Photo of Mother Cabrini in 1880, the year she founded her order

A Self-Led Retreat for Educators

When Mother Cabrini arrived in the U.S. in 1889, her first school was held in the balcony of a church. Resources were so scarce that the students — street kids, orphans, and children with little family support — had to use pews for desks. Yet the children thrived academically and spiritually.

How did Mother Cabrini do it? And what can teachers today learn from her?

This fall the Shrine released Education of the Heart, a retreat-in-a-booklet designed to give teachers strength and hope in the new school year. Thoughtful and Christ-centered, Education of the Heart draws on Mother Cabrini’s life and wisdom.

Thanks to a generous grant we were able to send a copy to every Catholic school in the nation. We’ve been overwhelmed by the response:

“Your note could not have come at a better time. Just this morning on my way to work (day 3 of the school year) I was praying to God for guidance and support due to already feeling defeated and overwhelmed this school year. I am going to be starting your retreat today.” ~ principal in California

“I was so pleased to receive the Education of the Heart booklet! I appreciate that it is written in bite size pieces and reflections, allowing us to find a way to build this into a busy day. And the reflections were so important for us as educators!” ~ President of a school in Washington, D.C.

If you’d like to order a copy of this inspiring retreat for yourself or a teacher you love, you can stop by the Shrine or call our gift shop at (212) 923-3536. The cost is a teacher-friendly $5/book. Discounts are available for bulk purchases.

cover of a booklet

During the month of November, in honor of Mother Cabrini’s feast any public, private or charter school teacher may request a FREE copy of Education of the Heart by filling out this form.

CategoryEducation, News
© 2015 St. Frances Cabrini Shrine.
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