Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini

On November 13, the Church celebrates the feast of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, known widely as the Italian-American nun, Mother Cabrini.

Born as Maria Francesca Cabrini on July 15, 1850, in Sant'Angelo Lodigiano, Lombardy, Italy, she was the youngest of 13 children born to Agostino Cabrini and Stella Oldini.

Only three of her siblings survived past adolescence, and Frances herself faced significant health challenges throughout her life, leading to a cautious and determined path.

From an early age, Frances felt a strong calling to religious life. She attended school run by the Daughters of the Sacred Heart.

At the age of 18, she applied to join their congregation but was denied due to her fragile health. Undeterred, she was invited by a priest to teach at the House of Providence Orphanage in Cadagono, Italy.

She dedicated six years to teaching at the girls' school, drawing together a group of women who adopted a religious lifestyle.

In 1877, Frances took her religious vows and added “Xavier” to her name in honor of St. Francis Xavier, becoming Mother Cabrini.

Her bishop encouraged her and six nuns from the orphanage to establish the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, focusing on the care of underprivileged children in hospitals and schools.

This new religious institute laid the foundation for extensive missionary work, particularly among Italian immigrants in the United States.

During the first five years, the institute founded seven homes, a free school, and a nursery. Despite her wish to extend her mission to China, Pope Leo XIII advised her to “Not to the East, but the West,” directing her efforts to support the Italian immigrants in the United States.

On March 31, 1889, Mother Cabrini arrived in New York City with six other nuns, beginning a challenging mission.

Faced with immediate obstacles, including Archbishop Michael Corrigan’s suggestion to return to Italy due to the lack of facilities, Frances held firm in her resolve. She secured a temporary residence in the Sisters of Charity convent and eventually established the Saint Cabrini Home, an orphanage in West Park, New York.

Over 35 years, Mother Cabrini founded 67 institutions, including hospitals, schools, and orphanages, demonstrating remarkable administrative skills and unshakeable faith.

These institutions served the poor, the sick, the abandoned, and especially the Italian immigrant community. Her work spread across the United States, notably in Illinois, Colorado, and New York, earning widespread respect and support from benefactors.

In 1909, Frances became a naturalized U.S. citizen. She passed away on December 22, 1917, at Columbus Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, at the age of 67. She was laid to rest at St. Frances Cabrini Shrine in New York.

Mother Cabrini was beatified by Pope Pius XI on November 13, 1938, and canonized by Pope Pius XII on July 7, 1946.

She is now venerated as the patron saint of hospital administrators and immigrants.

Migration, both domestic and international, has been a consistent reality throughout history and remains so today. The Church accompanies migrants on their journeys, providing pastoral care and support. Pope Francis has repeatedly championed the cause of migrants and called attention to their struggles.

Inspired by the life and mission of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, let us show love, mercy, and compassion to migrants and draw strength from her unwavering service as a model of faith and action.