St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, better known as Mother Cabrini, was a woman who defied the odds, broke barriers, and dedicated her life to serving those most in need. Her legacy continues to shine as she returns to her homeland of Italy as a “pilgrim of hope” in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee.
On the anniversary of her beatification, a statue honoring her was unveiled in the garden of the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome. The sculpture commemorates her Italian roots and lifelong dedication to immigrants worldwide.
A Tribute Born in Chicago
The statue, designed and created in Chicago — a city deeply connected to Mother Cabrini’s mission — was brought to Italy to symbolize her role in bridging continents. Sculptor Lou Cella described the intricate process of creating the artwork:
“The actual sculpting began with a drawing, a design that our client, Holy Name Cathedral, chose. Then the Cabrini Sisters let us borrow a habit, the outfit they wear, and we used a model. Jessica modeled.”
Jessica LoPresti, who collaborated on the project, shared how the modeling process helped bring the sculpture to life:
“I have 360° reference photos in different positions, and then the one you see in the statue is the one that was selected.”
Cella explained the meticulous work involved:
“Once we are comfortable with the position, we make a metal armature as a skeleton. This is built up with wood and clay to sculpt all the details. Afterward, we apply a rubber mold, cover it with a plaster mother mold, and send it to a bronze foundry where the ancient lost-wax process is used to create the final bronze statue.”
A Timeless Message
The unveiling was attended by 80 pilgrims from Chicago who traveled across the Atlantic with the statue, emphasizing Mother Cabrini’s enduring mission of connecting people across cultures and continents.
Jessica LoPresti highlighted the relevance of Mother Cabrini’s work today:
“Her message and dedication to immigrants and the poor are very timely now. I wish more Christians would hear her message and apply it to those around them.”
Divine Providence and Resilience
Mother Cabrini’s life was marked by remarkable moments of Divine Providence. In 1912, she was scheduled to return to the U.S. aboard the RMS Titanic, but a crisis at one of her hospitals forced her to change her plans and leave earlier. Reflecting on the tragedy, she wrote:
“I might have left with it, but Divine Providence, which is constantly watching, did not allow it.”
Maria Eliane Azevedo da Silva, Superior General of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart, reflected on her legacy:
“Madre Cabrini often said, ‘I can do all things through Him who gives me strength.’ For us, in this century marked by so much dehumanization, this image in this basilica reassures us that we can move forward with courage and hope.”
Adapted by Jacob Stein
