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Through prayer we discover God’s perfect plan for our lives. Prayer is also how we find the courage to embark upon that plan, and the perseverance to bring it to completion. Such was the case with Mary Francesca Cabrini. This humble Italian woman founded the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart, traveled to the United States to serve fifty thousand Italian immigrants by providing schools and orphanages for their children, and eventually established sixty-seven houses of sisters. Thus, she became the spiritual mother to many.

In the homily of her canonization, Pope Pius XII said,  “Undoubtedly she accomplished all this through the faith which was always so vibrant and alive in her heart; through the divine love which burned within her; and finally, through constant prayer by which she was so closely united with God from whom she humbly asked and obtained whatever her human weakness could not obtain.”

Knowing a few factors will determine the perfect chauffeured-driven limo rental service. Perhaps you seek an airport limousine, prom limo or wedding limousine. Your special occasion may entail a limousine rental for a night on the town or sightseeing. Maybe it is a concert or a birthday party limo that will work for you.

In any case, finding the best limousine rental service is easy, provided you know the purpose of the occasion, as well as the number of passengers and how long you will require your limo rental. These are important factors in determining the price you will pay. Click here if you want to know more about the Rockstarz Limo Rental Service.

For instance, if your rental is constant motion - a party limo visiting the best night spots or an airport limousine transferring you into town - your costs may increase. However, a wedding limousine, prom limo or other service where the limousine is inactive during the contracted time frame may offer a lessened charge.

Many services will specialize in certain events. There are limousine operators that cater to a party limo scenario, while others feature an airport limousine.

Having a budget in mind will keep your cost in perspective. Also, members of a larger party will defray the cost easier. Twenty riders will pay less per person than 10 passengers for the same limo, provided that all other variables are identical.

The proper vehicle plays a part in creating the right mood. A chauffeured-driven classic antique may be in order for the bride and groom, while a stretch Hummer party limo will work for a bachelorette party or concert.

When evaluating prices, make sure you compare apples-to-apples. Limo rental services vary among operators. Some will charge a flat rate while other limo services charge by the hour. Various companies will add a fuel surcharge. An 18% to 20% gratuity is the rule of thumb, but one vendor may charge you for the tip ahead of time and another will allow the passengers to determine the gratuity afterward. Limo package prices are available.

Mother Cabrini was born in Lombardy, Italy, the youngest of thirteen children, only four of whom survived. Although sickly and weak throughout her childhood, Frances was enamored with stories of missionaries, and dreamed of becoming one herself. At the age of twenty-two, she was turned away from a convent because of her health, so she went to a nearby orphanage to teach. After working for three years with the Sisters of Nazareth, who ran that institution, they allowed her to make her religious vows with them and she was appointed superior of the orphanage.

In 1888, Mother Cabrini received approval to start her own religious order, and was asked by Pope Leo XIII to go to America to care for the many Italian immigrants who had flocked to New York. Upon making the arduous journey in 1889, she was met with a lack of support, a language barrier, and a population discouraged and alienated from its Catholic roots. Nevertheless, she persisted in her call despite the many obstacles, and she began working wherever she could. Her first orphanage began with seven orphans.

Many stories are told about Mother Cabrini’s great faith and trust in God, which emanated from a life of prayer. In one story, Mother Cabrini was in need of property for an orphanage in Seattle. As she slept one night, Mother dreamed of a beautiful house that sat upon a big hill. The next day, Mother and two of her sisters were walking when a chauffeur-driven limousine drove by. Mother Cabrini flagged down the limo and asked for a ride back to the convent.

The woman riding in the limo was pleased to assist the sisters, and as they rode along, Mother Cabrini shared with the lady the dream she had the night before. When the party arrived at the convent, the lady told her: “Mother Cabrini, that house you dreamed of is mine. I never thought of parting with it, but if I may be allowed to enter your Holy House for a moment and receive a glass of water in the name of Our Lord, your little orphans shall have their home with my blessing.” Later, when asked how she had received such a beautiful piece of property, Mother Cabrini simply said, “I paid for it with three treasures: my love, a dream, and a glass of water in His Name.”

Truly, these words of Pope Pius XII aptly describe Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini, who proved that great things are possible for one who is led by the Spirit of God: “Although her constitution was very frail, her spirit was endowed with such singular strength that, knowing the will of God in her regard, she permitted nothing to impede her from accomplishing what seemed beyond her strength.” For more information about this wonderful saint, go to www.cabrini.com.

Faith in Action

Through prayer, Mother Cabrini discovered God’s will and received the grace she needed to persevere despite challenges and reversals. How have I seen this in my own life? How can I change my outlook concerning failure or rejection, so that I can see God working His holy will through them?

This is an except from the Women of Grace Foundational Study Program. To learn more, visit womenofgrace.com/studies

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February 24

“Very well, I will be a saint. I will provide a patron for those who bear my name.”

                                                                        --Blessed Dina Belanger

 For Reflection:

At age eight, Dina Belanger said this in response to a teacher who told her the Church had no St. Dina. Am I willing to “provide a patron” for those who bear my name? What positive step can I take today to make that happen?

  (Quote from Graceful Living)

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