The Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus were founded in 1880 in Codogno, Italy by Francesca Cabrini dedicated to serving the poor and marginalized with the purpose to be “bearers of the love of Christ."
Historically, this Chicago site was home to St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, a missionary woman religious, who helped shape America’s social and health care system in the early twentieth century, having a profound effect on Chicago. She was devoted to taking care of the poor, immigrants, orphans, women and children. Mother Cabrini lived, worked and died in Chicago, having established 67 institutions of care around the world. We celebrate her life by providing this spiritual sanctuary at The National Shrine of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini.
Here in Chicago, The National Shrine focuses on a spiritual mission reflecting the ideals of Mother Cabrini by welcoming and educating pilgrims from around the globe. Our Missionary Sisters are active in providing outreach and resources to the broader population of newly arriving migrants. We believe there are not many places where a saint once actually lived, worked and died. The corner of Lakeview Avenue and St. James Place in Chicago is sacred space and holy ground since Mother Cabrini once walked on these streets tending to the physical and spiritual needs of many. The Shrine’s space for healing prayer, worship, devotion, and reconciliation, along with its’ landmark presence, continues the legacy that began on this holy ground over 100 years ago.
Spiritually, It is the only National Shrine dedicated to the first American citizen to be canonized a Saint by the Catholic Church. Visitors come daily from around the world to visit this spiritual space. Our funding comes from the generosity of our community.
