A contemporary of Saint Francis’, Filippa was a cultured and noble woman who left everything to join the Poor Clares. She was one of the most venerated women from her native Cicolano, an inland area in the province of Rieti.
Local tradition narrates that the Mareri Barons were furious about their daughter’s conversion so she closed herself off in a secluded part of their castle to live a cloistered life. This decision set off a violent reaction within the family that was placated only by Saint Francis’ arrival at the castle and his greeting of, “May peace reign in this home”. Francis founded a monastery in Borgo San Pietro near Lake Salto, which is still venerated by the local inhabitants.