Dear Friends,
As I mentioned at Mass, I had the opportunity in January to see a preview of the new movie about St. Frances Cabrini at a local theater. I, along with a hundred or so other folks from the Omaha area, got to experience a deeply moving portrayal of her life. While no movie can cover every aspect of a life, I think this movie does a very good job of showing the struggles she faced as a new immigrant to the United States and as an Italian facing great prejudice, and of her deep faith in God which helped her to do miraculous things for those who were suffering.
The movie focuses on Mother Cabrini’s work in the crowded squalor of the Five Points area of New York. Although stricken with lifelong respiratory ailments, she used business savvy plus sheer grit to win the support of a hostile mayor, business-people, and reluctant Church leaders, like Archbishop Michael Corrigan (who seems to have forgotten his Irish roots).
In the opening of the movie a boy struggles behind the weight of a wheelbarrow toting his dying mother, orphans slip down manholes seeking shelter in the city’s sewer system, and a prostitute absorbs a pimp’s punches. They are scenes which seem almost impossible in our country’s history but all too often continue into our present day as immigrants are still turned back at the border and have to find shelter wherever they can.
It is her faith that allows Mother Cabrini to face this misery, shifting from fierce advocacy to total exhaustion and then to a joyful mother loving motherless children. She reminds the sisters (as her statue does at our parish) that they can do all things through Christ who empowers them.
The movie focuses on the beginning of her ministry in New York, but goes on to remind us that her “empire of hope” — orphanages, schools, and hospitals — spreads from New York to major cities in the U.S. and abroad. Her centers, all run by women, eventually reach China — her original destination for mission work. “The world,” she says in the movie, “is too small for what I intend to do.” In the end, she opened 67 institutions to help others, the closest being in Denver and Chicago.
I, of course, thought I might have a bias about the movie. Since I am pastor of St. Frances Cabrini Parish, I want the movie about her to be great. So, if you wonder about that…go to Rotten Tomatoes online reviews and see what their reviewers say…I’ll save you the trip, here are a few:
“Impressive and occasionally inspiring… The Italian actress Cristiana Dell’Anna comes across as a force of nature, much like the real-life Mother Cabrini.” Michael Medved.
“A true masterpiece about a piece of history you may not ever have heard of. It’s dramatic, poetic, inspirational, tragic and awe-inspiring. It is also a timely movie for the world in a period of racial prejudice, immigration fears and oppressive politics.” Michael Szymanski
“Monteverde skillfully balances the narrative, ensuring that the underlying themes are not only thought-provoking but also emotionally resonant. In the end, ‘Cabrini’ emerges as a piece of cinematic art that offers both entertainment and substance.” Tony Asankomah
“It’s also worth mentioning the exquisite production design, cinematography and lighting which provide a stunning visual style that, in turn, becomes part of the film’s substance. There are many haunting, poetic and breathtaking shots that speak louder than words. At a running time of 2 hours 20 minutes, Cabrini is a spellbinding, tender and empowering journey. It will make you stand up and cheer.” Avi Offer
See, others think you should go to this movie too. The movie opens on Friday, March 8th. Right now, it is only scheduled to be in Omaha for a week. But if you go, then maybe it will stay a little longer and others will go because you encouraged them, and then maybe even some folks who have never heard of Cabrini will go and so on…
Peace,
Fr. Damian