The Basics: Born July 15, 1850, in Italy; died December 22, 1917, in Chicago; canonized July 7, 1946, by Pius XII; feast day, November 13. Woman religious, social worker.
The Story: Frances was quite sure she was meant to be a missionary, taking the Word of God beyond her homeland. At age thirty, she was among the founders of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and served as its founder until her death. While 
the sisters did much good work in Italy, Frances wanted to expand to China. However, Pope Leo XIII instead urged her to go to the United States. Frances and six other sisters arrived in 1889. After a bit of a rocky start–the New York Catholic officials weren’t ready for them and suggested they return to Italy–Frances and the others went on to open orphanages, schools, and hospitals on three continents. Along the way, Frances became a U.S. citizen, and later would become the first U.S. saint. Long after her death, the order for a time did have a presence in China. From her writings, it does not appear Frances regretted the fact she never made it there herself.
St. Frances’ Wisdom: “I will go anywhere and do anything in order to communicate the love of Jesus.”
What We Can Learn: Obedience isn’t easy, especially when God seems to put one thing in our hearts and souls and people we trust point us in a different direction. Contemplate today whether a plan you want to pursue that is at odds with advice you receive is truly where God is directing you. If so, stick to it; if not, remember Frances’ example and set another course.
To Learn More About Frances: The Web site for Mother Cabrini’s national shrine in Chicago is chock-full of information about her and her legacy, as is the site for the Cabrini shrine in Manhattan.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my book, Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
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