Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Bringing Christ's love to the world
Yesterday, on the 80th anniversary of Mother Cabrini’s canonization, the National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini in Chicago premiered their new video filled with testimonials of Mother’s impact here in Chicago and around the world.
To view the video, please click here
We share excerpts from her letter.
Dear Sisters and Brothers,
May the Peace of Christ reign in your hearts!
In the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Mother Cabrini’s canonization, we thank God for the wonders of His Love for us, as heirs to a legacy that was born with the spirituality of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Thus, the words of Pope Pius XII in the canonization holy on July 7, 1946 are very relevant:
“This wonder, which frequently occurs by the disposition of Divine Providence
in the annals of the Church, today especially proves comforting at a time when men are in greater need than even of the splendor and fruit of holiness. Not only the Sisters, but, everyone has reason to observe and imitate the virtues of Frances Xavier Cabrini.”
With canonization, everything changes. Mother Cabrini belongs to the Church, to all the faithful and becomes a model of life sanctified by God.
Saint Cabrini, with her heart without borders, is a model of virtue and missionary spirit.
Declared ‘Universal Patroness of Immigrants’ by Pope Pius XII in 1950 and recognized by him in a pontifical audience as a “heroine of modern times.”
On the occasion of the centenary year of St. Cabrini – 2017 – Pope Francis emphasized her prophetic character. She had the intuition, in her time, that the modern era would be marked by enormous migratory flows and by men, women and children fleeing for a better future and for peace.
And, crowning this year 2026, Pope Leo XIV visited the city of Sant’ Angelo and in his speech, he expressed his affection and admiration for Mother Cabrini:
“I am here to pay tribute to Mother Cabrini, Patroness of Immigrants, the first Saint of the United States of American, born here in Sant’ Angelo Lodigiano and died in Chicago, my hometown.
Brothers and Sisters what is more current than this charism? I say it here, before the relic of Mother Cabrini’s heart. I say it while greeting and thanking with affection her spiritual daughters, Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. What is more current than a missionary charism that places itself at the service of migrants?
I take this occasion to launch an appeal, especially to young people: get to know St. Frances Cabrini. Read her writings, full of passion for Jesus and for the mission; her letters, her travel diaries, the notes from her retreats. Whoever knows Mother Cabrini is captivated by her.”
I believe that these words are an encouragement to be faithful to the legacy of Saint Cabrini for humanity in these current times.
And may our whole being and acting be for the Greater Glory of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, as it was for our dear Mother Cabrini.
With love,
Sr. Maria Eliane Azevedo da Silva, MSC
General Superior
To view a video of the Pope’s visit to Sant’ Angelo Lodigiano please click here
In the wake of the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, the Cabrini Mission Foundation, together with the Guadalupe Province of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, has committed $5,000 in emergency relief to support those affected by this humanitarian crisis.
At 6:04 p.m. local time, a powerful 7.2 magnitude foreshock struck north-central Venezuela, followed less than a minute later by a catastrophic 7.5 magnitude earthquake—the most destructive seismic event the country has experienced in more than a century. Authorities immediately declared a state of emergency as communities were left reeling from widespread destruction.
Early reports indicate that more than 1,700 people have lost their lives, with over thousands still missing. Thousands of families have been forced to spend nights outdoors, fearful of aftershocks and unable to return to damaged homes.
Among those hardest hit are the educational and social service communities served by Jesuit partners, including Fe y Alegría Venezuela, a network of 39 schools reaching more than 21,200 children and young people through education, school meal programs, and other vital services. Supported by more than 3,000 staff members—including nearly 1,000 teachers—these centers are now facing enormous challenges as buildings have been damaged and operations disrupted.
In these critical first days, Jesuit schools, parishes, social centers, and community partners are conducting rapid assessments and mobilizing emergency assistance, including temporary shelter, food, clean water, healthcare, and protection for vulnerable families.
Through collaboration with local partners on the ground, aid is being directed where it is needed most to help families recover and rebuild. The Cabrini Mission Foundation’s contribution reflects our ongoing commitment to stand with those in crisis and to answer Mother Cabrini’s call to serve the most vulnerable.
As this tragedy continues to unfold, we ask for prayers for the people of Venezuela and for all those working tirelessly to bring hope and healing in the midst of devastation. 
There’s something special about baseball that can bring people together. On June 20, the Cabrini Mission Foundation hosted its annual Let’s Play Ball fundraiser, held this year for the first time in the Bronx at Yankees Stadium.
This year’s event was filled with excitement and memorable firsts. For many of the Missionary Sisters, it was their first visit to the iconic ballpark, making the day even more meaningful. Supporters, friends, and Sisters gathered in a spirit of joy and fellowship, celebrating not only America’s pastime but also the mission of Mother Cabrini.
With hot dogs, warm pretzels, cold drinks, and the energy of a Saturday afternoon game, attendees enjoyed all the traditions that make baseball so beloved. A few home runs, spirited fan chants, and plenty of laughter made for a perfect day at the stadium.
More than just a fundraiser, Day at the Ballpark was a reminder of the power of community. Much like baseball itself—a sport where individuals work together for the good of the team—the Foundation’s mission depends on people coming together to support those most in need. Every act of generosity strengthens our ability to carry forward the charism of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini: to heal, teach, and care for the most vulnerable.
It was a winning day in every sense—and one that reminded us all that when we work together, great things are possible.
In celebration of Immigrant Heritage Month, Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC (CIS-NYC) welcomed 20 participants for a wonderful community potluck. Clients brought traditional dishes from their home countries, giving everyone the opportunity to share and enjoy a variety of cultural foods.
The afternoon was filled with great conversation, music, and a delicious multi-cultural meal. We ended the celebration with an energetic salsa dance class led by a professional instructor, Ximena Salgado, creating a fun and memorable experience that honored the rich cultures and traditions of our community.
With Great Joy, We Celebrate the 80th Anniversary
of the Canonization of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini
July 7, 2026
On July 7, 2026, the global Institute of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus will observe and celebrate the 80th anniversary of the canonization of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini. Canonized by Pope Pius XII on July 7, 1946, Mother Cabrini made history as the very first United States citizen to be elevated to sainthood. Coming just after the devastation of World War II, her canonization was a powerful symbol of global healing, shining a light on her lifetime of fierce dedication to the poor, orphans, and displaced peoples.
Frances Cabrini was very much a woman alone. Unlike the majority of religious foundresses, she had not been selected by a bishop or priest to establish a religious order. The plan was her own.
Despite fatigue, hardship, poor health and disappointment, Mother Cabrini’s peace of soul enabled her to radiate a joy born of unfaltering trust in divine providence. This total and unabashed trust in God was her outstanding personality characteristic and was the source of an inner strength which propelled her to remarkable accomplishments in a relatively short span of time. Some saw in Cabrini the embodiment of immigrant aspirations: to get ahead, to excel, to prove one’s self. Others, instead, attributed her achievements to the zeal of a saint.
To read Pope Pius XII’s remarks on that day, please click here
Inspired by Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, a trailblazer whose faith, determination, and commitment to serving others changed lives around the world, Cabrini High School’s inaugural Leadership Academy empowered rising seventh-grade girls to discover their own potential as leaders. Held June 1–5 on Cabrini’s campus, the weeklong experience reflected the school’s commitment to leadership, encouraging young women to lead with conviction, compassion, and confidence.
Designed for girls entering their final year of grammar school, the Cabrini High School Leadership Academy challenged participants to explore what meaningful leadership looks like and how they can put those values into action as they prepare for high school and beyond.
What made the Academy especially remarkable was that, while Cabrini faculty and staff provided guidance and oversight, the program was entirely planned and led by Cabrini students. Student leaders who excel in academics, athletics, clubs, and service designed and facilitated every presentation, small-group discussion, and activity, creating a powerful celebration of young female leadership in action.
Participants stepped outside their comfort zones and discovered that leadership takes many forms. Through hands-on experiences, interactive workshops, and collaborative projects, the girls explored how leaders inspire, serve, and create positive change in their communities. Participants mastered state-of-the-art lab equipment, strengthened study skills, and learned about the academic opportunities available to them through advanced coursework, competitions, and conferences. They developed public speaking and communication skills, explored personal branding and self-confidence, and gained practical tools for becoming effective leaders both inside and outside the classroom. Leadership also came to life through service as the girls organized and prepared 100 lunches for community members in need.
At the Academy’s conclusion, these future Crescents developed a deeper understanding of what it means to lead, serve, and make a difference in their schools and communities.
On June 20, 2026, Pope Leo XIV made a pastoral visit to the town of Sant’Angelo Lodigiano, the birthplace of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini. During the visit, he prayed in the parish church dedicated to St. Cabrini, venerated a relic of her heart, and reflected on her example of faith, missionary zeal, and service to immigrants and the poor.
“I am here to pay homage to Mother Cabrini,” the Pope told all those gathered in the church for his visit. Pope Leo praised Mother Cabrini as a model for Christians today, especially for her compassion toward migrants and those on the margins of society. He encouraged young people to learn about her life and writings, highlighting her courage, trust in God, and dedication to serving those in need.
Even as a child, Mother Cabrini desired to go to China as a missionary, but, at the urging of Pope Leo XIII, he encouraged her instead to serve her Italian countrymen in the United States where they were living in dire conditions. Pope Leo XIV described this decision to change her lifelong plans as “a profound example of reading the ‘signs of the times.’” The pontiff pointed to the fact that Mother Cabrini realize that her missionary dreams were not to be fulfilled in China, but rather, where the need was the greatest.
The Pope noted that migration remains one of the most pressing realities facing nations and the Church, although much more complex than in Cabrini’s time.
“If Mother Frances were living today,” he asked, “what would her missionary soul say? What would the Heart of Christ say to her heart?”
The answer, he continued, lies in the spiritual source that animated every aspect of Cabrini’s life: the love of Christ revealed in His Sacred Heart.
~ excerpts from Vatican News website
The Pope’s visit was an auspices moment for the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. General Superior Maria Eliane Azevedo da Silva, MSC, and General Councilors Sr. Gilda Mercedes Mendoza Argueta, MSC, Sr. Stella Maris Elena, MSC, and Sr. Patricia Godoy, MSC and many more Missionary Sisters were in attendance in the Basilica of Saint Antonio Abate and St. Francesca Xavier Cabrini.
The visit underscored the Pope’s continuing emphasis on welcoming migrants and caring for the vulnerable, themes that were central to Cabrini’s ministry and remain important in the Church’s mission today.
For Catholics, the visit was a reminder of Mother Cabrini’s enduring legacy as a missionary saint whose faith and charity continue to inspire the Church around the world.
To learn more and to view videos of the Pope’s visit, please click here
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.
The nine young adults, their chaplain, and a handful of support staff celebrated Mass, had a private Holy Hour, heard a talk about Mother Cabrini, and then were given a retreat by Fr. Pierre Toussaint, CFR. There was time for a visit to Mother Cabrini’s bench and for conversation over dinner. Please continue to pray for these good people who are dedicating six weeks of their lives, all day every day, to bring Jesus to the streets of towns and cities along the East coast. Their journey will conclude in Philadelphia on the 4th of July weekend.