Feast Day – Friday, November 13th
This year, as we observe the 80th Anniversary of her canonization, we reflect upon the fact that complex personality factors combined to make Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini an outstanding woman of her era. Without a doubt she possessed that intangible element known as charisma. Only a charismatic personality could have attracted so many followers and captivated the attention of both the powerful and lowly of this world.
Cabrini was a modern woman. Her interests were extensive. She certainly did not adapt readily to the role expected of late nineteenth and early twentieth century women religious. She was an entrepreneur and world traveler, keenly aware of the currents of thought in the world of her time.
Cabrini foresaw the 20th and 21st centuries as times of sweeping change and therefore, tailored her philosophy of education, healthcare, and social service to accentuate the intrinsic value and dignity of each human being touched by her Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Frances Cabrini was a woman endowed with special understanding and insight.
St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, guided by the light of Christ and the love of God for his children, blazed a path still brightly lit through a world which was too small for her zeal. She invites us all to follow in her footsteps of love and service.
~ excerpts from Mother Cabrini, “Italian Immigrant of the Century” by Sr. Mary Louise Sullivan, MSC, PhD and. In Weakness, Strength, The Life and Missionary Activity of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini
We share excerpts from her letter.
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.
“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.
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.
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.