The National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini held its first fundraiser in three years on October 24,2024. We welcomed 130 guests to the John B, Murphy Auditorium at the Driehaus Museum. He was one of the first surgeons hired by Mother Cabrini, who eventually became chief of staff at Columbus. We were honored to have his great nephew, Mr. John T. Murphy in attendance. It was a wonderful night, celebrating the life and legacy of Mother Cabrini, and her extraordinary contribution to the city of Chicago.
Ana Belaval, host of Around Town on WGN-TV, graced our event as Master of Ceremonies. As we all know, from Mother Cabrini’s influence, sometimes it just takes one person. That one person listened to Ana’s demo tape and was so taken by her energy that he brought her in for an interview. Since then, she has climbed the ladder of Chicago TV.
The exhilarating evening included highlights of Mother Cabrini’s tireless work in Chicago, thanking our sponsors; and a paddle raise supporting the ongoing mission of the National Shrine. We honored three of our MSC’s, with the Mother Cabrini Life and Legacy award. Those three sisters are, Sister Joan McGlinchey, Sister Joaquina Costa and Sister Barbara Staley.
Overall, the night was extremely successful and fun. A spirit of love and generosity filled the room last Thursday, enabling the National Shrine to continue to provide a sacred space for masses and liturgical celebrations, pilgrimages, and service initiatives such as Uncle Pete’s lunches, our back-to-school backpack initiative, Chicago Street medicine and more. Mother Cabrini’s legacy is more alive than ever and it is with gratitude and renewed commitment that we move forward with Mother Cabrini’s own most cherished belief – “We can do all things through Christ Who strengthens us.”
