MARIA FRANCESCA dello SPIRITO SANTO, Venerable. – Princess Eleonora d'Este, Discalced Carmelite nun, was born on 2 January 1643 in Modena and died there on 24 February 1722 in a reputation for holiness. After refusing a marriage proposal from the King of England (James II), she entered the Discalced Carmelite convent in Modena on 3 May 1674 and lived the strict Teresian Carmelite life in its full rigour. A woman of uncommon intelligence, steadfast will, singular prudence, and a motherly heart, she served multiple terms as prioress of the community. An 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.*, Milano 1754.