Mother Cabrini’s pioneering spirit was manifested early on, even before she founded the Missionary Sisters, as she grew in discernment, courage and energy, her capacity for relationship, her drive and tenacity. She learned early in her life how to deal with setbacks, blocks and frustrations: a gift she had learned from her deep and intimate prayer life and her loving relationship with the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
She was a very passionate woman – passionate to help others, passionate in overcoming the difficulties which were always assailing her, passionate in deepening a gospel spirituality not only in her sisters but also in those to whom she and her sisters were ministering. Through the years, Mother Cabrini had become expert at handling difficulties and adversities, always maintaining her peace and always alert to the needs of others, especially the poor, the marginalized, the immigrant. She had a far-sighted vision of mission and had planted her Institute in eight countries by the time she died.
What was her secret? Where did all this energy and insight come from? From an early age, Frances knew how to immerse herself in the depths of the Heart of Jesus and scripture. She took every problem she had to the Heart of Jesus who inevitably showed her his love for her, how to resolve difficulties, what he wanted from her and what her priorities had to be.
Mother Cabrini was always writing in her diary. We are so blessed to have these intimate glimpses into her heart and soul, her passion and energy, her love and zeal. She was truly a “contemplative missionary” and she encouraged all of her sisters to be the same. Today, that is the same challenge that is offered to ever MSC, every Cabrini Lay Missionary (CLM), every Cabrinian collaborator who is called to serve the Lord with compassion and zeal, determination and far sightedness.
What a blessing it is for us in the Cabrini Family in the 21st century to have a such a legacy, a far-sighted vision of mission “to the ends of the earth”!
Sparkling drinks, candlelight, and laughter filled the room as attendees and Sisters enjoyed “A Night in Codogno.” Held on Friday, October 11th at the Metropolitan Club in New York City, the event was inspired by the rustic charm of Codogno, Italy—the town where Mother Cabrini founded Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus religious order in 1880.
with beautiful autumn weather, the atmosphere at Mother Cabrini Shrine was warm and inviting, reflecting the community spirit that Mother Cabrini held so dear. Cabrini Day serves as a powerful reminder of her lasting impact and the Shrine’s ongoing commitment to sharing her story and providing a unique, peaceful environment for visitors to experience God’s loving presence.
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On Thursday, April 18th, a capacity crowd filled the retreat room at St. Frances Cabrini Shrine in Upper Manhattan to hear Executive Director, Julia Attaway, give a talk on what was real in the Cabrini movie and what was “reel.”
A Professor Emerita at Cabrini University shares that Angel Studios has created an animated feature that tells the story of Mother Cabrini in an age-appropriate manner that illustrates the importance of helping others.
On Saturday, April 6th, Cabrini University alumni, faculty, staff, and friends gathered at the Regal Theatre in King of Prussia, PA, for a special showing of the CABRINI film. Hollie Havens, Cabrini College, Class of 1998, was the creative force spearheading the event.