Mother Cabrini - America's First Saint

On November 13th, we celebrate the feast day of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, affectionately known as Mother Cabrini. Her remarkable journey from a fragile young woman in Italy to a fearless missionary who established schools, hospitals, and orphanages across the Americas shows us that God's power truly works through our weakness.

Francesca Cabrini was born prematurely on July 15, 1850, in Sant'Angelo Lodigiano, Italy. She seemed unlikely to survive, let alone become a pioneering missionary. The future Mother Cabrini was the youngest of thirteen children. She grew up playing at being a missionary, sending paper boats filled with violets down a stream, imagining them as missionaries traveling to China. Though frail in health, her spirit burned with a desire to serve God in the missions.

When young Francesca first tried to join a religious order, she was turned away due to her poor health. But God had other plans for the future Mother Cabrini. Her bishop encouraged her to found her own order, and in 1880, she established the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. She chose Xavier as her religious name in honor of the great Jesuit missionary of the East.

Mother Cabrini had her heart set on missionary work in China, but Pope Leo XIII had different plans. "Not to the East, but to the West," he told her, directing her attention to the waves of Italian immigrants struggling in America. In 1889, she arrived in New York City with six sisters, speaking no English and carrying no more than their faith and courage.

What Mother Cabrini accomplished in her 28 years in America seems almost impossible looking back. Despite facing discrimination, language barriers, and constant financial challenges, she founded 67 institutions - including schools, hospitals, and orphanages - across the United States, Central and South America, and Italy. She crossed the ocean 30 times, fearlessly traveling wherever she was needed, despite her lifelong fear of water.

On December 22, 1917, Mother Cabrini died in one of her own hospitals in Chicago. In 1946, she made history by becoming the first United States citizen to be canonized a saint - a remarkable achievement for someone who had arrived in America as an immigrant herself. She had become a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1909, truly embracing the country she served so devotedly.

Today, Mother Cabrini's work continues through her Missionary Sisters, who serve in 17 countries around the world. Her shrines in New York, Chicago, and Colorado attract thousands of pilgrims annually, and institutions bearing her name continue to serve those in need.

Mother Cabrini's inspiring story reached new audiences through the feature film "Cabrini," produced by Angel Studios. Released in theaters on March 8, 2024, and now available on Apple TV and DVD, the film brings to life the remarkable story of this determined immigrant who became America's first saint. Through stunning cinematography, viewers can experience Mother Cabrini's extraordinary journey from a fragile young woman to a fearless missionary who transformed countless lives through her unwavering faith. Leaflet Missal carries three of the companion books for the movie.

Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, thank you for the gift of life and for your servant, Saint Frances Cabrini. Fill us with the fire of your love and root in us the same spirit that animated Mother Cabrini. Renew our hearts so that we may live as she did, faithful and open to your will. Amen.

- Novena to St. Frances Cabrini from the Cabrini Shrine of NYC