Lenten Reflections | women's history month | catholic mom | Holy Women's History Month
Because we live near Philadelphia, we became familiar with Mother Cabrini through Cabrini University. We looked at the university as an option for our youngest daughter when she was looking at colleges. At that time, we did not know much about Frances Cabrini and her life story. Recently, there was a movie released called Cabrini. It was then that we became fans of this fascinating woman, saint, and missionary. Of course, her being born in Italy piqued our curiosity because of David’s ancestorial roots in both Italy and New York City. Her story takes her from Italy to New York City to run an orphanage for Italian-American children.
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A Fierce Advocate
What inspired us about Mother Cabrini is that she was a fierce (and we do mean fierce) advocate for the immigrant community. She fought for the material and spiritual needs of the people she served. She affirmed their dignity as children of God, and she frequently did not take no for an answer, even when talking to those of high power in the Church and in the civil community.
Mother Cabrini inspires us in our advocacy and struggle on behalf of our daughter with special needs and in our work for the special-needs community. We try to relate this to our lives in working to give access to the sacraments and expanding inclusion opportunities in the Mass to individuals with special needs.
Mother Cabrini did not back down when she was fighting the good fight for others. She was trying to get the children in her charge protection of the law, a larger and safer orphanage, access to good health care, and very importantly win them respect and dignity in the eyes of others. Sometimes special needs parents like us can look to Mother Cabrini as a model when trying to get respect and dignity for our own children.
The details of the circumstances between what she was facing and what we face are certainty different, but we are both standing up for what is right and just. Mother Cabrini certainly earned her saintly title. We have developed a strong respect for her after learning of the scope of her work on behalf of children, immigrants, workers, and those in need of health care.
A Saint filled with Tenacity and Moxie
Mother Cabrini reminds us of the need for taking Christianity out into the world. Her holiness compelled her to go out and to interact with the poor and needy, but also to people with considerable power to help those who were mostly powerless. Special-needs parents feel a little of this in the struggle to get services for their children. Special-needs parents are used to fighting. We have fought school districts, insurance companies and the prejudice of people.
We look to Mother Cabrini. We appreciate her tenacity and moxie, and we can draw on that when we need it in our life. She was a great champion for the underdog and reminds us of the importance of that. She had a deep love of God and of neighbor and it was foundational to how she lived her life. She was an admirable woman and saint. She is a strong role model, one to be emulated and prayed to.
During Women's History Month, Catholic Mom writers are celebrating the women who have inspired their faith journeys — whether canonized saints, saints in progress, or beloved women from Scripture. Through personal reflections and heartfelt stories, they share how these holy women have touched their lives, offering wisdom, strength, and a deeper connection to God. Join us as we honor the spiritual legacy of these remarkable women and the lasting impact they continue to have on our hearts and souls.
Copyright 2025 David and Mercedes Rizzo
Images: Holy Cross Family Ministries