Mother Cabrini’s retreat notes provide us with a unique view of her prayer life and spiritual journey. Her journal includes notes made during more than 40 retreats stretching from 1887 to 1911. Currently available in English under the title Journal of a Trusting Heart, it is here that we see the depths of Mother Cabrini’s desire to love and serve Jesus. The following note — a prayer, really — was written in 1895.
When Jesus entered triumphantly into Jerusalem, many good people had prepared a banquet, desiring to invite him into their homes… Poor Jesus, I am not worthy, but I would like you to come to my house for dinner. Put your hand on my head and enrich me with your grace so I may entertain you well. At table, let me occupy a seat at the place of trust at your left side, so I can serve you well and have you served in everything. Then let me rest my head on your heart that I may understand all your divine secrets and understand clearly all that you desire of me. I want to do all things well for you. Grant that I never keep you waiting at the door of my heart.
As we enter Holy Week, may our hearts echo the desires of Mother Cabrini to do all things well for our loving Jesus.
St. Frances Cabrini, pray for us.
Mother Cabrini in the early 1900s
