Maria Francesca Cabrini was only 30 when she founded a religious order in northern Italy, but what she really wanted to do was go overseas. Mother Cabrini came to America in 1909 to take care of Italian immigrants – first in New York and Chicago, then in Denver. She bought some land in Golden, cheap, because it didn’t have water. She reportedly touched a large red rock with her cane, told her religious sisters to dig. And the spring they uncovered continues to produce water today.
Cabrini established 67 schools, hospitals and orphanages. In 1946 she became the first Italian immigrant to be recognized as a saint, and soon after, named “Universal Patron of Immigrants.” 70 years later, Colorado replaced Columbus Day with Cabrini Day, recognizing her kindness and compassion and made the first Monday in October the country’s first paid state holiday to honor a woman.
About Colorado Postcards
Colorado Postcards are snapshots of our colorful state in sound. They give brief insights into our people and places, our flora and fauna, and our past and present, from every corner of Colorado.
