Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini

Biography

Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, also known as Francesca Saverio Cabrini, was born on July 15, 1850, in Sant'Angelo Lodigiano, Lombardy, Italy. She was one of thirteen children raised on a farm and received a convent education, along with training as a teacher. At the age of 18, she attempted to join a religious order, but her poor health prevented her from taking the veil. However, Mother Cabrini's life took a different direction when a priest asked her to teach at the House of Providence Orphanage in Cadagono, Italy. She dedicated six years of her life to this school for girls, displaying her deep commitment to education and caring for children. In 1877, Mother Cabrini finally had the opportunity to take religious vows and she excelled in her work. When the orphanage closed in 1880, her bishop recognized her exceptional talent and asked her to found the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart. The mission of this congregation was to care for poor children by establishing schools and hospitals. By the guidance of Pope Leo XIII, Mother Cabrini embarked on a significant journey to the United States in 1889 along with six sisters. Their focus was to serve the growing immigrant population, particularly the Italian community. Throughout her life, she founded a total of 67 institutions, including schools, hospitals, and orphanages in the United States, Europe, and South America. As Mother Cabrini worked tirelessly in her mission, she also became a United States citizen. After her death on December 22, 1917, in Chicago, Illinois, due to malaria, she became the first U.S. citizen to be canonized. Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini was laid to rest at 701 Fort Washington Avenue in New York, New York. Her dedication and service to society were widely recognized. On November 21, 1937, Pope Pius XI declared her venerable, recognizing her heroic virtues. A year later, on November 13, 1938, Pope Pius XI beatified her. The miracle attributed to her beatification involved the restoration of sight to a child who had been blinded by excessive silver nitrate in the eyes. Finally, on July 7, 1946, Pope Pius XII canonized Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini. The miracle associated with her canonization involved the healing of a terminally ill nun. Today, she is venerated as a saint and is the patron saint against malaria, emigrants (as declared on September 8, 1950, by Pope Pius XII), hospital administrators, immigrants, and orphans. Her feast days are celebrated on December 22 and November 13 (in the United States).