“In America, the greatest country in the world, rats have it better than the children of Italian immigrants.”
This was the observation of Mother Francesca Cabrini when she arrived in New York City in 1889 after the Pope commissioned her to serve the people of Five Points, a crime-ridden and disease-ridden slum. In the midst of poverty, prostitution, and extreme poverty, Mother Cabrini quickly established a home for abandoned children living on the city’s unforgiving streets. The vision to build an “Empire of Hope” has begun.
On March 8, his incredible and inspirational story came to the silver screen in the debut of Cabrini. Released by Angel Studios on International Women’s Day, Cabrini directed by Alejandro Monteverde (Sound Of Freedom), and starring Italian actress Cristiana Dell’Anna, John Lithgow (Third Rock From The Sun, Footloose), and David Morse (The Green Mile, St. In a different place). The film’s stunning cinematography and captivating musical soundtrack combine beautifully with Dell’Anna’s fearless performance as Mother Cabrini.
“Francesca Cabrini is one of the most inspiring and influential people in modern history, yet few know her story. Faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles in life, Cabrini chose to focus on how she could change the status quo of his time, and his impact on the world is still felt today,” said Liz Ellis, Chief Operating Officer at Angel Studios.
Francesca Xavier Cabrini was born in northern Italy in 1850. In 34 years, she founded 67 hospitals, orphanages, and schools around the world. After serving in Lombardy, Italy, she and six of her Missionary Sisters went to New York City. Their steadfast, compassionate, and Christ-like work there spread throughout the world.
Despite the catchy words on the Statue of Liberty proclaiming, “Give me your tired, your poor…,” New York City was not a welcoming place for Cabrini and the Italians at that time. In addition to suffering from chronic health issues, she faced opposition from sexism, prejudice, crooked politicians, and Catholic leaders. However, Mother Cabrini, one of the great social entrepreneurs, persevered with faith and courage to build an orphanage on the Hudson River and a much-needed hospital in Manhattan.
“We are brave, or we die,” he tells the Pope in the film.
From the beginning of “Cabrini” to the closing credits, the value and dignity of life is a pervasive theme. In a pivotal scene, Mother Cabrini sails back to her homeland to ask the Italian Senate for a loan that will fund her hospital in New York and send a lifeline to their compatriots in the New World.
In a passionate appeal to those in power, Mother Cabrini reflects the Words of Jesus in Matthew 25:40 (“Whatever you did for one of the least of these…”).
“A small gesture of love can change everything,” she said. “A word of hope. A touch. The medicine of a loving hand…These are the things that change the world. At the time of our death, we will be asked one question—what have you done for the poor? The sick? The homeless? Or those stripped of their dignity? What have we done?”
After a lifetime of selfless, faithful service, Mother Francesca Cabrini died in Chicago in 1917. In 1946, she was canonized as a saint by Pope Pius XII.
“The world is too small for what I intend to do,” he said.
Now, in the first quarter of 21St Century, Angel Studios’ production of “Cabrini” stands boldly as a testament to his legacy of love and compassion for the least of these.
