Memorial of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, Virgin
Whenever I think of St. Frances Cabrini, I’m reminded of the old saying, “dynamite comes in small packages!” Having come to know about her life while stationed at the Mother Cabrini Shrine in Colorado for two summers many years ago, I was always amazed at the stories of her stamina and persistence as she faced obstacles, sometimes in the form of bishops. Instead of bringing her newly formed order of Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart to the Orient, her first intention, Pope Leo XIII told her in 1889 to go to America and work among the Italian immigrant population. The schools and orphanages that followed on both American continents reflect her zeal and courage to make a difference wherever the need was greatest.
Another popular phrase comes to mind as I think of the Mother Cabrini story in conjunction with the Gospel message of today. The phrase is, “Strike while the iron is hot.” If there is a leading cause for people neglecting their spiritual life through the passage of time, it’s likely due to a spiritual procrastination leading to inaction.
The Gospel for today is very clear in pointing out that everyone, with or without warning, will one day face the moment of death as a moment of accountability, but it’s also a moment of completion and fulfillment. Dying is the last act in leaving a legacy. It is a legacy of opportunities for kindness boldly embraced and celebrated as a precious memory.
Reflection by Fr. Daniel Petsche, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections