Our Lady of the Mountains Church in Sierra Vista, Arizona, recently shared with its congregation the words of Peter Scagnelli regarding Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini.

The message noted the fact that Cabrini, the first American saint, was both an immigrant and naturalized citizen. Yet, the Americas were not her first choice.

In seeking to establish a mission, Cabrini had looked to China. Pope Leo XIII, however, told her to look instead to the Americas; and it was there that she set her sights, along with her Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart.

"So she and her Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart exchanged exotic dreams of China for the impoverished reality of Italian ghettos across the United States and Central and South America," the message quoted Scagnelli in the church's Nov. 8 bulletin.

Cabrini accomplished much in her time; founding 70 health care, educational, child- and family service institutions.

"Today, from Siberia to Ethiopia, in sixteen countries, Mother Cabrini’s sisters and lay associates embody her practical spirituality: 'Let’s get to work!'" the message quoted Scagnelli. "'We’ll have eternity to rest!'"