‘Cabrini’ screening inspires young women across the Archdiocese
The Italian Apostolate of the Archdiocese of Newark presented a sold-out showing of “Cabrini” to 260 eager teenagers, young adults, and older adults at Hawthorne Theaters on March 8.
Cosponsored by the Italian American Future Leaders Conference, Italian American Podcast, and Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George, the premiere aimed to welcome people of all ages to learn about the life of the first American saint, Italian-born Francesca Cabrini, said Eric Lavin, coordinator of the Italian Apostolate.
But it was the young adult female movie-goers who lingered in the lobby after the event’s conclusion, raving about the inspiring accomplishments of Cabrini.
We must pray without tiring, for the salvation of mankind does not depend on material success; nor on sciences that cloud the intellect. Neither does it depend on arms and human industries, but on Jesus alone.
St. Frances Xavier Cabrini
Amy Caruso, who belongs to St. Agnes in Clark, said, “As a scientist, I work in a male-dominated workplace, so it’s refreshing to see a woman like Cabrini succeed in a similar place.”
Produced by Angel Studios, “Cabrini” follows the daring mission of Frances Xavier Cabrini as she heads to America to serve the Italian immigrant children and adults in New York City in 1889. Although Cabrini, a sickly woman, must push back against prejudices against both women and Italians and constant nos in a male-dominated time, she perseveres in founding the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, opening orphanages, and attaining equity in healthcare for immigrants. Within the archdiocese of Newark, Mother Cabrini founded an orphanage in Kearny, which is now the Redemptoris Mater Seminary on Passaic Avenue.
READ: See the movie? Now visit Cabrini’s shrine across the river
At a brief Q&A held at the film’s conclusion, Julia Attaway, executive director of the St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Shrine in Upper Manhattan, said, “She has tremendous passion, resilience, and perseverance. She wasn’t born that way, and her legacy can help us all.”
The Italian Apostolate, which holds meetings on the fourth Monday of every month, invites faith-practicing men and women to unite their passion for their Italian heritage with their faith. As coordinator, Lavin aims to offer secular and religious events across the archdiocese. This film premiere, Lavin said, was an example of an event that combined both.
Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, who currently serves as chairman of the board of the Center for Migration Studies, attended with a Cabrini relic and blessed those in attendance.
While the premiere by the Italian Apostolate aimed to attract people of all ages, Lavin knew the young adult community would especially like the film. “Think about what kind of travail it took Cabrini to travel across the ocean and country,” Lavin said. “She’s quite an example for women and men alike to persevere. The odds were always stacked against her.”
Upon entering America, Cabrini struggled to find housing for herself and six other religious sisters. Despite initial resistance from New York’s Archbishop Michael Corrigan, she founded the Sacred Heart Orphan Asylum. She also used the media to tell the plight of the Italian orphan. Before her death in 1917, Cabrini and her order established 67 hospitals, orphanages, and schools.
Cabrini’s acts of charity during the film moved Dislaidy Garcia, a Cuban immigrant who desires to start a dental charity for the less fortunate. “Now I want to take the first step,” she said.
Other female movie-goers, such as Erin Pernas, a teacher, said she wants to bring the fire of Cabrini back to her career after viewing the movie.
“The way she advocated for those who had no voice lit a fire in me,” Pernas said. “I want to continue to lead with love and heart in my career.”
Pope Pius XII canonized Cabrini in 1946, and four years later, she became the patron saint of immigrants. Several shrines across the United States honor her legacy and activism within the Church. The St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Shrine in Upper Manhattan invites immigrants and travelers from all over the world to visit. Cabrini’s remains are located there for perpetual adoration.
The film mostly focused on Cabrini’s activism and rarely featured her in prayer, although prayer was at the heart of her mission. Shannon Coyle, a parishioner at Sacred Heart in Rochelle Park, wondered if the film might inspire secular movie-goers to pursue Catholicism. “I’m excited to hear if someone who doesn’t know Jesus will pick up a Bible after seeing this film,” she said.
Emily Wollenberg of Teaneck remembered Cabrini’s darkest moment during the film when she chose to lift her habit instead of giving up on her mission. Wollenberg said, “That’s when I realized your relationship with Christ is your armor.”
The opening weekend box office for “Cabrini” was estimated to be over $7.5 million across almost three thousand theaters. Italian born-actress Cristiana Dell’Anna portrayed Cabrini, and the film also featured Emmy-nominated actor David Morse, who played Archbishop Corrigan, and Academy Award-nominated John Lithgow as Mayor Jacob Gould of New York City.
Msgr. Paul Bochicchio of Saint Francis Church in Hoboken has been advising as a spiritual consultant on “Cabrini.” He has a particular devotion to the saint as his great-grandmother worked with Mother Cabrini.
READ: Priest helps bring Cabrini’s story to the big screen
“Cabrini” began international release in select countries on March 8, International Women’s Day.
