St. Frances Xavier Cabrini

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini was born as Maria Francesca Cabrini on July 15, 1850 in Sant' Angelo Lodigiano, Lombardy, Italy. She was born two months premature and the youngest of thirteen children. Unfortunately, only three of her siblings survived past adolescence and Frances would live most of her life in a fragile and delicate state of health. Frances became dedicated to living a life for religious work from a young age and received a convent education at a school ran by the Daughters of the Sacred Heart. She graduated with high honors and a teaching certificate.

When Frances was 18, she applied for admission to the religious congregation of the Daughters of the Sacred Heart, but was turned down because of her poor health. Instead, a priest asked her to teach at the House of Providence Orphanage in Cadagono, Italy. She taught at the girls' school for six years and drew a community of women in to live the religious way of life. In 1877, she became Mother Cabrini after she finally made her vows and took the religious habit, also adding Xavier to her name in honor of St. Francis Xavier.

When the House of Providence Orphanage closed, her bishop asked her, along with six other women from her orphanage in Cadagono, to found the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart to care for the poor children in both schools and hospitals. Frances composed the Rule and Constitution for the religious institute. In its first five years, the institute established seven homes and a free school and nursery. Frances wanted to continue her mission in China, but Pope Leo XIII urged her to go to the United States, a nation that was becoming flooded with Italian immigrants who needed her help. "Not to the East, but the West," was his advice to her.

On March 31, 1889, Frances arrived in New York City along with six other sisters ready to begin her new journey. However, right from the beginning she encountered many disappointments and hardships. The house originally attended for her new orphanage was no longer available, but Frances did not give up, even though the archbishop insisted she return to Italy. After she refused, Archbishop Michael Corrigan found them housing with the convent of the Sisters of Charity. Frances then received permission to found an orphanage in what is now West Park, New York and now known as Saint Cabrini Home.

Filled with a deep trust in God and endowed with a wonderful administrative ability, Frances founded 67 institutions, including orphanages, schools, and hospitals, within 35 years dedicated to caring for the poor, uneducated, sick, abandoned, and especially for the Italian immigrants. Her institutions were spread out in places all over the United States, including New York, Colorado, and Illinois. Frances was known for being as resourceful as she was prayerful. She was always able to find people to donate their money, time, and support for her institutions.

Liturgical Celebration

The feast of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini is celebrated on November 13th, commemorating the day of her beatification in 1938. St. Frances Xavier Cabrini was beatified by Pope Pius XI on November 13, 1938, and canonized by Pope Pius XII on July 7, 1946, making her the first United States citizen to be canonized. Her feast day serves as a reminder of the importance of serving immigrants and the poor, the power of trust in God's providence, and the value of Catholic social services. Her life demonstrates the transformative power of faith and the importance of welcoming and caring for newcomers to our communities.

Traditions and Customs

On this day, the Church honors St. Frances Xavier Cabrini's remarkable contributions to the care of immigrants and the establishment of Catholic social services. Her feast day serves as a reminder of the importance of welcoming immigrants, caring for the poor and sick, and providing education and healthcare to those in need. Many parishes and communities celebrate this day with special Masses and encourage works of charity, particularly for immigrants and refugees. The day also emphasizes the importance of Catholic social services and the value of education and healthcare as ministries of the Church. Many people also reflect on their own call to serve others and consider how they can help immigrants and the poor in their communities.

Prayer and Devotion

The feast day is an excellent time to pray to St. Frances Xavier Cabrini for her intercession in matters of immigration, healthcare, education, and service to the poor. Many people also pray for immigrants, refugees, and those who work in Catholic social services. Her example encourages us to trust in God's providence, to serve others with courage and determination, and to welcome newcomers to our communities with love and compassion. St. Frances Xavier Cabrini's legacy reminds us that even the most fragile among us can accomplish great things when guided by faith and love.