Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

MSC General Superior Sr. Eliane shares 80th Canonization Anniversary Message

July 8, 2026

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

Pope Leo XIV Visits Sant’ Angelo Lodigiano

June 22, 2026

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

“A Big Moment for American Catholics Is Coming”

June 18, 2026

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

Believe in Miracles

June 11, 2026

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.

Sr. Bridget spoke about three miracles attributed to Mother Cabrini. One miracle took place in 1921 when a newborn infant was accidentally given the wrong medication for his eyes and became blind and severely burned. A piece of Mother Cabrini’s habit was placed on the child. The baby’s mother and the hospital Sisters prayed all night for a miracle. The next morning, the child’s sight was restored and the burns on his face were completely healed.

Another miracle involved a Missionary Sister of the Sacred Heart, Sr. Delfina Grazioli, MSC. She had worked at Columbus Hospital in Seattle. She suffered from stomach cancer. According to Sr. Delfina’s account, Mother Cabrini appeared to her in a vision. Mother Cabrini told her that she wanted her to work but Sr. Delfina asked how she could since she was so weak. Mother Cabrini told her to eat, which she began to do. Healing took place and Sr Delfina recovered. She regained her strength, returned to work and lived for many more years.

The third miracle involved a man in Italy who suffered with tumors. His condition was grave. The man and his family prayed for Mother Cabrini’s intercession. Shortly afterward, the man recovered and the tumors shrank and many even disappeared. Once again, the recovery could not be explained medically. Truly these are miracles! Everyone was so interested in hearing about the miracles. There were so many questions that they asked Sr. Bridget as they were intrigued to learn about how people prayed to Mother Cabrini and how she interceded for them.

Sr. Bridget also spoke about Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Patroness of our Province. Sister gave everyone a copy of Our Lady to color. They enjoyed coloring the picture and talking about the miracles that they learned about.

Thank you, Sr. Bridget, for your willingness to return to CIS-DF. You continue to inspire us to learn more about St. Cabrini. We look forward to your next visit!

Patron Saints for World Youth Day Named

May 7, 2026

The five Patron Saints of WYD Seoul 2027 are:

Saint John Paul II (1920–2005)— founder of World Youth Day, remembered for his emphasis on young people, the family and the dignity of human life
Saint Andrew Kim Taegon (1821–1846) and companions — the first Korean Catholic priest, a symbol of faith and courage who was martyred at a young age
Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850–1917)— a missionary known for her care for migrants and the poor
Saint Josephine Bakhita (1869–1947)— a former slave who became a religious sister and a witness to hope, freedom and faith transformed through suffering
Saint Carlo Acutis (1991–2006)— a young saint of the digital age whose life remains a model of evangelization online.
To learn more about WYD please click here

Mother Cabrini’s Life Near and Far

April 23, 2026

Cabrini Immigrant Services -Dobbs Ferry (CIS-DF) was very honored to have Sr. Bridget Zanin, MSC, speak to our Knitting Group about the life of St. Cabrini.

Sr. Bridget spoke about Mother Cabrini’s birthpla ce, her family, her poor health and her desire to be a missionary. She also shared about her wanting to go to China but Pope XIII told her to go to America instead to serve Italian immigrants.

Using technology, Sr. Bridget was able to have us ‘be’ in Sant’Angelo Lodigiano, Codogno, the Shrines in Chicago, Colorado and NYC. We also saw some historic pictures of the novitiate and orphanage in Dobbs Ferry which is the current home of St. Cabrini Nursing Home.

Everyone loved seeing the special places that meant so much to Mother Cabrini. Many were surprised to hear that Mother Cabrini walked the streets of Dobbs Ferry and lived on the property where the Nursing Home is located. Sr. Bridget gave everyone a prayer card of St. Cabrini that had a special prayer for immigrants.

Sr. Bridget has already been asked to return to CIS-DF to share more about the life of St. Cabrini. We are most grateful to Sr. Bridget for sharing so much with us. She brought Mother Cabrini to life!

From Colorado to Codogno Walking in Mother Cabrini’s Footsteps

April 22, 2026

Ciao from Italy! This April, members of the Mother Cabrini Shrine Colorado community participated in a pilgrimage across Italy, following in the footsteps of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini and visiting places central to her life and mission.

The pilgrimage began in Codogno, where Mother Cabrini founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and continued to Sant’Angelo Lodigiano, her birthplace. The group also paused in Assisi for time set aside for prayer and reflection before arriving in Rome.

In Rome, pilgrims celebrated Mass at the Cathedral of St. Peter at the Vatican and visited the statue of Mother Cabrini inside St. Peter’s Basilica. They also visited St. John Lateran and St. Paul Outside the Walls, where a recently installed statue reflects her global impact.

One of the most significant moments of the pilgrimage took place when six members of the group were welcomed to the General Curia of the Missionary Sisters in Rome. They were received by the General Superior, Sr. Maria Eliane Azevedo da Silva, along with members of her council. During the visit, the group viewed portraits of the congregation’s leadership, dating back to Mother Cabrini, and spent time in prayer before her relic in the Curia chapel.

They also visited the archives, where Mother Cabrini’s writings and volumes are carefully preserved, offering a direct connection to her life and work. The visit included time at the statue “Cecchina’s Dream” and concluded with conversation and hospitality before continuing on to Casa Cabrini.

At Casa Cabrini, the broader group gathered to celebrate Mass in the chapel built by Mother Cabrini and to pray before her relic. The pilgrimage concluded at St. Mary Major Basilica, where the group gathered in prayer, carrying with them the intentions of the Shrine community.

Throughout the journey, the experience offered a deeper understanding of Mother Cabrini’s life and the continued relevance of her mission.
Photos from the pilgrimage can be found on the Mother Cabrini Shrine Facebook page. Thank you to all who followed along and for your continued prayers throughout the journey.

Special News from the National Shrine

January 21, 2026

Bishop Daniel Turley and Pope Leo XIV, both Augustinian priests, worked together for many years in Peru. In fact, at one point, Bishop Turley was the Pope’s (Fr. Robert Prevost) supervisor.

On January 2, 2026, Bishop Turley met with Pope Leo XIV, which was the first time the two have seen each other since the Pope’s election. In the photo at the Pope’s desk, Bishop Turley is handing the Pope a letter from our National Shrine’s Board Chair, written by the Shrine’s Board Chair, Kathleen Sprows Cummings, regarding the 80th Anniversary of Mother Cabrini’s canonization.

Bishop Turley and Pope Leo XIV had a wonderful visit, catching up with each other as good friends.

Multi-day Celebrations Mark the Feast Day at NY Shrine

November 20, 2025

What a week! St. Frances Cabrini Shrine in New York hosted seven Feast celebrations over four days.

On November 13th we greeted youth from four Catholic schools and in the evening held the Canonization Concert, a re-creation of the Gregorian chant and other music used at Mother Cabrini’s canonization ceremony.

Saturday included Mass in Italian (with a surprise marriage proposal afterwards!) and a Mass for the Filipino community. Sunday dawned with beautiful weather and a full chapel for the English Mass. Msgr. Roger Landry, the National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States, celebrated. His tremendously inspiring homily can be heard here.

As the English Mass ended a busload of Ugandans arrived from Massachusetts. Warm smiles, beautiful harmonies, and huge pots of food lit up the afternoon. While they were finishing their meal in the retreat room a joyous Mass in Spanish began in the chapel, celebrated by Bishop Edmund Whalen.

All in all it was a spectacular few days.

Blessings to all!

A Serene Spot for Prayer, Once Again

November 13, 2025

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On Wednesday, November 12 a group gathered on the lawn at St. Frances Cabrini Shrine in New York City for the unveiling and blessing of Mother Cabrini’s newly-restored prayer bench. This bench was used by Mother Cabrini when she stayed in northern Manhattan. It features griffins as side supports, and an ornate iron top.

Originally placed in the garden outside the professed sisters’ residence, the bench was moved to a side yard when construction of the current Shrine began. Later it was moved yet again to a location overlooking a parking lot. In recent decades the bench fell into severe disrepair. Nearly 200 donors contributed toward its restoration. Now sturdy and beautiful, the bench can once again be used by visitors the way Mother Cabrini herself used it: for prayer.

The brief ceremony was led by Msgr. Robert Ritchie, with Sr. Diane Olmstead, MSC, Provincial, Sr. Patricia Dunleavy, MSC and Sr. Sharon Casey, MSC in attendance. The bench is now located at the back of the Shrine’s lawn, where it overlooks the Hudson River. Next year the Shrine intends to build a serene prayer garden to surround it.