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
On Wednesday, September 30, a diverse group of over 50 people who work with immigrants at schools, hou
ses of worship, non-profits, small businesses, and the offices of elected officials gathered at St. Frances Cabrini Shrine for the launch of a new initiative called Uptown Open Arms. The event was coordinated by a team of local leaders, including the Shrine.
On Tuesday morning, we joyfully began our weeklong celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the canonization of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini with a beautiful Mass celebrated alongside the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, our staff, volunteers, and members of the Mother Cabrini Shrine community.
We share excerpts from her letter.
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.
“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.
having rested in appallingly filthy conditions [overnight] she want to see Archbishop Corrigan, where she discovered that the situation a was even worse. The prelate ordered them to go back on the same ship that brought them.
