St. Frances Xavier Cabrini

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini was an Italian-American nun who dedicated her life to serving Italian immigrants in the United States. As the founder of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, she established numerous schools, orphanages, and hospitals, becoming the patron saint of immigrants. Canonized in 1946, she remains an enduring symbol of faith, charity, and dedication to service.

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, born Maria Francesca Cabrini on July 15, 1850, in Sant'Angelo Lodigiano, Italy, was the youngest of thirteen children in a devout Catholic family. She felt called to religious life from a young age and eventually entered the Institute of the Sisters of the Sacred Heart in 1874. However, her health issues and her desire to serve the poor led her to take a different path. In 1880, she founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Italy, aiming to serve the underprivileged through education, healthcare, and social services.

In 1889, despite initial setbacks, Pope Leo XIII granted her permission to travel to the United States to work among the growing Italian immigrant community. She arrived in New York City with six sisters, beginning a lifelong mission to help immigrants. St. Frances focused on building institutions that would provide both spiritual guidance and practical support to immigrants, especially Italian Catholics. Her work included the creation of orphanages, schools, and hospitals. Her tireless dedication to helping the marginalized led her to establish 67 institutions, not only in the U.S. but also in South America and Europe.

St. Frances' health, however, was frail, and her work took a toll on her. Despite this, she continued her ministry until her death on December 22, 1917. She was buried in the chapel of the Sacred Heart at Columbus Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, where her legacy lived on through the institutions she founded.

Pope Pius XII canonized her on July 7, 1946, making her the first American citizen to be declared a saint. Her feast day is celebrated on November 13. St. Frances Xavier Cabrini is the patron saint of immigrants, and her life and work continue to inspire those dedicated to serving the poor and the marginalized. Her legacy is carried on through the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart, which remains active today, running schools, hospitals, and other charitable works around the world.

Her prayers and intercession are sought by those who serve in similar fields of work and by immigrants, reflecting her deep commitment to helping those in need. Her canonization and continued remembrance through her institutions underscore the profound impact she made in the lives of countless individuals.

Feast Day

22-12-1946

Birth Date

15-7-1850

Died Date

22-12-1917

Canonised Date

7-7-1946

Mother Cabrini Shrine, Golden, Colorado, USA

"Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, you dedicated your life to serving the poor and spreading God's love. Intercede for us that we may follow your example of faith, courage, and charity. Guide us in our own work of love and service to others. Help us to trust in God's will and to always act with compassion. Amen."
ST. FRANCES XAVIER CABRINI

Video Not Found

ST. FRANCES XAVIER CABRINI

The information on this website is compiled from various trusted sources. While we aim for accuracy, some details may be incomplete or contain discrepancies.

If you notice any errors or have additional information about this saint, please use the form on the left to share your suggestions. Your input helps us improve and maintain reliable content for everyone.

All submissions are reviewed carefully, and your personal details will remain confidential. Thank you for contributing to the accuracy and value of this resource.

Credits & Acknowledgments

Anudina Visudhar (Malayalam) – Life of Saints for Everyday
by Msgr. Thomas Moothedan, M.A., D.D.
Saint Companions for Each Day
by A. J. M. Mausolfe & J. K. Mausolfe
US Catholic (Faith in Real Life) – Informational articles
Wikipedia – General reference content and images
Anastpaul.com – Saint images and reflections
Pravachaka Sabdam (Malayalam) – Saint-related content and insights

We sincerely thank these authors and platforms for their valuable contributions. If we have unintentionally missed any attribution, please notify us, and we will make the correction promptly.