This past year has certainly been one that has revolved around St. Frances Xavier Cabrini. Following the unveilings of two larger-than-life statues of Mother Cabrini in Manhattan and Brooklyn (in October 2020 and June 2021 respectively), the St. Frances Cabrini Shrine decided to commemorate two other significant moments in the saint’s life.

On July 17, the community celebrated Mother Cabrini’s belated 171st birthday (July 15) and the 75th anniversary of her canonization. Mother Cabrini was the first U.S. citizen to be canonized a saint, by Pope Pius XII, on July 7, 1946. An exhibit dedicated to the canonization anniversary is on display at the shrine, located just a short distance away from where Mother Cabrini’s remains are housed.