The Catholic Church celebrates St. Frances Xavier Cabrini on November 13, recognising the Italian-born missionary who dedicated her life to supporting poor Italian immigrants in the United States.
Chicago is planning to erect a statue of Cabrini in Arrigo Park, located in the city’s Little Italy neighbourhood. The monument is expected to replace a statue of Christopher Columbus.
Cabrini became known for her work among immigrant communities, establishing schools, hospitals and other institutions to provide education and healthcare.
Cabrini Was the First American Citizen Canonised
Although she was born in Italy, Cabrini became a naturalised United States citizen in 1909.
Pope Pius XII canonised her in 1946, making her the first American citizen to be declared a saint by the Catholic Church.
Her Original Mission Was to China
Cabrini initially hoped to become a missionary in China. Inspired by St. Francis Xavier, she wanted to carry out evangelisation work in the Asian country.
However, Pope Leo XIII directed her to travel west and serve immigrants in the United States, telling her to go “not to the East, but to the West.”
She Arrived in New York With Limited Resources
In 1889, Cabrini arrived in New York City accompanied by six fellow sisters. The group had very limited resources and faced difficult conditions as they began their work.
They encountered housing insecurity and widespread poverty among Italian immigrants, who were struggling to establish themselves in the United States.
She Established a Religious Order in 1880
Cabrini founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 1880.
The religious organisation focused on missionary activities, education and healthcare. It continues to operate internationally, carrying out work connected to the mission established by its founder.
She Founded Nearly 70 Institutions
Throughout her lifetime, Cabrini established nearly 70 institutions, including schools, orphanages and hospitals.
The facilities were established across the United States, Europe and Latin America, providing services to communities in need.
She Supported Italian Immigrants Facing Discrimination
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Italian immigrants in the United States experienced widespread prejudice and discrimination.
Cabrini worked to defend their dignity and improve their access to education and medical care. Much of her missionary activity focused on addressing the needs of immigrant families and disadvantaged communities.
Cabrini Died in Chicago in 1917
Cabrini died in Chicago on December 22, 1917, following years of travel and missionary work.
Her doctor attributed her death to chronic endocarditis, a form of heart disease.
Her body is preserved for veneration at the National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini.
She Was Named Patron Saint of Immigrants
In 1950, Pope Pius XII officially designated Cabrini as the patron saint of immigrants.
The recognition followed her lifelong commitment to assisting people who had left their countries and faced poverty, discrimination and other difficulties in their new communities.
Her Work Continues Through Institutions Across the United States
Cabrini’s legacy remains present through hospitals, schools and other institutions that carry her name.
These organisations continue activities associated with her work, particularly in education, healthcare and services for disadvantaged communities.
Her November 13 feast day is observed by the Catholic Church in recognition of her life and missionary service.
This story was first published on February 28, 2026, and updated on November 11, 2026.
