The World Is Too Small: The Life and Times of Mother Cabrini

by Theodore Maynard

Embark on an inspirational journey with this classic best seller about the life of Francesca Cabrini. Angel Studios is proud to bring you a special edition of this biography—and the new motion picture, Cabrini—to tell her story and inspire all people to love with unstoppable determination, as she did.

This gripping biography unveils the extraordinary adventures of Mother Cabrini, a visionary Italian American religious sister who defied the odds, founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and became the first American saint. Immerse yourself in the story of a woman of great compassion and heroic virtue whose indomitable spirit overcame countless challenges to establish health, education, and care centers across continents.

Discover Cabrini’s mystical vocation, her encounters with the miraculous, and her tireless devotion to the Eucharistic Heart of Jesus. Be inspired by her resourcefulness in overcoming financial obstacles, her skills of diplomacy in touching the hearts of influencers, and her ability to transcend boundaries to succor the helpless worldwide. Uncover the depth of her humanness, her humor, and her profound concern for the sisters in her congregation, whom she spiritually nurtured throughout their lives.

Cabrini’s fearless spirit and unwavering trust in Divine Providence shine as a beacon for us today, offering solace and inspiration in our own challenging times. Join her on her harrowing ocean crossings and land travels. Delve into her stirring letters and diary entries that reveal how she coped with rejection, discrimination, and persecution. This book is not just a biography; it is a testament to the resilience, faith, and enduring power of a woman for whom the world, with all its problems, all its beauty, and all its potential, was simply not big enough for what she intended to do. Grab a copy and be inspired by the inimitable St. Frances Xavier Cabrini.

353 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2024

About the author

1890-1956

Reviews

[Michael Duquaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mother Cabrini is inspiring. Honestly, I didn’t know anything about her before reading the book. I was intrigued to learn about the life of the first “American” saint. The author wrote this book in the early 1900’s closer to the times of Mother Cabrini’s earthly life, so the story was fresh and some people of the time of writing still knew Mother Cabrini personally which is a cool perspective but also had some outdated references. I was surprised by the amount of travel Mother Cabrini did, including international travel. Much of the book was keeping track of all her travels and I would’ve liked to read about more detailed account of how she was able to grow her mission so quickly and widely. She had an admirable determination and energy with lofty dreams that she actually followed through with accomplishing. One of the key takeaways that I will take away from her is her absolute resolve to follow what she believed to be God’s plan for her life despite the challenges or perceived limitations. She put complete trust in God to provide for her needs, which is a level of trust that I personally have a hard time achieving. I admire her philosophy of acceptance of struggles as a blessing from God and strict adherence for her sister nuns to not complain about anything most especially their own struggles. Mother Cabrini undeniably lived a rich, full life of selfless service to the poor of her time. Mother Cabrini, pray for us!

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disappointed in this biography. The famous American citizen saint was incredibly influential and accomplished so much for poor Italian immigrants and all poor children around the world. She did this in the late 1800’s and into the WWI years, even though she was a tiny, demure nun, over years of chronic illness that she ignored, knowing God would give her all she needed to fulfill His Will.

The first 200 pages focused mostly on the Popes, Bishops, priests and the regulations of the Roman Catholic Church. Therefore it was sluggish and boring. Finally the last hundred or so pages the reader gets to know this amazing, driven, gentle, caring, wise and yes SAINTLY woman. That was the inspiring and compelling part of the book. I enjoyed that biography very much. I hope to see the movie soon.

[Margaret Oberst · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an inspirational biography of St Frances Zavier Cabrini. Her miraculous life of building orphanages, hospitals and schools around the world at a pivotal time for Italian immigration is very moving. The work she accomplished was key to the world events and focus of the church. How she was able to bring young women in various cultures to adopt her vision of mission work to teach Christs Sacred Heart and live with deprivation or danger shows the depth of her faith and charisma. Her relationship with the Popes and church hierarchy was notable because she was obedient as well as innovative. Begging for basic needs and funds but also securing huge investments could not happen in today’s environment. Yet her deep communication in prayer, sacrifice and forgiveness validates the courage she had to formulate her mission. Knowing of her lifelong illnesses makes her life even more outstanding. I want to pass this book to so many people to read and be inspired too. Theodore Maynard is such an admirer that the facts sometimes seem exaggerated but the reader becomes amazed as well and cheers St Frances forward too.

[Michael Curtis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a wonderful tale of a women of God who traveled all over the America’s to help people and let God take the glory. I really enjoyed reading this, sometimes it was difficult because I’m not familiar with all Catholic lingo. Made me feel really proud to be part of the body of Christ, especially as a Protestant.

[Laura Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

After seeing the movie, this book fills in so much of the supernatural element of Mother Cabrini’s life - and her incredible work ethic. I was particularly struck by the miracles she is said to have worked even during her lifetime - nothing that could be confirmed of course - just wonderfully inspiring stories. At times it is a bit dry, but very worth the read.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoyed the beginning of this book. However once the Order was established the book felt more like a travel log, with names of locations and dates visited. The majority of the book lacked the human connection and impact that this Saint surely had on people. I look forward to the movie version.

[Kay Ehret · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is about Mother Cabrini, the first American saint. A truly remarkable woman who started a religious order and also schools and hospitals all over the world. She was never in good health but felt God had given her a purpose to fulfill, and she lived to fulfill it in most amazing ways.

[Kristen]

I enjoyed reading her letters much more but this was an important chronological supplement, and quite readable for a biography!

[Cheryl Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good book although difficult to read. A great biography but the author can get very intense and wordy.

[Summerlovernan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Complete Story of Mother Cabrini

If you saw the movie “Cabrini” now read about the other 90% of her life. A remarkable woman and her remarkable story. I loved it!

[Meghan Durkee · Rating 5 out of 5]

exceptional! Well written story of an incredible woman!