You Have Seen the Movie, Now Dig Deeper into Cabrini's Life

Today, November 13, we celebrate the feast day of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, a remarkable figure in the Catholic Church and the first U.S. citizen to be canonized a saint. Known as Mother Cabrini, she was born in Italy on July 15, 1850, and dedicated her life to serving immigrants and those on the margins of society. 

After founding the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Italy, she journeyed to the United States at the request of Pope Leo XIII to minister to the growing population of Italian immigrants. Her tireless work in education, health care, and social services not only transformed lives but laid a foundation for Catholic social teaching on immigration.

In 1909, Mother Cabrini became a naturalized U.S. citizen, deepening her connection to the country she would serve until her passing in 1917. She is now the patron saint of immigrants, and her legacy continues in our communities today through the work of her congregation. With compassion and courage, she dedicated herself to uplifting those who were often isolated and vulnerable, especially immigrants, providing them with shelter, education, and health care.

St. Frances Cabrini's example emphasizes that serving newcomers and advocating for their dignity is essential to living the Gospel. As Pope Francis reminds us, this mission is at the heart of Christian life and Catholic social teaching. In the Catholic understanding, migration is an opportunity to build unity and a deeper sense of shared humanity. Reflecting on the Holy Family’s own journey to Egypt, Catholic teaching sees every migrant family as a reflection of God’s presence among us. In his letter to the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Pope Francis encouraged Catholics to follow Mother Cabrini’s model of love, affirming that service to newcomers is not merely optional—it is a sacred duty.

In recognition of her contributions, Colorado established Frances Xavier Cabrini Day in 2020 as the first paid state holiday in the U.S. named after a woman. This annual celebration, held on the first Monday in October, replaced Columbus Day and honors Cabrini’s legacy of love and dedication to immigrant communities.

On this special feast day, let us remember Mother Cabrini’s life as an invitation to reach out with compassion to newcomers in our own communities. In welcoming the stranger, we not only honor her legacy but participate in building the “human family,” united in dignity and love.