Feast of Santa Francesca Saverio Cabrini

Santa Francesca Saverio Cabrini, ora pro nobis

December 22nd is the Feast of Santa Francesca Saverio Cabrini (1850-1917), Religious and Foundress. Invoked against malaria, she is the patron saint of immigrants, emigrants, orphans, and hospital administrators. She founded numerous institutions, including the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, to help the poor, uneducated and sick immigrants from Italy. She was the first naturalized citizen of these United States to be canonized on July 7, 1946. Mother Cabrini’s memorial is also celebrated on November 13th.

In celebration, we’re posting a prayer for St. Frances Xavier Cabrini. The accompanying photos were taken at the Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini Shrine in Washington Heights, New York. Evviva Santa Francesca Saverio Cabrini!

Prayer to St. Frances Xavier Cabrini

O Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, who found in the Divine Heart of Jesus the secret of sanctity and the strength to carry His message to many nations, look kindly upon me and hear my prayer.

Inspired by Christ’s charity, you went about helping many in their spiritual and temporal needs; from the glory of Heaven, where your charity is not lessened nor your power weakened, grant my petition and obtain for me the grace I so urgently desire. (Mention your request.)

From the Sacred Heart of Jesus obtain that His Kingdom may be established in this world, now divided by hatred and dissensions; secure peace among nations, conversion of the sinners, health to the sick, alleviation for the victims of war, deliverance of the souls in Purgatory, salvation for the human race redeemed by Christ Our Savior. Amen