St. Francis Xavier Cabrini

Yesterday marked the memorial of St. Francis Xavier Cabrini, the first U.S. citizen to be raised to the altar. She was an immigrant to this great country of ours, coming here from her native Italy. Mother Cabrini was a tremendous inspiration for another holy woman, Mother Mary Teresa of Calcutta, who, like Mother Cabrini, was an immigrant to the country in which she served. Mother Teresa's desire to become an Indian was inspired by Mother Cabrini's becoming an American. Of course, St. Francis Xavier, a man, a Jesuit priest, was a great missionary to the Far East.

Holy Mary, Mother of God- pray for us
St. Francis Xavier- pray for us
St. Francis Xavier Cabrini- pray for us
Bl. Teresa of Calcutta- pray for us
All holy men and women- pray for us

Let us today pray for all missionaries, servants of Jesus Christ, who work faithfully, often in dangerous conditions, to spread the news of God's love throughout the world, in accord with the Great Commission: "Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age" (Matt. 28,19-20)