Born in humble beginnings as the youngest of thirteen children in Italy, Francis Cabrini embarked on a lifelong journey of faith and selflessness. Despite facing health challenges that initially thwarted her dream of becoming a nun, she persevered. With seven like-minded companions, she founded the Institute of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 1880.

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The turning point in her mission came when Pope Leo XIII redirected her path, leading her not to the East, as she had anticipated, but to the United States. In the midst of chaos and poverty, Frances Cabrini and her sisters stepped into the vibrant chaos of New York City in 1889. Their mission: to assist the Italian immigrants who were struggling to find their place in a new world.

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Frances Cabrini organized catechism and education classes, cared for countless orphans, and defied the odds to establish schools and orphanages. Her unwavering determination knew no bounds. As her work gained recognition, requests for her assistance poured in from across the globe. She traveled tirelessly, making numerous trans-Atlantic crossings, and established an incredible 67 institutions worldwide, including schools, hospitals, and orphanages.

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Today, we honor the memory of Saint Frances Cabrini and her extraordinary contributions to humanity. The Cabrini Teaching Fellows Program is a tribute to her tireless commitment to education, service, and the well-being of others. This program seeks to cultivate a new generation of compassionate educators and leaders who, like Frances Cabrini, are dedicated to making a profound difference in the lives of others.

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Just as Frances Cabrini defied the limitations imposed by circumstances and health, the Cabrini Teaching Fellows will defy convention and embrace the transformative power of education and community. This fellowship will empower individuals to inspire positive change, embody the values of compassion and service, and carry forward the legacy of Saint Frances Cabrini.