Frances Xavier Cabrini Day is a state holiday in Colorado, established to honor the life and legacy of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, the first U.S. citizen to be canonized by the Catholic Church.

Table of Contents

1. When is Frances Xavier Cabrini Day?
2. The History of Frances Xavier Cabrini Day?
3. What Do People Do on This Day?
4. Who is Frances Xavier Cabrini

When is Frances Xavier Cabrini Day?

Frances Xavier Cabrini Day is observed annually on the first Monday of October. It is recognized in Colorado as a state holiday to honor Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini for her contributions to immigrant communities

The following is the list of Frances Xavier Cabrini Day.

The History of Frances Xavier Cabrini Day?

The history of Frances Xavier Cabrini Day reflects a modern shift in cultural recognition, celebrating a historical figure whose work emphasized compassion, social justice, and community service.

Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850–1917) was an Italian-American Catholic nun and the first U.S. citizen to be canonized as a saint. Her life's work focused on improving the lives of immigrant communities, particularly Italian immigrants, through education, healthcare, and social services.

For decades, Columbus Day was observed as a holiday across the United States. However, it faced growing criticism due to Christopher Columbus's controversial legacy, including his role in the mistreatment of Indigenous peoples.

In Colorado, Columbus Day celebration started in 1907, but discussions emerged about replacing the holiday with one that better reflected the values of inclusion and service.

In 2020, Colorado lawmakers passed legislation replacing Columbus Day with Frances Xavier Cabrini Day. The decision was influenced by Cabrini's historical connection to Colorado and her enduring legacy of helping immigrant communities.

The first Frances Xavier Cabrini Day was celebrated on October 5, 2020. This made Colorado the first state in the U.S. to formally establish a holiday in Cabrini's honor.

What Do People Do on This Day?

On Frances Xavier Cabrini Day, people engage in various activities that reflect Cabrini's values of compassion, community service, and support for marginalized groups.

Visitors often visit the shrine located near Golden, Colorado, which is a significant pilgrimage site dedicated to Frances Xavier Cabrini's work. People believe the water from the spring at the shrine has miraculous properties.

Schools and churches often organize events to educate people about Cabrini's life and work.

Many Catholic communities hold special Masses or prayer services in honor of Saint Cabrini. These services often highlight her faith and missionary spirit, emphasizing her canonization as the first U.S. citizen saint.

Families and communities may gather for meals or informal events to celebrate Cabrini's legacy. Sharing stories about her life and her impact on Colorado can be a way to connect her work with current values.

As it is a state holiday in Colorado, people may also use the day to support local businesses or engage in leisurely activities with family and friends.

Who is Frances Xavier Cabrini?

Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850–1917), also known as Mother Cabrini, was an Italian-American Catholic nun and the first U.S. citizen to be canonized as a saint.

Frances was born on July 15, 1850, in Sant'Angelo Lodigiano, Italy, and she was the youngest of 13 children in a devout Catholic family. She was frail and often ill as a child but exhibited a strong will and a deep sense of faith.

Frances founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 1880, with the goal of serving the poor and marginalized, and became known for her exceptional organizational and leadership skills.

At the request of Pope Leo XIII, Frances redirected her mission to the United States in 1889 to aid the growing population of Italian immigrants. She faced immense difficulties, including language barriers, prejudice, and inadequate funding, but remained resolute.

Frances worked tirelessly to improve the lives of Italian immigrants, addressing their educational, healthcare, and spiritual needs. Frances established over 67 institutions, including schools, orphanages, and hospitals across the United States, Europe, and Latin America.

During visits to Colorado, Frances supported Italian immigrants working in mines and railroads. She founded the Queen of Heaven Orphanage in Denver. The Mother Cabrini Shrine near Golden, Colorado, honors her work in the region.

Frances passed away on December 22, 1917, in Chicago, Illinois. In 1938, Pope Pius XI beatified her, recognizing her miraculous healing of a terminally ill nun. In 1946, Pope Pius XII canonized Frances, making her the first U.S. citizen to achieve sainthood. Her feast day is celebrated on November 13, commemorating her dedication to the poor and immigrant communities.