Memorial of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, Virgin
She dreamed of China, but became America's missionary ...
Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini was born in Lombardy to a large and deeply religious family. She attended the Holy Mass daily with her parents and twelve older siblings. So, when she suddenly lost both parents in her twenties, she did not hesitate for a moment. She began efforts to enter the monastery.
At the beginning she was not lucky. Due to the state of her health, no congregation would accept her. In the end, however, she found a place with the Sisters of Providence, whereshe also soon became the Superior. However, Frances Xavier felt that God had called her to something else. In November 1880, the saint founded the Institute of Missionaries of the Heart of Jesus. She decided to devote the rest of her life to missions in remote parts of the world. After eight years, she succeeded in establishing the first house of the new congregation in Rome.
It was then that Pope Leo XIII received a request from the Bishop of New York for pastoral support to work with immigrants. To her great joy, Sister Frances Xavier set off for the USA with some companions. It was the beginning of the great development of the congregation. Soon after, the sisters had homes in North, Central and South America, as well as in France, England, Spain, and Italy. Some sisters even went to China and Africa. They worked in parish schools, served in hospitals and prisons.
Frances Xavier died in Chicago on December 22, 1917 at the age of sixty-seven. She left behind 66 houses and 1,300 sisters. With the dispensation of Pope Pius XI, the canonical process for her beatification was held in an accelerated procedure, thanks to which she was recognized as Blessed in 1938. Eight years later, Pope Pius XII solemnly raised her to glory of the altars. St. Frances Xavier is considered the patron saint of emigrants.
Her grave is in New York in the chapel of the school named after her. Americans call her "Mother Cabrini". She is the first US citizen declared a saint. One of the avenues in Manhattan is named after her today.
Reflection on Today’s Gospel Lk 17:26-37
What is most important happens inside a person and is known only to God. Outwardly, there may be no difference between some people - two people work the same in the field or rest in the bedroom, two women work the same with the mill - and one of them will end up in God's Kingdom and the other outside of it.
Sometimes, however, it is revealed on this earth what is happening inside a person. For example, in a certain environment there are the same, equally cultured people. It is enough, however, for someone from their environment to experience some misfortune and the truth about these people will be reveal - one will mobilize to help, and the other will selfishly withdraw into himself.
And they seemed to be people of the same format. Two of the same people will be tempted to sin - one will take bribes and the other will persist in honesty; one will cheat on her husband/his wife and the other will keep his/her marriage vow; one will have a career at any cost, and the other will be more honest.
God forbid that some of us should count ourselves as good and honest in advance. Let us try to be honest, but let us place our hope in God, not in our honesty. God knows us better than we know ourselves, God knows us to the end, He also knows all our weakness. Also, this weakness that we may not even imagine ourselves. That is why the most important conclusion from today's Gospel should be the prayer: “God, be my strength! Do not let my weakness lead me to be unfaithful to Your commandments! Support me especially in times of trial and temptation. Because if you, God, do not strengthen me with your grace, I can go very far away from you!
Until Tomorrow
fr. george