It was a joy and privilege to participate in the celebration of the 125th anniversary of St. Giovanni Scalabrini’s coming to the United States, held at Our Lady of Pompeii on September 20, 2026. Christopher LaBianco, representing the Cabrinian family and the Cabrini Mission Foundation, Sr. Antonina Avitabile, MSC, and Sr. Lucy Panettieri, MSC, were present for this special celebration.
The principal celebrant was Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy See. Concelebrating with him were Father Leonir Mario Chiarello, C.S., Superior General of the Missionaries of St. Charles Borromeo, and Father Horacio Carlos Anklan, C.S., Provincial Superior, along with many other prelates.
For us, the celebration held a special meaning because the stories of St. Giovanni Scalabrini and St. Frances Xavier Cabrini are deeply connected. In a very real sense, our Cabrinian mission in the United States is part of the fruit of Scalabrini’s vision and his deep concern for those who were leaving their homeland in search of a better future.
As Bishop of Piacenza, Italy, Scalabrini witnessed millions of Italians leaving their homeland. He did not simply see migration as a social reality; he saw people—families carrying their hopes, fears, faith, and dreams to a new land. He understood the importance of offering not only practical assistance, but also spiritual, social, and cultural support.
His concern led to action. In 1887, he founded the Missionaries of St. Charles Borromeo, the Scalabrinian Fathers, to accompany those journeying to new countries and help them build a new life.
This same concern led to a beautiful connection with Mother Cabrini. Although she had dreamed of going to China, Scalabrini recognized her missionary spirit and encouraged her to respond to the needs of Italians in the Americas. Mother Cabrini brought this proposal to Pope Leo XIII, who told her: “Not to the East, but to the West.”
In 1889, Mother Cabrini and her Sisters came to New York, beginning a mission that would touch the lives of countless people and their families.
Scalabrini recognized a need and responded with vision and compassion. Mother Cabrini heard the call and responded: “I will go.”
Their vision continues today in the mission we carry forward: to see the person, to accompany those who journey to a new land, and to bring hope to their lives.