Brothers and sisters, what could be more relevant today than this charism? I say this here, before the relic of Mother Cabrini’s heart, brought from the Motherhouse in Codogno. I say this as I greet and thank with affection her spiritual daughters, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. What could be more relevant today than a missionary charism dedicated to serving migrants?

I therefore take this opportunity to make an appeal, especially to young people: get to know Saint Frances Cabrini! Read her writings, filled with passion for Jesus and for the mission; her letters, her travel journals, and the notes from her retreats. Anyone who gets to know Mother Cabrini is captivated by her. Her soul was at once contemplative and active; she was immersed in the love of the Heart of Christ, and this gave her an extraordinary capacity for work and strength of spirit, in keeping with the Pauline motto she had chosen for the Institute: “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13).