Learn and Grow in Your Faith with Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini

Deanna Bartalini reviews two new books to guide you in learning more about and praying with Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini. 

In March of 1889, Sr. Frances Xavier Cabrini sailed from Northern Italy to New York City to serve the Italian immigrants there. Archbishop Michael Corigan asked for priests; he received, instead, a woman who would not be deterred in her service to the people of God.  

Two Books to Learn More About Mother Cabrini 

For whatever reason, I did not know very much about Mother Cabrini. However, after praying with and reading these two books, Hope Without Borders, edited by Catholic Mom contributing writer Amy. J. Cattapan, and All Things Are Possible, edited by Dawn Beutner, I have a new saint to help me in my life.  

It is difficult to say what I admire most about her: her fearlessness in crossing the ocean many times, learning how to speak English, going up against many who thought she needed to be much smaller than her hopes and desires for those who suffered, or her deep faith that with God she could do all that was needed.  

All Things Are Possible 

edited by Dawn Beutner

Published by Ignatius Press

Each book serves a different purpose. If you want to learn more about Mother Cabrini’s life work and accomplishments, then begin with All Things Are Possible from Ignatius Press. This book contains letters written by Mother Cabrini throughout her life. The letters are arranged according to themes: Foundress, Religious Superior, World Traveler, Spiritual Director, Mystic and Saint. There is a mix of complete letters and excerpts from letters. Many of these were written to various convents to keep them informed of what was happening with the work of the sisters and to encourage them.  

The World Traveler chapter is the longest and full of information on the many trips Mother Cabrini took, both alone and with other sisters. All in the name of spreading hope and helping those in need. The Spiritual Director chapter has letters to individual sisters giving them spiritual help and letters teaching the Mother Superiors of other convents how to help their sisters.  

Hope Without Borders 

edited by Amy J. Cattapan

Published by Ave Maria Press

If you would like to pray with a great spiritual teacher, then pick up Hope Without Borders from Ave Maria Press. The book is meant to be used for 30 days; each day begins with a brief passage to read and reflect on from Mother Cabrini’s writing, then a one sentence prayer to use throughout your day, and a prayer to end your day. There is an overview of how to use each section, creating a rhythm of prayer for your day.  

What I appreciated, as an Ignatian spiritual director, is how Mother Cabrini was shaped by Saint Ignatius’ Spiritual Exercises. Both of the books provide timelines and background of Mother Cabrini’s life, accomplishments and eventual canonization. Like many saints, her insights are timeless and can be applied to those not in religious life. 

I highly recommend both books, one to pray with and the other to focus more on Mother Cabrini’s life.  

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Copyright 2025 Deanna Bartalini
Images: (top) Holy Cross Family Ministries; (bottom) Canva
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