MARIA FRANCESCA dello SPIRITO SANTO, venerable. — Princess Eleonora d’Este, a Discalced Carmelite, born on 2 January 1643 in Modena, died there on 24 February 1722 in a reputation for sanctity. After refusing marriage to the king of England (Giacomo II), she entered the Discalced Carmelites of Modena on 3 May 1674, and lived the austere life of Teresian Carmel in all its rigor.
A woman of uncommon intelligence, steadfast will, singular prudence, and a motherly heart, she governed the community several times as prioress. The informative process for her beatification was opened on 4 March 1729.
BIBL.: Ambrogio dell'Assunta, Orazione funebre nella morte di M. F. dello Spirito Santo, Modena 1722; Federigo di S. Antonio, Vita della serva di Dio, M. F..., Milan 1754.
Ambrogio di Santa Teresa