Celebrating the 80th Anniversary of the Canonization of Saint Frances Cabrini

Yesterday marked the eightieth anniversary of the canonization of Saint Frances Cabrini. She was canonized in Rome on July 7, 1946, by Pope Pius XII in a four‑and‑a‑half‑hour ceremony of great pageantry, witnessed by 45,000 people. Among those present were 600 Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart from Europe, Asia, and North and South America; more than sixty cardinals, bishops, and archbishops; numerous monsignors, priests, and nuns; members of the diplomatic corps; and members of royal and noble families.

Also in attendance were Paolo Pezzini, Hector Pagetti, and Peter Smith, each of whom had been miraculously cured through the intercession of Saint Frances Cabrini. Their cures formed part of the official petition submitted for her canonization.

In his address at the canonization, Pope Pius XII exhorted the faithful to follow her example:

“Fix your eyes upon her: study her life as your guide here on earth and so live as to follow her to Heaven above: it is the road marked out by the spirit of God.”

May we honor her legacy by practicing the virtues she embodied—humility, faith, hope, and love—and by persevering in constant prayer, trusting in the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus in all our works.

Saint Frances Cabrini, pray for us.