Originally named Maria Francesca Cabrini, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini was born in Lombardy, Italy. She was the youngest of 13 children.
Even at a young age she was dedicated to living a life doing religious work. She received education at a school ran by the Daughters of the Sacred Heart, where she graduated with honors and a teaching certificate. At 18, she applied for admission to the same school but was turned down due to her delicate health. She was asked instead to teach at the House of Providence Orphanage. She taught there for six years.
She eventually became Mother Cabrini when she took her vows in 1877. She was beatified on November 13, 1938 by Pope Pius XI and was canonized on July 7, 1946. She was the first United States citizen to be canonized. She is the patron saint of immigrants.
