Cabrini, Frances-Xavier, St

views updated

Cabrini, Frances-Xavier, St (1850–1917). Founder of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart, and first saint of the USA. She was born in Italy and had hoped to become a missionary in China, but she was rejected on grounds of health. Sent to New York by Pope Leo XIII, she began work among Italian immigrants in 1889, producing a network of support in practical form. She was known as Mother Cabrini, and she became the patron saint of immigrants and displaced persons. She was canonized in 1946. Feast day, 13 Nov.

About this article

Cabrini, Frances-Xavier, St

Updated About encyclopedia.com content Print Article