frances of Rome, we can visit the realm of heaven, witness its profound beauty, and feel an intense longing to return. 

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Copyright 2025 Andrea Vij
Images: (top) detail from cover