Frances Xavier Cabrini, known as Mother Cabrini, was a woman of unshakable faith and tireless devotion. Born in Italy in 1850, she grew up with a deep desire to serve others. This passion led her to establish the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (MSC), a religious institute dedicated to helping the poor, the sick, and the marginalized.
Her calling took her far beyond the borders of Italy. In 1887, Cabrini immigrated to the United States, answering Pope Leo XIII’s request to aid the growing population of Italian immigrants struggling in poverty. Despite facing intense anti-Italian sentiment and opposition within the Catholic Church, she persevered, founding hospitals, orphanages, and schools in New York City and beyond. Her work quickly expanded to other U.S. cities and even Latin America and Europe, as she established 67 charitable institutions in her lifetime.
A naturalized U.S. citizen by 1909, Cabrini was not only a religious leader but also a fearless advocate for immigrants, ensuring they had access to education, healthcare, and spiritual guidance. Her legacy extended far beyond her passing in 1917. Recognizing her extraordinary contributions, the Vatican beatified her in 1938 and canonized her as a saint in 1946, making her the first American citizen to receive sainthood. In 1950, she was named the patron saint of immigrants—a fitting tribute to a woman who dedicated her life to those seeking a better future in a new land.
Today, Mother Cabrini’s influence continues through the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, whose work spans 15 countries, offering care and hope to the underserved. Her name graces schools, hospitals, and institutions worldwide, a testament to her enduring mission of compassion and service.
