Today the church celebrates The Feast of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, who died in Chicago in 1917. Originally from Italy, she was the youngest of 13 children. She founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart, and for 28 years, she labored here in the US and in South America, establishing some 67 institutions: schools, hospitals and orphanages. She was the first U.S. citizen canonized in 1946. She is the patroness of immigrants and migrants.

Let us pray. God our Father, who called Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini from Italy to serve the immigrants of America, by her example, teach us to have concern for the stranger, the sick and all those in need. And by her prayers, help us to see Christ in all the men and women we meet. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit. One God forever and ever. Amen.