Rev. Brian J. Shanley, O.P. President | St. John's University website

Several hundred members of the St. John’s University community attended two screenings of the film Cabrini on October 28 at the Queens campus. The events, hosted by The School of Education and Campus Ministry, highlighted the life and work of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, a Catholic educator and advocate for immigrants in New York City.

The screenings were scheduled during Italian American Heritage Month and just before Mother Cabrini’s feast day on November 13. The School of Education’s event, titled “Mother Cabrini: Teacher, Counselor, Leader,” included opening remarks from Dean James D. Wolfinger, Ph.D., who spoke about the university’s Vincentian mission and the role of Catholic education in New York City.

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini (1850–1917), originally from Italy, founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. She became the first naturalized US citizen to be canonized as a Catholic saint and is recognized as the patron saint of immigrants due to her support for newcomers facing hardship in New York.

Zachary DeCarlo, producer of Cabrini, participated in both events and discussed his family’s connection to Mother Cabrini with attendees. He emphasized her determination and compassion. The film premiered in March 2024 after more than two years in production with a $50 million budget. Cristiana Dell’Anna stars as Mother Cabrini alongside John Lithgow as a fictional mayor.

“We didn’t want to make a fairy-tale version of her life,” Mr. DeCarlo explained. “Her story continues to inspire people to lead with purpose and faith.”

Mr. DeCarlo noted that Mother Cabrini empowered women within her congregation and left female-led leadership teams at most institutions she established—67 in total—including hospitals, orphanages, and schools across the United States between 1889 and 1917.

“If you do the math, that is an average of two or three institutions each year,” Mr. DeCarlo said. “And, in almost every one of them, she left a leadership team led by a woman, which was unheard of at the time. She trained all her nuns to read contracts and work with contracts so they could be shrewd negotiators with the municipal powers they had to work with.”

Deacon Kevin McCormack, Superintendent for Catholic Schools in Brooklyn and Queens, commented on Mother Cabrini’s approach: “This is not a stereotypical saint story,” he said. “It is about someone who saw a need and had the courage to act. That is what teachers and leaders do every day.”

At another screening organized by Campus Ministry that drew over 300 students to Marillac Hall Auditorium, students reflected on themes such as faith and service found in Mother Cabrini’s story.

Senior Katherine Garlisi described it as “timeless and poignant.” Briana Tola, junior at The School of Education and President of St. Vincent de Paul Society’s campus chapter, remarked that sharing this experience reinforced their commitment to service aligned with St. John’s Vincentian mission:

“Sharing this experience with our members reminded me of why we do what we do—to serve others with compassion and purpose,” Briana said. “Mother Cabrini’s story continues to impact people today. The film celebrates her legacy, while also strengthening our community’s commitment to living out those values in our lives.”