God’s Messenger: The Astounding Achievements of Mother Cabrini: A Novel Based on the Life of Mother Frances X. Cabrini

by Nicole Gregory

Her passion became her reality.Children were her life, and God’s messenger Mother Frances X. Cabrini dedicated her entire life to caring for poor Italian immigrants who sought refuge in the slums of New York City in the early 1890s. A devout champion of education and proper health care for the poverty-stricken, Cabrini forged a path of survival for young children by building schools, orphanages, and hospitals—not only in the United States, but also throughout Europe and Central and South America. With an acumen for business and a desire to help, Mother Cabrini chiseled away at a problem others refused to see. Years after her death, Mother Cabrini was named Patron Saint of Immigrants because of her unwavering work for those who needed her.

Genres: Biography, Book Club, Nonfiction, Faith

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 4, 2017

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

A friend recommended that I read about Mother Cabrini, and this was the only book I could find. Her life was interesting and she was ahead of her time, but the writing style was kind of mediocre at best.

[Lisa Hezmalhalch · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a remarkable Sister! I feel I have found a new friend in Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini. Mother Cabrini has inspired me in my Faith all the more after reading this book about her life. I’d recommend this to anyone - it’s full of travel, adventure, challenges and strength. Mother Cabrini - pray for us!

[Paul Stout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yes, the movie was Amazing, but only told a small fraction of the true story. Mother Cabrini, I believe, was truly inspired by God to accomplish all she did in her short lifetime. What an example of a faithful, courageous woman! She had everything in the "world" going against her: her Italian heritage, her bodily weakness, her inability to speak the language, being a woman in a man's domineering world, her lack of business skills, her lack of training, and, of course, plenty of religious and secular enemies. But through prayer and determination, she did so much! This book was a bit more Catholic-oriented than the movie, which was watered down for general audiences. But this made it all the more interesting and real. She truly was a saint!

My favorite quote from her: "If the mission of announcing the Lord's Resurrection to His Apostles had been entrusted to Mary Magdalene, it would seem a very good thing to confide to other women an evangelizing mission" -- Mother Francesca Cabrini

[Thea Marlowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightening read❣️
Hard to believe she was born in 1850, 100 yrs prior to myself!
Not being Catholic, not aware Cabrini was first sainted nun. Sounds so much like Mother Teresa’s love for others. Cabrini being Italian herself, focused on Italian immigrant poverty, stressing education. She did not let her only speaking Italian hinder her ministry, or being physically frail. Loved her Bible analogy “Sowing many grains of mustard seed,” her ministry.
In her 67/yrs she established 67/institutions, including schools/colleges/hospitals/rest homes/RN training schools. She had travel/spread the gospel lust, but never realized her China ministry desire. Loved her advice to nuns, “Do not criticize, do not complain. If you get the itch to wag your tongue, wag it against yourself. Do not ever leave a person without a kind word, shows you love them.”

[Janice · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read about an amazing woman! She accomplished so much, but it would have been nice to know more about how she did it.

1) “We must pray without tiring, for the salvation of mankind does not depend upon material success…but on Jesus alone.”
2) “I will go anywhere and do anything in order to communicate the love of Jesus to those who do not know Him or have forgotten Him.”
3) “I trust in you, my Jesus. I place my poor soul in your hands – mold me according to Your Divine will.”
4) “A single act of humility is worth more than the proud exhibition of any virtue.”
5) “My God…if I could only extend my arms to embrace the world as a gift to you…Show me the way and I will do everything with your help!”

[Karen Shilvock-Cinefro · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini was a frail woman of extreme fortitude. She was able to get things done even when she was told it was impossible. This is a good story and the writing tells a good narration of the facts and events of a remarkable person.
This book is written as part of a project called the Mentoris Project highlighting Italian-Americans that have contributed greatly to society and changed history.

[Judith Leipold · Rating 3 out of 5]

The rating is based on the writing style alone. It has no relevance to the significance of Mother Cabrini's life or accomplishments. I wish the book would have had a better delivery. This is the first book of NG that I have read. Not sure if this was typical of her style or if it was a slip. The story itself is what kept me engaged. A phenomenal woman. The world is better for her life and work.

[Gail DiVico · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing book! I learned so much about Mother Cabrini's life and what she has accomplished under almost impossible odds. This totally blew me away, and I highly recommend this book to anyone regardless of what religion they are espoused to. Mother Cabrini was Catholic but respected everyone no matter their beliefs. Incredible woman and an incredible life!

[Kay Rohrer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Got a little rushed at the end with trying to get everything in that Mother Cabrini had done, but this story tells of a woman who worked tirelessly for immigrants. She wasn't intimidated by anyone!! What a woman!!

[Victoria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully inspiring with its "gentle fictional touches".

[Jennifer Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow did Mother Cabrini live an amazing life. Great to learn her story. Looking forward to the movie coming out!

[Lorraine Warzecha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excited to see the movie. I enjoyed her history and all her accomplishments, especially her miracle after she was gone!

[Ann Singer-Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such an incredible woman! I can’t wait to see the movie

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not because if the writing, necessarily, but because of the very inspiring subject. Mother Cabrini, YOU ROCK!💕

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a life this woman lived. Not a huge fan of the audio version.

[Danni · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fantastic

[Olea · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written book about an exceptional woman!

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author writes that this biography is a novel

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting that the US was once a mission field.

[Darryl Monteilh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

I had watched the movie, Cabrini, and this book was a perfect accompaniment. It filled in the rest of her life story.