We are a joyful community of disciples proclaiming the Good News and inviting all people to encounter the love and mercy of Jesus Christ.
“Whoever seeks to preserve his life will lose it, but whoever loses it will save it.”
(Luke 17:33)
To Save a Life
One of our OCIA sessions is titled “Who is Jesus?” The participants are asked, "How would you respond if you knew someone had given up their life for you?" Their faces are transformed, as if pondering something that touches a deep place in their soul. The answers usually center on living a life the person who sacrificed their life would be proud of, on making sure their death was not in vain, that their sacrifice was worth something.
When I am asked that question, I think of my family. My grandmother would tell me stories of when she and my grandfather left Cuba with their young children and migrated to Puerto Rico, leaving behind their livelihoods, their families, their titles, everything. They left without looking back; instead, they looked ahead, filled with hope for a better life for their children and grandchildren. Future generations already lived in their hearts and minds. They lost many things, but they saved their lives, including mine.
Today we celebrate St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, better known as Mother Cabrini, the first American citizen saint. Born in Italy, she came to America at the request of Pope Leo XIII. She served poor immigrants despite great opposition and prejudice. The National Shrine dedicated to her states: “Her tireless love for the vulnerable made her the Universal Patron Saint of Immigrants and an inspiration for all who strive to serve.”
When I am asked that question, I think of my family. My grandmother would tell me stories of when she and my grandfather left Cuba with their young children and migrated to Puerto Rico, leaving behind their livelihoods, their families, their titles, everything. They left without looking back; instead, they looked ahead, filled with hope for a better life for their children and grandchildren. Future generations already lived in their hearts and minds. They lost many things, but they saved their lives, including mine.
Today we celebrate St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, better known as Mother Cabrini, the first American citizen saint. Born in Italy, she came to America at the request of Pope Leo XIII. She served poor immigrants despite great opposition and prejudice. The National Shrine dedicated to her states: “Her tireless love for the vulnerable made her the Universal Patron Saint of Immigrants and an inspiration for all who strive to serve.”
Jesus died for us. How will we respond?
God our Father, who called Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini from Italy to serve the immigrants of America, by her example, teach us to have concern for the stranger, the sick, and all those in need, and by her prayers help us to see Christ in all the men and women we meet. Amen.
(From the collect prayer)
Reflection by:
Ivonne Hernandez is a Catholic wife, mother, member of the Aggregation of the Blessed Sacrament, and President of Elisheba House. She is also a speaker and writer, currently pursuing a master’s in Pastoral Ministry for Hispanics through the Southeast Pastoral Institute (SEPI) and Barry University, and a member of the Master Chorale of Tampa Bay. Ivonne and her husband reside in Trinity, FL, where Ivonne serves as the OCIA Director at their parish, St. Peter the Apostle.