Too Small a World: The Life of Mother Frances Cabrini

by Theodore Maynard, Timothy M. Dolan (foreword)

"The world is too small," Saint Frances Cabrini (1850–1917) once declared. "I would like to embrace it all, to reach every corner." This compelling, authoritative biography chronicles the astounding life of a petite Italian-born religious sister who, with the heart of a missionary, conquered all odds to become the first American citizen canonized a saint.

Theodore Maynard traces Cabrini's journey from her humble beginnings in northern Italy to her pioneering mission across the United States serving the poor and the sick on a massive scale. Between her work with immigrants (in New York, Denver, Chicago, Seattle, New Orleans, and beyond), her building of schools, orphanages, and hospitals, and her founding of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Mother Cabrini's entrepreneurial work would change the course of American history, marking it with Christ's mercy.

Maynard draws his material directly from the official files for Cabrini's canonization, from her letters, and from interviews with Missionary Sisters who were close to her. What emerges from this complex portrait is a woman of boundless compassion, courage, and energy, whose legacy continues to inspire people around the world today.

"If anybody could effect the impossible," writes Theodore Maynard, "it was this Italian nun."

Genres: Religion, Biography

373 pages, Paperback

Published March 27, 2024

About the author

1890-1956

Reviews

[Rebecca Tabish · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! What a woman of God St. Mother Cabrini was! I am honestly amazed at her energy level, especially since she had such poor health. This was such a fascinating read on the life of a Saint. Sadly, you can tell how much of a detriment Vatican 2 has been looking at her order today. Before Vatican 2 The Missionary Sisters were in 140 countries and now they're in a total of five countries and they don't even wear habits anymore.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story about the first American canonized saint. She didn’t just help the poor she organized orphanages and hospitals throughout the western hemisphere. She had much more independence than normal convents, because her order was approved by the Pope, so it’s authority was worldwide. She was willing to sacrifice when she knew it was God’s will. Although the church was headquartered in Rome she lead by being involved, she was always on the move and was basically a missionary at heart. For one so frail and small in stature, she presented a great deal of enthusiasm and zeal for her work, she had a vision larger than anyone else that her leaders had worked with before. Below are some of her traits as expressed by those who worked with her:

If there is anybody who can make something out of uncompromising material, she’s the person. If the girls have the necessary good will, there is no need to ask for exceptional talent. The molding that she can impart to the character – that and the grace of God – will make up for everything.

She was always very kind but also very firm. To rule she first had to conquer the vivacity of her own temperament. Like Saint Francis de Sales she was quick-tempered; like him, she managed to keep that fact hidden, so most people supposed that she was born with her sweetness of disposition.
If there was any talk of miracles, she passed it of lightly by saying that, had any miracles occurred, it was due to obedience.

As a young girl and nun, her naturally shy temperament had kept her willingly inconspicuous. Now the day had at last arrived when other qualities appeared – intrepidity and an ability in management hardly suspected before. They were all the more effective because of being exercised by one who had lost nothing of the grace humility gives. She was from now and on, not a different woman, but a greater woman.

A local superior is inclined to be somewhat afraid of exceeding her authority. . . Mother Cabrini never left her nuns to their own devices until she was sure that the new mission was going well. The instant she was satisfied as to that she was off to some other place.

[Celia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Francesca Cabrini was born in Italy in 1850 and grew up as a frail and sickly child after almost drowning. But oh, my goodness, what an incredible woman she grew up to be. I originally read a bio of her a few years ago, but this year the movie Cabrini came out, and I was a bit disappointed in the storyline because they never showed her deep faith in God and her love for His work. Ignatius Press reissued this book that originally was published back in 1945. I am so glad. This is a wonderfully researched biography. And Mother Cabrini's life is one that every woman, every Catholic and Christian should read about. She accomplished more for poor immigrants not only in our country, but in South America, Central America and Europe. In an era where there were no planes, she went to the ends of the earth to ease the plight of the poor and spread the Gospel message. She is my hero! Pray for me, Mother Cabrini.

[JAMIE S PARLOW · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any words I place here would do little justice in honoring the great sacrifice Mother Francesca Cabrini made for a world that didn't deserve her. Thousands of families, of all races, owe her a debt of gratitude for the institutions she founded during her lifetime.

A total of 67 to be exact, including schools, hospitals, and orphanages. These institutions were established in many countries in addition to the United States. Her efforts included schools for Italian immigrants, orphanages, and hospitals like the Columbus Hospital in New York City. She also founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in 1880 to help carry on her work.

She is a model and testament to the power of faith over fear and this world needs so many like her today.

[Melissa]

I love the story of Mother Cabrini. Unfortunately, I don't love THIS story of Mother Cabrini. As interesting and inspiring as her life was, this narrative feels the exact opposite. I listened on audio and also tried reading it in print but couldn't get past the extraneous details that sometimes felt like filler and the constant commentary of how petite she was.

[Joe · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author's perspective is clearly from the first half of the twentieth century, but this is an enduring work that transcends the culture and ideas of when it was written. A fascinating and inspiring account of Mother Cabrini and interesting insight into early twentieth-century USA.

[Carol Palmer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw the movie "Cabrini" and decided to learn more about Mother Cabrini. This book was first published in 1945, so the writing style is old-fashioned. The author is a bit too glowing in his writing about Mother Cabrini. I have the feeling Mother Cabrini herself would not have liked all of this over the top praise.

[Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended.

Also, go see the Cabrini movie. In theaters and also on streaming.

Saint Mother Cabrini, pray for us!!

[Peterab · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story and I learned so much!

[Marie Zahnle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Indomitable spirit. Writing, unfortunately, stilted and wordy.