On this coming Saturday, June 20th, Pope Leo XIV plans to visit the northern Italian village of Sant’Angelo Lodigiano, where he will venerate a saint close to his heart and ours: Mother Frances Cabrini, who was born there in 1850 and died in 1917 in Chicago, the pope’s hometown.
To read the entire guest essay that appeared in the June 17th New York Times written by Dr. Kathleen Sprows Cummings, a Catholic historian and the Board Chair Emeritus of the National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini in Chicago, please click here
The perpetual pilgrims of the St. Frances Cabrini route of the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage arrived bright and early on Tuesday, June 16 for a day of rest and reflection.
In May, Ivonne Moreno-Rodriguez, Social Work Supervisor at Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC, joined humanitarian workers, faith leaders, and advocates in the 23rd - Annual Migrant Trail Walk through the Sonoran Desert. The seven-day, 75-mile pilgrimage honors migrants who have lost their lives while seeking safety, reunification with loved ones, and opportunities for a better future in the United States.
Following Sister Theresa’s renewal, Cabrini staff and volunteers affirmed our commitment to carry on our shared mission, celebrate Mother Cabrini’s life as our inspiration, and bring God’s love to the world by providing exceptional care for our patients, the community and each other.
The celebration began in partnership with the Archdiocese of Denver as Catholics joined others across the nation in the Consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The day included Adoration, confessions, a bilingual Liturgy of the Word, the Consecration Prayer, a procession, and benediction.
d to the beauty of the celebration.
A huge tent was already set up on the lawn for the Cabrini Immigrant Services fundraiser scheduled for the next day, so we ate fresh-grilled hot dogs and hamburgers beneath it. Then God did something utterly magnificent: He sent a rainstorm. It was tremendous, stupendous, and utterly irresistible. The 25+ children squealed with glee and, almost as one, darted out onto the grass to dance in the rain. They ran in circles. They raced in and out of the tent, shouted to each other, held their mouths open to the sky to drink in the gift. It was joy, pure joy.
Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS), Dobbs Ferry, NY held a STARS (StoryTelling, Art, Reading and Socialization) Program for students in grades Kindergarten – 2. Dr. Wendy Mages, our trained s toryteller, told the story, The Way You Shine by Marielle E. Sabellico. The children loved the story and discussed how they shine in their community. Some children shine by helping at home, some recycle, some water plants and there were so many other ways.
Back by popular request, Sr. Bridget Zanin, MSC, returned to Cabrini Immigrant Services -Dobbs Ferry (CIS-DF) to speak with our Knitting Group. She spoke about the miracles that have been attributed to St. Cabrini.
Today, in a world often marked by loneliness, division and suffering, the message of the Sacred Heart reminds believers of God’s enduring love and mercy. Mother Cabrini’s life demonstrates that genuine devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is rooted in prayer and serves as a catalyst for action. Her life shows that Christ’s love inspires compassion, service, and a commitment to the dignity of every human being.
The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage kicked off on Sunday, May 24. Each of the perpetual pilgrims on the St. Frances Cabrini Route will be carrying with them a second-class relic of Mother Cabrini, a gift from St. Frances Cabrini Shrine in New York. The Shrine has committed to praying for the nine perpetual pilgrims — Cheyenne Johnson, Zach Dotson, Marcel Ferrer, Sharon Phillips, Eduardo Gutierrez, Angelina Marconi, Raymond Martinez II, Mary Carmen Zakrajsek and John Paul Flynn — until the six-week walking pilgrimage ends in Philadelphia on July 4, the 250th anniversary of our country’s founding.