Cabrini University has officially launched The Cabriniana Collection, the largest digital archive of the writings and artifacts from Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini and the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (MSCs).
The digitization project began after funds were raised by Cabrini alumni and friends for the Sister Mary Louise Sullivan Fund in honor of the late former Cabrini President and Mother Cabrini historian, Sister Mary Louise Sullivan, MSC, PhD (’63). The money raised helped to purchase a planetary scanner for the library, a type of image scanner for making scans of rare books and other easily damageable documents.
“The digital collection is so important because it will make the story of Saint Frances Cabrini and her legacy available to anyone who may be seeking information about her online,” said Christine Marie Baltas, MSC (’66).
Dating from 1889, the year that Mother Cabrini journeyed from Italy to New York City to serve the great wave of Italian immigrants, the collection relates the history of the MSCs and the life of foundress Frances Cabrini.
The website includes artifacts, copies of letters, and the written accounts of events in the mission houses of the Sisters. Each item is shown on the website also contains a full description and it is continuing to be developed by Holy Spirit Library staff members Cynthia Ross and Cheryl Collins.
“The experiences of Frances Cabrini and her Missionary Sisters in the late 19th- and early 20th-century are relevant today for anyone engaging in or curious about the American religious landscape and the immigrant question,” Schwelm said.
Scholars have come from as far as London to utilize the Cabriniana collection in the Holy Spirit Library at Cabrini University for their research. With the launch of the digital Cabriniana collection, scholars will now have easier access to history.
“I hope [with the new digital achieve] that many people will come to know Mother Cabrini and come to have a devotion to her,” Baltas said.
For those who still wish to visit the archive in person, it is open to scholars and other qualified visitors by appointment. Those interested can contact Anne Schwelm at anne.p.schwelm@cabrini.edu.
Anyone who wishes to donate to the Sister Mary Louise Fund to support Cabrini's continued archivale work, a check can be mailed payable to Cabrini University or vist our online giving form. Please make a note that your gift is to be designated for the Sister Mary Louise Sullivan Fund.