On Nov. 13, the Catholic Church celebrates the life of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, an Italian-born missionary who served poor Italian immigrants in Chicago. The city plans to erect a statue of Cabrini in Arrigo Park, in Chicago’s Little Italy, replacing a Christopher Columbus statue.
Here are 10 things to know about St. Frances Xavier Cabrini:
1. She was the first American citizen to be canonized.
Though born in Italy, Frances Xavier Cabrini became a naturalized U.S. citizen in 1909. In 1946, she was canonized by Pope Pius XII, becoming the first American citizen to be declared a saint.
2. She originally wanted to be a missionary to China.
Inspired by St. Francis Xavier, Cabrini hoped to evangelize in China. Instead, Pope Leo XIII directed her westward, telling her to serve immigrants in the United States, “not to the East, but to the West.”
3. She arrived in New York with almost nothing.
In 1889, Cabrini landed in New York City with six fellow sisters and limited resources. What awaited her was not a warm welcome but housing instability and overwhelming poverty among Italian immigrants.
4. She founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart.
In 1880, she established the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a religious order dedicated to education, healthcare, and missionary work. The order continues its work worldwide today.
5. She built an empire of schools and hospitals.
By the time of her death, Cabrini had founded nearly 70 institutions, including orphanages, schools, and hospitals across the United States, Europe, and Latin America.
6. She served Italian immigrants during a time of intense prejudice.
In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Italian immigrants faced widespread discrimination in America. Cabrini advocated fiercely for their dignity, education, and healthcare.
7. She became a U.S. citizen in 1909.
Cabrini’s naturalization reflected her long-term commitment to serving American communities, particularly in cities like New York and Chicago.
8. She died in Chicago in 1917.
Cabrini passed away on Dec. 22, 1917, in Chicago after years of tireless travel and work. The doctor attributed her death to chronic endocarditis, or heart disease. Her body is preserved for veneration at the National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini.
9. She is the patron saint of immigrants.
In 1950, Pope Pius XII officially named her the patron saint of immigrants, recognizing her lifelong dedication to displaced and marginalized communities.
10. Her legacy remains visible across the U.S.
Hospitals, schools, and institutions bearing her name continue her mission of faith-driven service and education.
This story was first published on Feb. 28, 2026, and was updated on Nov. 11, 2026.
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