Marylou Andes MSC - Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini

Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini

Written by

Victoria Dority, MSC

and

Mary Lou Andes, MSC

Illustrated by

Barbara Kiwak

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Dority, Victoria.
Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini : Cecchinas dream / written by
Victoria Dority and Mary Lou Andes; illustrated by Barbara
Kiwak.
p. cm. (Encounter the saints series ; 20)

ISBN 0-8198-7092-7 (pbk.)

1. Cabrini, Frances Xavier, Saint, 18501917. I. Andes,

Mary Lou. II. Kiwak, Barbara. III. Title. IV. Series.

BX4700.C13D67 2005

271.9302dc22

2005002884

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Published by Pauline Books & Media, 50 Saint Pauls Avenue, Boston, MA 02130-3491.

Printed in U.S.A.

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Blesseds Jacinta and Francisco Marto

Shepherds of Fatima

Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati

Journey to the Summit

Blessed Teresa of Calcutta

Missionary of Charity

Journeys with Mary

Apparitions of Our Lady

Saint Anthony of Padua

Fire and Light

Saint Bernadette Soubirous

Light in the Grotto

Saint Edith Stein

Blessed by the Cross

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

Daughter of America

Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini

Cecchinas Dream

Saint Francis of Assisi

Gentle Revolutionary

Saint Ignatius of Loyola

For the Greater Glory of God

Saint Isaac Jogues

With Burning Heart

Saint Joan of Arc

Gods Soldier

Saint Juan Diego

And Our Lady of Guadalupe

Saint Julie Billiart

The Smiling Saint

Saint Katharine Drexel

The Total Gift

Saint Martin de Porres

Humble Healer

Saint Maximilian Kolbe

Marys Knight

Saint Pio of Pietrelcina

Rich in Love

Saint Thrse of Lisieux

The Way of Love

For other childrens titles on the Saints, visit our Web site: www.pauline.org

It was July 15, 1850. Agostino Cabrini was already out threshing wheat as the sun rose above his farm in northern Italy. He paused to pray. Heavenly Father, I offer you my day. I also have a favor to ask. Stella is showing signs that our baby is coming...but its two months early. Please allow this child to remain with us, since four of our children are already with you. Please...permit this child to live and grow up to serve you. When the sturdy peasant turned back to his work, a flock of snow-white doves encircled the grain. In his attempt to scatter the birds, Signor Cabrini caught one in his strap.

The farmer gently untangled the dove. He could feel its tiny heart thumping wildly. Come and see this little one before it returns home, he called to his children, who were playing nearby.

Oh, Papa, how beautiful! cried Rosa. Look, Maddalena! Papa brought us a visitor. Wheres Giovanni? Come and touch the dove. Feel how soft it is! Giuseppe! Francesco! Come see what Papa has!

The children crowded around their father. Can we keep it for a pet? they pleaded.

No, no, Signor Cabrini smiled. The Lord made the birds of the air to be free. We must allow our little friend to return to its family now. As he opened his hands to release the dove, an urgent cry echoed across the fields.

Agostino! Agostino! The baby is coming! Hurry!

Signor Cabrini broke into a run. Watch the children, Rosa! he shouted over his shoulder. Later, as more doves encircled the farmhouse, Signora Cabrini gave birth to a tiny daughter as small and fragile as a dove. The townspeople of SantAngelo Lodigiano always believed that God had sent the flock of gentle white birds as a sign that the child born that day was special.

Since their new daughter was so tiny and in danger of death, Signor and Signora Cabrini wanted her to be baptized as soon as possible. That evening she was taken to the parish church and given the name Maria Francesca. Because it was such a long name for a tiny baby, everyone called her Cecchina for short.

Fifteen-year-old Rosa realized that neither her mother nor her new baby sister were very strong. This made her very protective of Cecchina and more helpful to her mother. Although Maddalena was the oldest child in the family, she had been born with brain damage. And so it was Rosa who soon became known as Cecchinas second mother. Under her care Cecchina slowly grew stronger and gained weight.

Rosa, youre a great help to me, her mother confided one day. But you mustnt forget your own dreams. Your father and I know that you want to become a teacher. Father Ded has told us about the Daughters of the Sacred Heart in Arluno. These sisters train young girls to teach. We think its time for you to begin your studies with them.

After four years of study at the sisters boarding school, Rosa happily returned home with her teachers diploma. She eventually opened a school for the children of SantAngelo right in the Cabrini farmhouse. It was there that Cecchina was educated and developed her own love for teaching. Although she was sick a great deal, she was still able to follow her lessons from her room. Rosa made sure that Cecchina never missed anything.

By the time Cecchina was five, she was attending daily Mass with her mother and Rosa. She watched her big sister and copied everything she did. When Rosa returned from receiving Communion, she covered her face with her hands. So did Cecchina. But she made sure to spread her fingers apart so that she could still see what was happening. If Rosa made the Sign of the Cross, Cecchina did too. She even scratched her nose whenever her big sister did!

One day, Cecchina decided to follow her mother and sister up to Communion. Rosa caught her in time and made her go back and sit in the bench. Just what did you think you were doing, Maria Francesca? Rosa asked after Mass. (Rosa called Cecchina her full name when she wanted to be extra serious.) The little girl looked up in innocent surprise. I was going to receive Jesus with you and Mama, she matter-of-factly answered.

Another time, Cecchina watched Rosa go into the confessional. She decided to do the same. But once inside, she had her doubts. Father! she exclaimed. Where are you? I cant see you.

Im here behind the screen, the priest answered kindly. What do you want to tell me?

Father, why cant I receive Jesus in Communion like Mama and Rosa? I love him too, and Rosa taught me all my prayers. I want to do what Jesus tells me to do and not always what Rosa makes me do!

My child, Father Ded answered, trying to hide the amusement in his voice, Jesus gives us people to help us to learn and to understand what to do. Jesus wants you to listen to Rosa and do what she says. Isnt she a good sister to you?