Saint shows how 'to move forward with hope amid struggles'

Friday, Nov. 26, 2021

CHICAGO (CNS) – Chicago Auxiliary Bishop Robert G. Casey reflected in a Nov. 13 homily on St. Frances Xavier Cabrini’s courage to carry out God’s will for her on earth, which often saw her crossing the Atlantic Ocean despite a fear of water.

“As we celebrate this day today, it’s a moment for us to consider, do we have that same courage? Do we have the courage to put aside our fears and get on the boat?” he asked. “Can we face our fears with deep faith and allow ourselves both to be blessed and to serve as a blessing to others?”

Bishop Casey, archdiocesan vicar general, was the main celebrant at a Mass at the National Shrine to St. Frances Xavier Cabrini that began a jubilee year to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the canonization of Mother Cabrini, as she is known by many.

In his homily, Bishop Casey also reflected on Mother Cabrini’s ministry to immigrants at the turn of the century; she came to the United States to minister to the growing number of immigrants from her native Italy and across Europe.

“In every corner of the world and throughout all of history, God’s people have been challenged to get on the boat, to have courage, to keep the faith and to move forward with hope amid the struggles,” he said.

“St. Frances Xavier Cabrini teaches us by her example,” he continued. “She said, ‘I have started houses with no more than the price of a loaf of bread and prayers, for with him who comforts me I can do anything. With God all things are possible.’”

“Knowing that God is with us and around us, my hope for this Eucharist today is that we can pray together to have the courage as God’s people to get on the boat, to face our fears with deep faith and to allow ourselves, like Frances Cabrini, to be people blessed by God as well as serving as a blessing through others,” he said.