A day dedicated to the oldest Roman tradition associated with the automotive industry, the celebration of Santa Francesca Romana, the "Patroness of automobiles and drivers." Sunday, March 12th, anyone wandering the streets of Rome could encountered a gathering of cars near the Colosseum that were not halted by the typical traffic of the capital city, but rather waiting to be blessed. It is a tradition that dates back to 1928 and involves the actual blessing of some (public and private) automobiles near the Roman Forum. The title "Patroness of cars" was bestowed upon Francesca Romana by Pope Pius IX in 1925, based on the legend that the saint was able to see the guardian angel who protected her from dangers and lit her path as she moved through the streets of Rome at night. The Catholic Church celebrates the cult of the Saint on March 9 and mandates that on the Sunday closest to that date, a limited number of cars representing the police, emergency vehicles, the ATAC fleet (Azienda trasporto autoferrotranviario Comune di Roma), taxis, and a few private cars are blessed. A traditional gathering of Roman motorists, which will take place next Sunday morning beginning at 10.30. It will commence with Holy Mass at the Basilica of Santa Maria Nova ai Fori, followed by the blessing of vehicles in Piazza del Colosseo near the Arch of Constantine. Many people in Rome would be very appreciative if this could also reduce traffic congestion.