The National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini held its first fundraiser in three years on October 24, 2024. We welcomed 130 guests to the John B. Murphy Auditorium at the Driehaus Museum. Dr. Murphy was one of the first surgeons hired by Mother Cabrini, who eventually became chief of staff at Columbus Hospital. We were honored to have his great nephew, Mr. John T. Murphy, in attendance. It was a wonderful night, celebrating the life and legacy of Mother Cabrini and her extraordinary contribution to the city of Chicago.
Belaval, host of Around Town on WGN-TV, graced our event as Master of Ceremonies. The exhilarating evening included highlights of Mother Cabrini’s tireless work in Chicago; a thank you to our sponsors; and a paddle raise supporting the ongoing mission of the National Shrine. We honored Missionary Sisters Joan McGlinchey, Joaquina Costa and Barbara Staley with the Mother Cabrini Life and Legacy award.
The night was extremely successful and great fun. A spirit of love and generosity filled the room. [The donations] will enable the National Shrine to continue to provide a sacred space for Masses and liturgical celebrations, pilgrimages, and service initiatives such as Uncle Pete’s lunches, our back-to-school backpack initiative, Chicago Street medicine, and more. Mother Cabrini’s legacy is more alive than ever, and it is with gratitude and renewed commitment that we move forward with Mother Cabrini’s own most cherished belief: “We can do all things through Christ Who strengthens us.”
was Mother Cabrini’s habit, along with Mother’s room. Executive Director Laurie A Halaska shared how Mother Cabrini was working up the day she died and also spoke about how all the intentions received by the Shrine are placed under Mother Cabrini’s pillow.
Sr. Joseane Cabral Soares, MSC.