Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini (Mother Cabrini)

Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini (Mother Cabrini): Feast Day Nov. 13th 

Founder of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart, Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, was an Italian-American religious sister who was instrumental in helping immigrants arriving into the United States. She sought to help those arriving to the U.S. adjust to their new home. She provided housing for orphans, education, and cared for the poor and sick. As we celebrate Mother Cabrini today, you and your family can focus on the "melting pot" analogy of the United States. Most of us have ancestors who immigrated to the United States from other parts of the world, but we, no matter where we have come from, are all Americans.

Celebrating Through Activities:

1. Teach and discuss with your children the definitions for the terms "immigrants" and "immigration." If you have old family photos of family members who moved to the U.S. from other parts of the world, show these to your children and discuss why they moved to America and what joys and/or hardships they faced upon arrival. 

2. Discuss the term "hospitality" with your children and brainstorm ways you can be "welcoming" to people who are new to our town, school, etc. 

3. Make a map of your town/city that could be used to help someone who is new to town learn their way around. (This is also a great time to teach a small mini-lesson about map legends, cardinal directions, and how to read a map).

4. Donate food to a local refugee center to help those in need who are new to the U.S., and then discuss with your children that part of our Christian responsibility is to be welcoming to all people, especially those who are new to our land and need help getting settled.  

Celebrating Through Food:     

Drawing upon Mother Cabrini's Italian heritage, and the reality, that like all the different and flavorful ingredients in the dish, "we are ALL Americans no matter where we come from," make "American Spaghetti." The recipe below is one that my mother-in-law gave me, which comes from my husband's grandmother. It makes a lot, so feel free to modify it to make the amount your family can eat, or, bringing "hospitality" into dinner, invite friends or family members over to share a meal. 

American Spaghetti Recipe: (Makes a lot)

Ingredients: 

3 lbs. ground beef—browned

1 cup chopped celery

1/2 cup chopped onion

1 large can plus 1 medium can of diced tomatoes 

3 lbs. cooked spaghetti 

1 lb. bacon—cut into 3/4 inch pieces and cooked and drained but not crisp

1/2 tsp of salt  and a few grinds of pepper.

Directions: 

Mix the celery, onion, and meat together and cook until the meat is browed and vegetables tender. In a large bowl, mix all ingredients, at least 4 hours ahead, and let set in the refrigerator or mix the night before.

Spray a large 9X13 lasagna pan with cooking spray, cover with foil, and bake at 350 for 45 minutes to an hour. If it appears too dry, add a little tomato or V8 juice or more canned tomatoes.

Celebrating Through Prayer: 

Here is a prayer I wrote that you and your family can say at dinner as you eat "American Spaghetti." I hope you have a truly blessed day celebrating today's feast day! 

Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, please pray that I may have an open and loving heart to welcome those from other lands into my home, school, town, and country. Pray that I may be given the grace of understanding, so that I may see all of my neighbors as family, fellow countrymen, and children of God; and be welcoming and caring to all people like you. Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, pray for us! 

Additional Resources: 

Here is some additional reading from Franciscan Media about Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini as well as reading from the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart.