The Trial of Mother Cabrini: "The First American Saint"

By Ronald Blake

The Trial of Mother Cabrini
"The First American Saint"

A TRULY EXCITING NOVEL FILLED WITH ADVENTURE. LOVE AND DEVOTION. HER TRAVELS TOOK HER TO MANY COUNTRIES.

MOTHER CABRINI fought for an ideal that would change millions of peoples lives and living conditions.

Today she's a SAINT FOR OUR TIMES, the Patroness of Immigrants.

IN HER SHORT LIFE SPAN of 67 years she built 67 hospitals, schools and orphanages.

She is Amerca's First Saint, and her Trial, that was held in the beautiful room of Thrones in the Vatican by the highest dignitaries, revealed a woman of character, strength and ability.

Although she was ill most of her life, she never let up in her life's work. She was truly a liberated woman, perhaps the first of her kind.

She was proclaimed a Saint in 1946. Still today she remains the Nuncio for the Vatican, interceding a citizen of the United States in 1909.

"Charity is that sublime virtue which gives a fore taste of heaven. When things are easym everything appears pleasant; but difficulties become bearable when there is fidelity and constancy".

SAINT FRANCES XAVIER CABRINI
(1850 - 1917)

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: May 10, 2013
• ISBN: 9781481734165

Ronald Blake

Ron Blake lives in central Indiana with his beautiful and loving wife of 41 years. Their married son, after one tour in Afghanistan is now part of an elite military unit that must remain unmentioned. Their daughter and her husband have blessed them with 5 of the most wonderful and loving grandchildren on earth. Ron still love the water, and slips under its surface whenever the opportunity allows, and he also loves spending time with his horse April. As the great Winston Churchill once said, "There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of man". He is also blessed with many loving and caring friends. Scuba diving is still a passion for Ron, and he encourages everyone to try it for their own reasons, safely, and only after receiving the proper training. The rewards are wonderful to each of us for our own reasons.

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© 2013 by Ronald Blake. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 05/06/2013

ISBN: 978-1-4817-3415-8 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4817-3416-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013905533

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Introduction

The Trial Of Francesca Xavier Cabrini

Childhood

Charity

House of Providence

New Ventures

Rome

Chicago

Prison

Rich Man, Poor Man

Nicaragua

The Kidnap

Disaster

New Orleans

Expulsion

Panama

South American to Argentina

Paris

Brazil

1906—Denver, Colorado

Seattle—1909

World War I—1914

New York (Again)

Dobbs Ferry Sacred Heart Villa

The Beginning

Canonization of Saints

Pope Leo’s Twentieth Century Ode

Beatification

Sermon Preached by Bishop Kelley

Bishops and Popes of Rome

Confirmation

If the Sacred Heart would provide the means, I would build a ship called ‘Christopher’ to bring Christ’s message to all the people who do not yet know Him.

St. Frances X. Cabrini

From her Birth in 1850 Condogno, Italy near Milan, to her final days at Columbus Hospital in Chicago. Illinois in 1917, Mother Cabrini’s work never ceased, training Missionary Sisters for her institutions.

Her devotion to her life work gave a special meaning to the Italian people and the people of the United States.

Italians by the thousands had immigrated to America, five thousand each year were admitted. These immigrants’ lives and living condition were vastly improved by Mother Cabrini’s dedication to her task.

She died at the age of sixty-seven, leaving to posterity sixty-seven orphanages, schools and hospitals, which she had established. Mother Cabrini’s dedication of an ideal acquired a universal dimension.

The memory of THE PATRONESS OF IMMIGRANTS, is therefore cherished with affection by all peoples.

The Trial of Mother Cabrini

The First American Saint

A TRULY EXCITING NOVEL FILLED WITH ADVENTURE. LOVE AND DEVOTION. HER TRAVELS TOOK HER TO MANY COUNTRIES.

MOTHER CABRINI fought for an ideal that would change millions of peoples lives and living conditions.

Today she’s a SAINT FOR OUR TIMES, the Patroness of Immigrants.

IN HER SHORT LIFE SPAN of 67 years she built 67 hospitals, schools and orphanages.

She is Amerca’s First Saint, and her Trial, that was held in the beautiful room of Thrones in the Vatican by the highest dignitaries, revealed a woman of character, strength and ability.

Although she was ill most of her life, she never let up in her life’s work. She was truly a liberated woman, perhaps the first of her kind.

She was proclaimed a Saint in 1946. Still today she remains the Nuncio for the Vatican, interceding a citizen of the United States in 1909.

Charity is that sublime virtue which gives a fore taste of heaven. When things are easym everything appears pleasant; but difficulties become bearable when there is fidelity and constancy.

SAINT FRANCES XAVIER CABRINI

(1850-1917)

Introduction

Patroness Of Immigrants

In the light of history of all Saints, Mother Cabrini stands among the highest in regard to praise of Angels. She was sanctified by the God of host. Francesca Xavier Cabrini, a woman for all times has remained the Nuncio for the Vatican, interceding God to perform miracles. Mother Cabrini is the only American to whom the title ‘SAINT’ has been bestowed. Although born and raised in Italy, she became an American citizen in Seattle, Washington in 1909.

Her love for the missionary life and of people manifested at an early age. Service to all mankind was her ever increasing desire. This beautiful blond girl, with enormous blue eyes and cameo like features, with a ready smile, displayed both humor and humility. Although being frail and tubercular, it would seem the long hours and strenuous work required of a nun would be too much for her to endure. She was possessed body and soul by the Heavenly Father. A woman of talent with executive ability, zeal and desire, fearless and dedicated to helping humanity of the world. Her organization which was called, Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, was organized November 14, 1880, at Condogno, Italy. In the warm embrace of good friends, Francesca Xavier Cabrini and seven companion Sisters took their first vows. At the age of thirty-seven she became Mother Superior of the order which she had founded.

She was the key link in a chain that spanned from Italy to the Americas. Mother Cabrini encompassed three continents with her order, established sixty-seven institutions, crossed the ocean twenty times and instructed more than fifteen hundred Sisters in God’s work. Leaving to history her acknowledged achievements, she was canonized on July 7, 1946.

Charity is that sublime virtue which gives a foretaste of heaven. When things are easy, everything appears pleasant; but difficulties become bearable when there is fidelity and constancy.

(SAINT FRANCES XAVIER CABRINI 1850-1917)

The Trial Of

Francesca Xavier Cabrini

The Code of Cannon Law states, ‘Only those servants of God may be honored with public worship, who are by authority of the Church numbered among the Saints to be blessed.’

The first recorded canonization of a Roman Pontiff was that of Saint Ulrich, who was elevated to Sainthood by Pope XV in the year 993. In 1171, Pope Alexander III reserved the right of canonization to the Holy See and the following centuries the honor has evolved into the elaborate form of the present day.

In a tense atmosphere in the Room of Thrones of the Vatican in Rome where the Trial of Mother Cabrini’s Sainthood began, were present, twenty churchmen of various ranks, Jesuits, Monsignors and Cardinals, headed by the chief sponsor. Cardinal Lavaro and Monsignor Trenelli, the Devil’s Advocate. An attorney, Mario Riondo, the only non-churchman identified, began his opening speech: Everyone here has read Francesca Xavier Cabrini’s life history. Each statement, whether in her favor or disfavor, has been thoroughly investigated. From a legal point of view I can say nothing has been left to chance. But you will make the decision concerning this woman; you know the facts alone can be misinterpreted; they are not always conclusive.

Addressing himself further to Cardinal Lavaro, Therefore, I remind Cardinal Lavaro, in sponsoring Mother Cabrini for Sainthood, to beware that this dedication to prove her deserving doesn’t confuse the judgment of this court. I also ask the Defender of the Faith, Monsignor Trenelli to remember that the light of truth need not shine like a beacon at sea in order to be pure.

Cardinal Lavaro, having been addressed by the attorney, offered in reply, At times, she appeared to be an adventuress, and at other times, she spoke and moved as an oracle. But we must remember at all times, regardless of the circumstances, Francesca Cabrini was a dedicated servant of humanity.

Monsignor Trenelli’s rebuttal to this statement was, As a Defender of the Faith; even as the Devil’s Advocate I accept that she was a servant of humanity, but that in itself does not warrant Sainthood. He waited a moment in reflection and continued. This Trial will prove whether or not Francesca Cabrini was truly dedicated or whether she was driven by personal desire, which by accident, eventually aided the Church.

His statement was meant to discredit, if possible, or at least leave the trial open to questioning. Cardinal Lavaro sprang quickly to her defense. Even as a child, Francesca showed the promise that later was to become her destiny, the inborn desire to become a missionary and a Nun, which would overcome all obstacles. Facts prove that she was determined and strong willed. Neither quality is reproachable, but on June 24, 1875, at the Daughters of the Sacred Heart Convent, her conduct was reproachable and indicative of many faults; primarily the driving Ego-motive which governed her entire lifetime.

The attorney argued, not to be argumentative, but to bring out the facts. Mother Cabrini had reports from her doctors who had pronounced her ill. She had suffered an arrested case of tuberculosis as a young girl, and she declared that the diagnosis was incorrect. The Mother Superior of the Conossian Sisters had denied her entrance into that Order.

Cardinal Lavero was trying to support his utter belief in Mother Cabrini and asked, Was it a sin to battle for what she believed in, so completely? Can it be considered ego because she pleaded not to be rejected, but to be allowed to become a Nun? I say, it was a blessing that she didn’t accept that decision as a final one.

The Cardinal collected his thoughts for a moment, then the attorney continued, Cardinal Lavaro makes it sound as though the Mother Superior’s decision came as a surprise. It was no surprise. Francesea had been rejected once before, yet none of this mattered to her. She refused… always refused to accept any answer that interfered with her own desire.

Cardinal Lavaro, displeased with this narration, spoke to no one in particular when he said, That’s a personal opinion.

But you will agree with me that she was disobedient? Mario Riondo was begging the question.

Cardinal Lavaro, presenting his side, "It was unusual and it was also beyond anyone’s control. Both times she was rejected they might be right. Both of the Mothers.

Superiors knew the tuberculosis should have stopped Francesca Cabrini from becoming a Nun, but it didn’t, because as a child, the Hand of Guidance had touched her. She knew she was meant to serve and so she refused to believe otherwise. To examine the results is to watch the Hand of Guidance move in her direction."

The Cardinal looked straight into the eyes of Counsel and continued, I feel that her judgment was warranted because when she went to the Toidini School to teach, she was sent there by Father Serrati, and she taught with great success, and she was not ill. The Cardinal was attempting to make his position on the subject quite clear. Even the outbursts of the former manager of the school grew less frequent. Cabrini had a quieting effect on the pupils, in the school where a woman of lesser understanding had ruled. Sister Cabrini was not a sick woman, she was patient and well qualified to lead. In two years, the orphanage grew from eight to thirty-five pupils.

How about the time Sister Cabrini was ordered for insubordination, to leave the school? We should clear that up while we’re at it. Must have been some good reason, was the reaction from Mario Riondo, following this long dissertation.

The Cardinal was perplexed, You are wrong, was his simple answer.

She deliberately avoided Father Serrati when she knew her first duty was to report to him, the lawyer was further begging the issue. Well, I think faced with thirty-five children who needed a home, protocol must have been the farthest from her mind.

The Cardinal was beginning to enjoy this bantering attitude.

Riondo quite sharply disagreed, I don’t accept that. She avoided him because of what he would have told Bishop Giandro. That would certainly have stopped her?

The Cardinal wanted to bring the dialogue back to normality. You’re attacking her health. Don’t forget that for years it had caused her no concern. How do you know he would have said anything?

Attorney Riondo still determined to have his say, She wanted to establish an Order at any price and to accomplish it she resorted to deception.

Cardinal Lavaro resented the positive attitude of the attorney. There was no deception involved. She needed a school to take care of the children, to house and to teach them.

She needed it to satisfy her personal ambitions. Riondo still determined to accuse her of deception.

In a calm voice and a serious manner, Cardinal Lavaro added one word, Ridiculous.

Then why wasn’t she content, yes, grateful to operate just the one school? the lawyer asked.

The Cardinal sensed that his opponent in this discussion was not going to let go of this opportunity to examine his subject to the end. The answer is not difficult. As she matured, her wisdom grew and she recognized greater needs. Even in her first school she expanded her wisdom, which was already moving to bigger and more important issues.

The Cardinal spoke with authoritative knowledge, Well I know that the constitution which she submitted to the Vatican was endorsed without changes and it was the same constitution under which she established all of her schools, hospitals and orphanages.

Trying to get the argument into channels which would end the doubtful and suspicious remarks, the attorney asked, Why do you doubt the approval of her Constitution? Monsignor Parrochi offered the information and each time he read it, it troubled him more.

Again trying to confirm, Father Parrochi spoke up, Missionary work is not for women, not at all.

The question became general. Another Priest present asked, When and how can you say that? Women have never had a chance to prove whether they are good or bad Missionaries.

Father Parrochi’s reason was given quickly, because the risk is too great. Missionaries don’t just see the sick and needy, they have to work with people even when they have ceased to know decency, go places where there is no hope, they invade a soulless world sometimes. He spoke convincingly. Then you must understand that a man who has forgotten his soul would never respect a woman in the habit of a Nun," was the: deeply concerned remarks of this man.

Silence from the others as he surveyed the three of them and added, The fact is that Bishop Corrigan was wrong, and His Holiness didn’t recall her, which is a blessing. Within a very short time in New York, she was ready and began her work there. He paused for comment, And then she brought seven Sisters with her to New York and they walked the streets until they found a place suitable for their hospital, they walked through that jungle of humanity. They heard the voices of the forgotten and the damned, and the more they saw of these limited ones, the more determined Francesca was to help them.

Riondo was probing for more facts. Wasn’t it true, that she had a lot of trouble in New York with a man named Sloan, and didn’t they tear up her school there? Was this the conduct of a Saint? Her victory there was not won through understanding. It was gained by coercion and threats. He pursued his questioning.

Sloan lived by threats. He was a man who lied and clawed his way to power, Cardinal Lavaro explained.

But where does this reasoning leave us? asked Riondo.

It takes us to the very depth of the woman! Sloan was a fraud! She fought him in the only language he understood. He knew she could easily cost him the election, the Cardinal replied.

Riondo pursued his questioning again, Do you believe the end justifies the means?

"Kindness would have