Florence is originally both a Latin and Roman female name which means Blossoming or Flourishing
St Florence was the daughter of a Roman colonist who was residing in Asia Minor on the road that led from Frigia to Seleucia. St Hillary of Poitiers met her during a stop on his journey toward Seleucia where the synod of 359 was to be held. Florence requested baptism from the Holy Bishop and followed him on his return to Poitiers the next year.
She then retired to Comble’, Vienne, France, where she led the life of a hermit. She communed with God day and night, practicing much penance and combating the assaults of the devil. Finally worn out by her labour, she died in 366 at twenty – nine years of age. Her relics were transferred to the Cathedral of Poitiers in the 11th century.