(1850-1917) Mother Cabrini is commemorated on November 13 in the U.S., but her feast in the universal Church is on the day she entered heaven, December 22. Maria Francesca Cabrini was the youngest of 13 children born to poor farmers in Italy. She ran an orphanage and joined the Sisters of Providence in Italy, adding Xavier to her name in honor of Saint Francis Xavier. She founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart and wanted to travel to China, but Pope Leo XIII sent her to the United States instead. Frances Cabrini founded more than 67 institutions, including schools, hospitals, and orphanages. She became a U.S. citizen and was the first U.S. citizen to be canonized.
Saint Frances Cabrini met with local resistance as an Italian immigrant in America, but achieved what the natural-born citizens had not on their own. She nearly drowned as a child and had a fear of water. Yet, she still crossed the Atlantic Ocean more than 30 times to serve others. How have you overcome labels and fears in your recovery journey?
“I will go anywhere and do anything in order to communicate the love of Jesus to those who do not know Him or have forgotten Him” (Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini).
Reflection by Brad Farmer