Frances Xavier Cabrini
Frances Xavier Cabrini was the first United States citizen to be canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church.
Religious Leader
July 15, 1850
December 22, 1917
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Frances Xavier Cabrini, also known as Mother Cabrini, was an Italian-American religious sister and educator who devoted her life to serving the poor and marginalized. She founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and established numerous orphanages, schools, and hospitals, including the renowned Columbus Hospital in New York City. In 1946, she became the first American citizen to be canonized as a saint by the Catholic Church.
Cabrini’s work extended beyond the United States, as she also founded schools in Europe and South America and provided humanitarian aid during World War I. Among her notable accomplishments were seeking the pope’s approval to establish missions in China, founding the Institute of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart, and being recognized as the patron saint of immigrants. Her unwavering faith fueled her dedication to helping impoverished and marginalized immigrants.
Despite encountering challenges and anti-papal sentiment, Cabrini’s trust in divine providence guided her work, and her legacy continues to inspire others today.