Cabrini

                    "Cabrini". A movie about an Italian immigrant nun who traveled to New York to open orphanages in 1889. Mother Francis Xavier Cabrini is said to the first saint to be canonized from the United States. 

                     I had seen a trailer for this film while scrolling through my YouTube feed. Being from Chicago I was familiar with the name Cabrini and saw the film as a familiar scene from my childhood with Catholicism in the background of the city. I was very interested. The spoken Italian language was surprisingly easy to understand to a degree because of my native language Spanish. Prior to seeing the movie, I was worried that there would be a same sex love interest or episode. Thank God there was none of that. I also assumed that she would pass away before she saw any of her dreams come to life, she did not.

                    "Cabrini" was a beautiful movie and a breath of fresh air. As a black-Latina Muslim from Chicago with a family having a Catholic background I found this movie to be relatable and inspiring. Leading actress Cristiana Dell'Anna was amazing in this role. The character "Vittoria" played by Romana Maggiora Vergano gave hope to anyone believing they were too far away from God. Characters Enzo and Paolo (played by Liam Campora and Federico Ielapi) tugged at your heart strings and were reminders of what the mission was all about. 

                As a child who grow up in the foster care system, I know firsthand how helpless and vulnerable children are without the protection of a family. I also know how heartless and cruel adults can treat children even if they are the ones they say they care for. This movie was a great reminder of the true heart of humanity. There are some people who genuinely just want to serve God by caring for others. Nuns live a life dedicated to serving others for the pleasure of God and not for any worldly gain. This movie is reminder that one does not need to be a nun, woman or even Catholic to care about children. To care about anyone in need. 

               Mother Cabrini faced many challenges upon her arrival to the United States and she could have stopped many times. In fact, she was told to stop, demanded even to which she did not yield. "Start the mission and the means will follow" as said in the film by Mother Cabrini is faith put into action. I hope to one day visit one of her facilities and I'd recommend this movie to anyone wanting some inspiration in their lives.