Yesterday I had the opportunity to go to the movies. I went to see Cabrini with one of our sisters. It was a truly moving experience. I remember as a young child learning about her life and visiting her body in the shrine. The timing of the release of the film was on International Women's Day and at the very beginning of National Catholic Sisters Week.
Her story is one that many immigrants faced in her day and still face today. Arriving in New York City in 1889, Italian immigrant Francesca Cabrini is greeted by disease, crime and impoverished children. She soon sets off on a daring mission to convince the mayor to secure housing and health care for society's most vulnerable. With broken English and poor health, Cabrini uses her entrepreneurial mind to build an empire of hope unlike anything the world has ever seen.
Cabrini had a tenacity that was unyielding. She stood up to Church authorities, hostile civil authorities and anyone who stood in her way. Born prematurely, Cabrini suffered from compromised lungs and was always frail. Her health never thwarted her determination to help others. She was the voice of the voiceless and challenged authorities to help her. Facing obstacles was a reflection of her strong will. Nothing would stand in the way of her achieving her goal of serving. Her dream was to go to the east but she was sent to the west. She made the best of the situation and helped many to survive.
If you have the opportunity and the desire for an uplifting yet challenging film go see Cabrini - you won't be disappointed.
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