Colorado’s statue of liberty

In the face of anti-immigrant sentiment, Cabrini devoted her life to their care

For more than a year, Denver and Colorado have welcomed more than 38,000 migrants in search of refuge from the turmoil in their homelands in South and Central America.

In the core sense of the word, “refuge” evokes hope, comfort and safety. This is what Denver, some nonprofit charities and the state of Colorado have provided in the absence of courage to overcome partisan struggles in Congress.

Local municipalities across the country are bearing the brunt of the financial burden, with a significant portion of funds spent from local public coffers. Despite limited resources, Denver and Colorado remain true to our collective values.

Sitting high above the Front Range is a place that serves as a reminder of why serving immigrants arriving in Denver is in line with Colorado values — the Mother Cabrini Shrine. Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini is a name that transcends religion, race, immigration status and country of origin. She is lauded for serving migrants across the globe and revered in Colorado for her service to immigrants, and migrant communities that sought refuge. Today, her memory evokes acts of service to aid and comfort a new group of immigrants arriving at our doorstep.

In great veneration to her service — primarily to Italian immigrants in Colorado — the state legislature recognized her as an icon for humanity and leadership for those in need; in particular, immigrants. In 2022, Denver and Colorado came together to celebrate this notable woman; recognized as a Saint by the Roman Catholic Church. She is a testament to the power of women to lead, as she is to the power for each of us to responsibly serve.

It is no secret that asylum seekers and others who have sought refuge across our city and state need support. Nonprofit organizations, community churches and the city of Denver have stepped up to the challenge. Still, the need is great and as Congress contemplates policy changes, we are faced with the same challenges as Mother Cabrini: the urgency to act locally, act swiftly and act with humanity.

We are surrounded by political theater that seeks to leverage every fear and vulnerability Americans have for their

PHOTOS BY RJ SANGOSTI — THE DENVER POST The image above is an in-camera double exposure captured on the campus of the Mother Cabrini Shrine in Golden on Wednesday. The shrine pays homage to Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, affectionately known as “Mother Cabrini,” who dedicated herself to welcoming refugees and advocating for services during a period when a significant number of Italian immigrants, among others, were arriving in the United States.

Stained glass windows commemorate Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini on the campus of the Mother Cabrini Shrine in Golden. “Mother Cabrini” dedicated much of her life to helping refugees and advocating for services for immigrants.