Parking? Why, you may ask, especially as automobiles were still rare in Mother Cabrini’s lifetime, and she may never have driven or ridden in one? Evidently it is due to her years spent serving the poor amid the hustle and bustle of New York City, where navigating the busy streets remains a challenge. Mother’s perseverance was legendary, not to mention her many journeys around the country in search of new charitable foundations, all to perform the Corporal Works of Mercy. Mother Cabrini — determined pilgrim in search of souls that she was — was a walker. In a letter from 1894 she wrote, “The other day I traveled three hours in the snow, yesterday two hours in pouring rain, and with broken shoes my feet were swimming in water — and this after I had been ill all night.” Later in the same letter, she continued, “But I enjoyed it, thinking how the saints traveled for the welfare of their institute and for the salvation of souls. This joy made it impossible to suffer and now I am well.” Amazing! Safety concerns How does Mother Cabrini (who became a U.S. citizen in 1909) fit in with our Urgent Appeal this year? I think of her struggles when I see pilgrims arrive at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy who have mobility issues. They, too, have difficulty walking, and it can be a real hardship traversing the distance from the main parking lot to the Shrine. So we’ve decided to build a new parking lot with the comfort and safety of our disabled visitors in mind. If you have visited Eden Hill, you know there are a few handicapped parking spaces located along the access road to the Shrine, and these fill up quickly. Unfortunately, we have been informed by the local fire department that these are no longer acceptable. You see, the road must be kept clear at all times for safety reasons and easy access in case of an emergency. We’ve decided to build a small parking lot next to the Shrine. This will be located in the open field next to the Holy Family Shrine, and will have 30 spaces, including 5 designated handicapped parking spaces, and a convenient drop-off area. This will accommodate our daily pilgrims who have mobility issues. It will also address safety concerns, with improved walkways to the Shrine, as well as a new sidewalk from the main parking lot up the drive to the Shrine. Complex undertaking There’s a lot involved in building even a small parking lot, from site clearance and grading to paving and access, not to mention meeting local and state building requirements. The cost is considerable: $685,000. So today, we urgently request your assistance. Please prayerfully consider a gift to our Urgent Appeal! If, by God’s grace, we exceed our goal, every dollar above and beyond our needs for this new parking lot will be put towards improvements to the other roadways and the main parking lot on Eden Hill. Comfort and convenience Pilgrims to the National Shrine increase in number every year, thanks be to God, and we try to provide every convenience to make their visit safe and comfortable, not to mention spiritually enriching. This new parking lot is long overdue, and we know it will be welcomed by our visitors with mobility issues. It will also keep our relationship with the fire department in good stead. And just to be clear: Mother Cabrini’s patronage of parking is an informal designation that has entered popular Catholic lore. Still, many frustrated drivers often invoke her intercession to find that elusive space in a crowded parking lot, saying, “Mother Cabrini, Mother Cabrini, please find a spot for my little machine-y.” You know what? It sometimes works! Thank you in advance for prayerfully considering making a gift. We believe Mother Cabrini, who was so devoted to the works of mercy, will be pleased by our efforts to help pilgrims in need! Visit ShrineofDivineMercy.org to plan your pilgrimage to the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy. We invite you to make a donation to our Urgent Appeal for a new parking lot at the National Shrine of The Divine Mercy with designated parking for pilgrims who are disabled. Please visit Marian.org/b70. Marian Helper • Summer 2026 • Marian.org 19 St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, patroness of parking. Public Domain
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