Cabrini, Saint Frances Xavier (1850–1917)

Francesca Cabrini was born on July 15, 1850, in San Angelo, a small village about 20 miles south of Milan, in the fertile plain of Lombardy. She was the youngest of 13 children born to Agostino and Stella Cabrini. Agostino, the proprietor of a modest estate, made a living farming. Living in their modest and comfortable home, the Cabrinis were a pious family dedicated to both their children and their church.

A fragile baby at birth, Francesca was taken to the church immediately for baptism. Having been born when her mother was 52 and had 12 other children to tend to, Francesca was left to be cared for by her oldest sister. Rosa, whose career aspirations were to be a teacher, taught Francesca how to knit ...