Saint Frances Cabrini
Feast Day: November 13
Toward the end of the nineteenth century, many Italian immigrants came to the United States to find work. But many of them could not read or write. They had little money for food or health care.
That is why Frances Cabrini left her convent in Italy and came to the United States. She had been born in Italy on July 15, 1850. As a child she was sick much of the time. So when she tried to become a religious sister, two convents turned her down. So, she started her own convent and gathered a group of strong women around her.
In 1889, Frances and six sisters came to New York City to help the Italian immigrants living there. Together, they built schools, hospitals, orphanages, and convents. Frances traveled around the world bringing people the good news that God cared about them. She found out what people needed. Then she found ways to help people help themselves.
After a long life of serving others, Frances died on December 22, 1917. By that time, she had become a citizen of the United States. In 1946, the Church declared that Frances was a saint. In fact, she was the first American saint!
We honor Frances as the patron of immigrants. And we call her Mother Cabrini. She was a mother to orphans, to immigrants, and to the uneducated. During her life, Frances met many obstacles. But with God’s help, she turned trouble into triumph!
Connecting to Faith First® Legacy Edition
Grade 3, chapter 20
Grade 5, chapter 16
Grade 6, chapter 3
Connecting to Faith First®
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