Memorial of Saint Francis Xavier Cabrini, virgin
(Titus 3:1-7;
Luke 17:11-19)
Earlier
this year a very fine motion picture featuring St. Frances Xavier Cabrini
premiered. It showed Mother Cabrini’s determination and industriousness as an
immigrant missionary in New York. With a
few other sisters of the congregation she founded, Mother Cabrini confronted
both the mayor of New York and its archbishop to bring material and spiritual
relief to the Italian population.
Today’s
reading from the Letter to Titus tells of the Holy Spirit being poured out on
the baptized. The Spirit enables
Christians not only to overcome personal sin but also to address the social
sins hampering human development.
Obviously, Mother Cabrini received a double portion of the Spirit as she
founded hospitals and orphanages throughout North and South America.
The grace
of the Holy Spirit works with our minds and wills to achieve positive
results. It makes our hard work joyful
as we feel the buoyance of God’s love.
