Mother Cabrini: Italian Immigrant of the Century

by Mary Louise Sullivan

Paperback

Published January 1, 1992

Reviews

[Paul Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

The strength of this work is that it relies heavily on primary sources, first-hand interviews, and archive materials. The research is excellent and it is focused almost entirely on Mother Cabrini's work in the USA. The book also emphasizes continually that Mother Cabrini was driven by her love of God in all that she did, i.e. that her motives were supernatural.

At the same time, Sr. Mary Louise gives a feminist undertone to the book and even speculates at one point if Mother Cabrini would have wanted to become a priest if she lived in modern times! She also makes excuses, on several occasions, for Mother Cabrini wanting to convert Protestants, because she did not live in ecumenical times. Fortunately, these elements are not so pervasive as to make it a burden to read the book.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent biography of the first American Saint. Originally written as Sr. Sullivan's Ph.D thesis, it relies on many original documents and interviews with people who participated in Mother Cabrini's mission to Italian immigrants. She is held in high regard by modern immigrants and Italian-Americans. As much a history of immigration in the late 19th and early 20th Century as a loving biography of a hard-working holy woman.

[Lisa Bondi · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5, so I rounded up! I went into this thinking it would be a more academic read since it was a thesis, and it was, but was very accessible. Knowledge of the Catholic faith is obviously helpful. As an Italian, it was a very intriguing read. I feel much of the strong Italian communities today found their birth from the tenacity of Cabrini.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A scholarly biography well- researched. What an amazing woman!