THROUGH THE ARDENT ZEAL OF YOUR HUMBLE HANDMAID...
May I wish all my readers a very happy birthday of St Frances Xavier Cabrini, known in her life as "Mother Cabrini" who was born on this day in 1850. She is still known as Mother Cabrini in today's times, even though she was first called it in 1880 when she founded an order to help the destitute. Please join me in offering the novena prayer to her:
Almighty and Eternal Father, Giver of all Gifts, show us Your mercy, and grant, we beseech You, through the merits of Your faithful Servant, Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, that all who invoke her intercession may obtain what they desire according to the good pleasure of Your Holy Will ... (here name your request).
O Lord Jesus Christ, Savior of the world, mindful of Your bountiful goodness and love, deign, we implore You, through the tender devotion of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini for Your Sacred Heart, to hear our prayers and grant our petitions.
O God, the Holy Spirit, Comforter of the afflicted, Fountain of Light and Truth, through the ardent zeal of Your humble handmaid, Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, grant us Your all-powerful aid in our necessities, sanctify our souls and fill our minds with Divine Light that we may see the Holy Will of God in all things.
Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, beloved spouse of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, intercede for us that the favor we now ask may be granted.
Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory, etc. (Three Times)
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The photo of the statue of Mother Cabrini outside the Cathedral of The Holy Name in Chicago that accompanies this post was taken by me on a trip I took to Windy City during the height of winter. I came from Southern California and found myself ankle deep as I walked to the cathedral in the snow and ice. Not a good place at that time of year for ballet slippers. It brought to mind how Mother Cabrini and her sisters helped the destitute in such killing cold and in such dire circumstances; hence her grand intercessory powers which you may enjoy by offering the novena above.
It’s nice to see her remembered for her whole life and not just for the infamous “Cabrini-Green” housing projects in Chicago, which were so notorious in the modern era. What were your impressions of Chicago, other than “cold”? :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your comment. I'd need to recollect my thoughts because my two visits were so brief. But it was marvel of architecture after marvel of architecture. As for the people, the words of Chicagoan comedian, John Mulaney ring in my ears that, "everyone who grows up in Chicago is tough." But one of my closest friends in all the world grew up there, like me she was a child in the 90s and she is the sweetest, softest and saintliest that I know, so the exception to Mulaney's observation.
DeleteThe architecture does stand out. New York, Chicago and San Francisco are the only American cities with architecture that creates its own world, and seems to make sense within itself. Most other American cities have a “skyline” or interesting districts or individual buildings, but not that universe of grandeur. I am going to Chicago on Saturday to visit my family. Looking forward to Mass at St. John Cantius and maybe saying hi to the Pope’s brother if he’s out and about. :) Also, a Cubs game.
ReplyDeleteThe Chicagoan architecture is extremely overwhelming! I contented myself with getting to know Union Station well, which was a treat, and I took a bus around the city. Ah, you are so fortunate to be getting a weekend away there! Sounds like you will have a great time, and to think you'll be going St. John Cantius. Offer a prayer for me there. Have a marvelous time, and til I see you on here again, God bless you.
DeleteMary, you have me confused. July 15 is the Feast of Bonaventure in the novus ordo. Frances Xavier Cabrini is November 13 or December 22. I am joining you on the novena, making my intention for Professor John Bergsma's son Frances who has a brain tumor.
DeleteJuly 15 is Mother Cabrini’s birthday. Close enough for jazz, I say! :)
DeleteOh, James, dear friend, you have saved me. I am mortified, but I did make that mistake and got Mother Cabrini's birthday confused with her feast day. I've amended the post to make it a happy birthday post. It is 175 years since Mother's birth!
DeleteGod bless you for offering the novena for Professor John Bergsma's son Francis who has a brain tumor. Francis shares a name with Mother, and may he also know her power with the Lord.