Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Bringing Christ's love to the world
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September 15th, Sr. Diane Olmstead, MSC and Sr. Pietrina Raccuglia, MSC attended a dedication ceremony for two new tapestries installed in the entrance to St. Francis Xavier Church in Manhattan, NY. The Tapestries are entitled – “Into Light and Truth: Holy People of the Americas”.
Within the Tapestry is included St. Frances X. Cabrini. The artist is John Nava. The individuals depicted in the tapestries worked for and gave their lives to advance biblical justice, human rights and equality
Classic films about saints, like “The Song of Bernadette” and “A Man for All Seasons” and more recent releases like Abel Ferrara’s “Padre Pio” and Alejandro Monteverde’s “Cabrini,” take their cues from traditional hagiographies, bringing grandiose renderings of the lives of these holy men and women to the screen.
“Cabrini,” for instance, produced by Angel Studios follows the traditional model of hagiography, placing Francesca Cabrini’s heroic feats front and center in order to inspire viewers to emulate her laudable example. John Anderson’s glowing review of the film for America described Cabrini, “Portrayed by a gauntly radiant Cristiana Dell’Anna,” as one practiced in “speaking truth to power and doing so relentlessly.” The religious sister journeys to New York at the time of “an explosion circa 1887 of Italian immigration, prejudice and poverty [that] was creating a particular kind of hell for their exported countrymen.”
Against immense challenges, Cabrini and her order, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, go on to found missions, orphanages, and hospitals in New York, and as the film’s coda tells us, around the country and eventually around the world.
Yet new trends among more recent accounts of the saints have been changing the narrative, focusing on oft-ignored and more mundane aspects of their personal lives. Two new films on the lives of Mother Seton and Mother Cabrini, produced by the New Jersey based couple MaryLou and Jerome Bongiorno and released on PBS over the past week and a half, are placing the spotlight on lesser-emphasized aspects of these holy women’s lives.
Known best for their documentaries on matters of socioeconomic and racial justice and Catholic education in Newark, NJ, the Bongiornos decided to venture into telling the stories of these two women who, they state, have deeply inspired them spiritually and professionally.
Narrated in the first-person and weaving together a creative mix of photos, painting and drawings, the documentaries’ scripts draw upon writings by and about the two saints, as well as other historical documents. The films provide a comprehensive view of their lives, including details about their childhoods, their entry into religious life, the founding of their respective missions and the conflicts they confronted, and – perhaps what is most compelling – bits of streams of consciousness style, introspective reflections on their work and their relationship with God. The Bongiornos combine their extensive research with their artistic and spiritual creativity in these moments, reflecting the ways that these saints spoke to them and may also speak to us.
Such accounts of the lives of the saints remind me that even people like me – can become saints. We often forget that the measure of sanctity does not lie in our capacity for perfection or moral coherence. Rather, it resides in the sincerity with which we offer our full selves – including our strengths and weaknesses, our likes and dislikes – to God for him to use for his glory.
To read the full account, please click here
On Tuesday, February 27, Angel Studios held their “media junket” for the upcoming movie CABRINI at St. Frances Cabrini Shrine in NYC. They filmed interviews with Alejandro Monteverdi (the movie’s director), Rod Barr (scriptwriter), Leo Severino (producer), David Morse (Archbishop Corrigan) and Cristina Dell’Anna (Mother Cabrini). The film will debut in theatres on Friday, March 8, International Women’s Day.
In 2020, the 4th and 6th grade students of Our Lady of Mercy Academy, Forest Hills, NY, created a wonderful artistic rendition of Mother Cabrini under the tutelage of Anna Marie Prono, playwright and artist. In 2021, Anna Marie was looking for a home for the mosaic artwork and connected with Sister Christine Marie Baltas, MSC at Cabrini University. Sr. Christine Marie worked with Dr. Beverly Bryde, former Dean of the School of Education at the University, to find a place for this symbolic piece in the School of Education to represent all children young and old who are educated by the charism of Mother Cabrini’s Education of the Heart.
With Cabrini University closing in 2024, Sr. Christine and Beverly found the perfect home for this special piece of children’s artwork at the St. Frances Cabrini Regional Catholic School in Philadelphia, formerly known as the St. Donato’s School where Sr. Christine Marie once served as principal. St. Donato’s School was founded by Mother Cabrini. St. Frances Cabrini Regional Catholic School is now part of the Independent Mission Schools in Philadelphia. Currently, Ms. Van Robinson serves as principal and welcomed the artwork into their school. On November 9th, Sr. Christine Marie and Beverly met with the principal and Cabrini alumni teaching at the school to share this magnificent mosaic and plaque.
This is all a wonderful way to share the charism of Mother Cabrini from the creative hands of the 4th and 6th graders in one school in 2020, to touch the lives of educators at the Cabrini University School of Education in 2021 and now to have the welcoming hands from a principal and Cabrini alumni in the St. Frances Cabrini Regional Catholic School. From School to School to School, hands, lives and hearts are connected by the charism of Mother Cabrini.
Have you been to Mother Cabrini Shrine lately? Come and celebrate Cabrini Day with us! On Monday, October 2nd, we will have a special Cabrini Day Mass at 12 noon in our newly renovated
chapel. This is a great opportunity to attend Mass, walk the steps, visit our gift shop, light a candle in the grotto chapel, and spend some time on the beautiful grounds that honor Mother Cabrini and the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
Mother Cabrini dedicated her life to helping the poor, the sick, immigrants, and those in most need. Her story is rich with determination and grit and an unshakable faith in the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Cabrini Day is about her story, and we are eager for people to continue to learn of it and be inspired by her life and all that she accomplished.
In March of 2020, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed into law HB 1031 establishing Frances Xavier Cabrini Day as a Colorado State Holiday. It is the first paid holiday in the nation that recognizes a woman, and is observed on the first Monday in October.
Chapel Dedication
With great joy and gratitude, we will celebrate the rededication of our chapel following the remodel and renovations that have taken place over the last ten months. 
The chapel will be rededicated on Saturday, November 18 at 4:00 p.m. Fr. John Lager, O.F.M. Cap. Has been granted a special mandate to perform the rededication since neither Archbishop Aquila or Bishop Rodriguez are available.
We look forward to a wonderful week of celebrations starting with the Feast of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini on November 13, the Gala on November 17 and the chapel dedication on November 18th.
By Ron Polaniecki, Chicago
(reprinted with permission of StreetWise Magazine, Chicago)
Recently a new sculpture of St. Frances Xavier (“Mother”) Cabrini (1850-1917) was unveiled in the courtyard of Holy Name Cathedral, located at State and Superior Streets.
“The occasion, in part, was the conclusion of a ‘jubilee year’ celebrating the 75th anniversary of Cabrini’s canonization (she is the first American citizen saint). And, in part, it is to recognize a Chicago-based woman who was indefatigable in her service to immigrants at the turn of the century,” says the Rev. Greg Sakowicz, rector of Holy Name Cathedral.
Her relevance is obvious in these times of immigration challenges. And her historic importance is confirmed by her inclusion in such works as Chicago and the American Century, The 100 Most Significant Chicagoans of the Twentieth Century by Richard F. Ciccone, and her listing in the National Women’s Hall of Fame, Seneca Falls, N.Y.
Francesca Cabrini was born prematurely in 1850, outside Milan, Italy, and was sickly throughout her life. Young Cabrini’s goal was to become a missionary to China. However, she was turned away from two religious orders because of her frail condition. Undaunted, Cabrini founded her own group, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (at a time when missionaries where almost exclusively male).
A path filled with twists and turns led her to Chicago where she founded, and then taught at, the Assumption School for Italian immigrant children, originally at 317 W. Erie St. It opened in 1899 with 500 children, and upon Cabrini’s insistence, it was free of charge.
The needs of her fellow Italians in Chicago grew rapidly as Chicago’s Italian born-population rose from 5,700 in 1890 to 16,000 in 1900 and to 45,000 in 1910. Like so many other immigrants, they lived in vastly overcrowded housing and worked for meager wages. One particular challenge faced by Italians was the lack of government or philanthropic agencies to advocate for them. Untypical of the times, Cabrini encouraged her sisters to teach young women industrial arts that would help them support themselves.
In addition to schools, hospitals were needed. Though lacking a healthcare background, her tireless zeal led to the founding of Columbus Hospital in Chicago, at first in Lakeview, and then Columbus Extension, located in a low-income neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side.
Even at a relatively young age, Cabrini was noted for organizational skills – and business instincts. For example, in purchasing the site for Columbus Hospital, she suspected the sellers were being dishonest. At 5 a.m., Cabrini and a fellow sister measured the land parcel themselves and discovered they were being cheated. Faced with the facts, the transaction was corrected.
Another example was her purchase in 1917 of a 102-acre farm in Park Ridge, near Northwest Highway and Dee Road. Her plan was to supply fresh milk, eggs, and chickens to the hospitals and orphanages she had established, according to Milton E. Nelson’s, Milestones of Park Ridge.
However, the other part of Cabrini’s legacy was walking the streets of the Italian district, consoling families, and delivering a message of faith in God to the needy residents. She never tired of asking for funds for the poor and advocating for the marginalized. Her simple motto was, “I can do all things in Jesus who strengthens me.”
Cabrini’s reputation grew. Over the years, she and her sisters founded 67 missions in many American cities, such as New Orleans, Seattle, Colorado mining towns; and in Argentina, Brazil, Nicaragua, and other nations.
As remarkable as Cabrini was, in her own realm, so, too, is co-sculptor, Lou Cella. Rotblatt Amrany Studio of Fine Art, Highwood, Ill., is his arena.
While Cella’s name is not well known, his works are. They include the sculptures of baseball legends Harry Caray, Ernie Banks, Billy Williams and Ron Santo outside of Wrigley Field. And Carlton Fisk, Frank Thomas and Paul Konerko at Guarantee Rate Field. And football hall-of-famer Bart Starr for the Green Bay Packers Heritage Trail, plus numerous other famous sports heroes.
While Cella acknowledges that he never sculpted a saint, he said he felt connections to Cabrini. He noted that he was raised Catholic, is a Chicagoan, and is part Italian. Further, he adds, his mother-in-law was an immigrant from Mexico.
Each subject is unique, Cella said. In this case, the goal was to depict Mother Cabrini reaching out from her heart (hence one hand is on her heart) with a deep concern for all people.
“The attention to details and personal touches, which is a hallmark of our studio work, is apparent in the fabric of the habit, her cross and ring,” Cella continues. “Also, she is stepping through delicate violets, which were her favorite flower.
“Cabrini did not check anyone’s credentials before she would help them,” Cella added. “And she had this special focus on immigrants as she was an immigrant herself.” She became a U.S. citizen in 1909.
Co-sculptor Jessica LoPresti, also an artist at the renowned Rotblatt Amrany studio, was, like Cella, new to saints. Like Cella, LoPresti is a Chicagoan, of Italian heritage on her father’s side and raised a Catholic.
A behind the scenes tidbit: LoPresti modeled a habit that was similar to what Cabrini wore. “This helped us capture the pose, the folds of the fabric, the delicate checkered pattern of the veil and other details.”
The statue was made possible by a donation from Dr. Carol Christianson, a former nurse for many years at Columbus Hospital as well as a missionary in service overseas.
LoPresti adds, “Cabrini’s message is relevant to our current society, which could benefit from having more compassion and care for others.”
Mother Cabrini passed away in Chicago in 1917 and her room is part of the National Shrine of St. Francis Xavier Cabrini in Lincoln Park.
11.30.2022
In preparation for Mother Cabrini’s Feast Day, Cabrini High School hosted a wonderful celebration of the Eucharist where the 50-year graduates (Class of ‘72) joined us in honoring our foundress and received a special pin to commemorate their golden anniversary.
A reception was held following Mass in the lovely Esplanade Courtyard located on Cabrini’s campus.
Happy 172nd Birthday, Mother Cabrini!
July 15, 1850
“The saint of the immigrants,” “patroness of immigrants,” the “Italian immigrant of the century.” These are some of the phrases used to describe the frail, diminutive (less than five feet tall) Frances Xavier Cabrini, foundress and driving force of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Born in 1850 in the Lombard village of Sant’ Angelo Lodigiano, she became a United States citizen in Seattle in 1909 and died in Chicago in 1917, closing a life of sixty-seven years, twenty-eight of them spent in prodigious religious accomplishment on behalf of her beloved Italian immigrants in the Americas. In 1946, Pope Pius XII declared her a saint. She was the first citizen of the United States to be so honored.
Mother Cabrini was a major agent for change during what has been called “modern history’s greatest and most sustained movement from a single country,” the late nineteenth and early twentieth-century emigration of millions of Italians to the Americas, over 100,000 of whom were located in New York City’s Lower East Side.
It was to this community, and to communities like it across the United States, that Mother Cabrini came. She brought them what they needed, a spirit of compassion and of understanding, as she built orphanages and hospitals, worked in parishes and established industrial schools. She and her sisters, who grew in her lifetime to be over 1,000 in number, fanned the spark of faith among the immigrants and their children. ~ excerpts from the Foreward written by James Hennessey, SJ for Mother Cabrini, “Italian Immigrant of the Century” the book written by Sr. Mary Louise Sullivan, MSC, PhD
Following the exhaustive Vatican processes of beatification and canonization, Mother Cabrini was declared Blessed on November 13, 1938, and on July 7, 1946, she became the first United States citizen to be canonized a saint by the Roman Catholic Church. Today we celebrate that anniversary.
In 1950, Pope Pius XII formally proclaimed St. Frances Xavier Cabrini as the “Patroness of Immigrants.”
In his homily, Pope Pius XII said, “She gathered endangered youth in safe houses, and taught them holy and rightful principles. 
She consoled the spirit of the imprisoned, giving them the comfort of life eternal, and urging them to resume the right path and to remake an honest life. She consoled the sick and the infirm gathered in hospitals, and cared for them assiduously. Especially towards immigrants, who had left their own homes… did she extend a friendly hand, a sheltering refuge, relief and help.”
Pope Francis, in a letter to Sr. Barbara Staley, MSC, General Superior of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, writes, “Catholics today cannot forget that [this] is the vocation of every Christian and of every community of the disciples of Jesus.”
The late Sr. Mary Louise Sullivan, MSC, PhD, writes in her book, Mother Cabrini: “Italian Immigrant of the Century” that “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 twentieth century as one of revolution, and 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.”
On June 7th, Julia Attaway, Executive Director of the St. Frances Cabrini Shrine, NYC receives a document case from Janet Bauman, Scanning Specialist Holy Spirit Library, Cabrini University. The document case contains materials from the St. Frances Cabrini Collection at Cabrini University.
The materials which include Mother Cabrini’s business card, checks and promissory notes signed by Mother Cabrini, and a facsimile of the Saint’s will are on loan to the shrine for the upcoming exhibit, “The Everyday Life of Mother Cabrini.” The exhibit is set to open in July.