Have you ever known someone who is really good at asking for what they need and getting it with no issues? That was Saint Frances Cabrini. She was born into a large Italian family where only three of her 12 siblings survived adolescence. The youngest of the family, she was born two months premature, leaving her in fragile health for the rest of her life. However, this did not stop her from living well.
Cabrini dedicated herself to living a religious lifestyle from a very young age. She received convent education at a school run by the Daughters of the Sacred Heart and graduated with high honors and a teaching certificate. At the age of 18, she applied to the religious congregation of the Daughters of the Sacred Heart and was denied due to her poor health.
Cabrini took matters into her own hands. She taught at the House of Providence Orphanage in Codogno for six years, drawing a community of women to live the religious lifestyle with her. In 1877, she became Mother Cabrini after taking her vows. When the orphanage closed, the bishop asked her to found the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart. Within five years, the sisters had opened seven homes and a free school and nursery for poor children.
Cabrini hoped to take her mission east to China, but Pope Leo XIII sent her west instead, to the struggling Italian immigrants in the United States. Upon arrival, the house meant for the orphanage was no longer available, and Archbishop Michael Corrigan told her to go back to Italy. Cabrini refused, and he eventually gave the sisters permission to stay. She went on to open an orphanage, later moved to West Park, NY, and known today as Saint Cabrini Home. In all, she founded 67 institutions: schools, hospitals, and orphanages. She was known for being resourceful as well as prioritizing prayer in her endeavors. In 1909 she became a naturalized citizen and was later the first American citizen to be canonized a saint.
Today we pray for immigrants and all who are far from home, and for the grace to trust that God provides what we need for the work He gives us. May we follow Saint Frances Cabrini’s example by asking boldly, persevering when doors close, and always looking for ways to help the people around us.
Let us pray
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Lord God, you called Saint Frances Cabrini to leave her home and care for the poor and the immigrants in a new land. Even in fragile health, and even when the doors in front of her were closed, she trusted that you would provide. Give us her courage to ask for what we need, her perseverance when our plans fall apart, and her love for everyone who is lonely or far from home. Help us to notice the people you have placed around us and to serve them with joy. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, pray for us.
In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Up next → Tomorrow’s saint of the day is Saint Lawrence O’Toole.
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Written by Ryan