Why is Frances Cabrini Such an Important Figure in Colorado?

Today, it’s widely recognized that Christopher Columbus, the explorer who accidentally discovered the Americas in 1492, wasn’t a character with the best moral reputation.

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Because of this, Colorado officially replaced Columbus Day, which was celebrated on the first Monday of each October, with Cabrini Day.

Columbus Day Originated in Colorado

Columbus Day was adopted by Colorado, the first state to make it a statewide holiday, by Governor Jesse F. McDonald in 1905.

Columbus Day Met with Controversy in Colorado + Beyond

Over the years, protests directly related to Columbus Day have taken place, citing atrocities committed by the explorer centuries ago, with proponents of the holiday citing Italian-American pride and respect for history as reasons to keep the holiday intact.

Columbus Day Replaced with Cabrini Day in Colorado

In 2020, Colorado officially replaced Columbus Day with Cabrini Day, an act that not only kept the Italian-American pride factor of the holiday intact but shifted the celebration to honor a figure with strong ties to the state that many believe to be a much more honorable figure in general.

Mother Cabrini + Her Strong Ties to Colorado

Born in Italy in 1850, Frances Xavier Cabrini was the first American citizen to be named a saint by the Vatican.

Cabrini first arrived in Denver, Colorado, in 1902 and roughly eight years later, established the Mother Cabrini Shrine as a summer camp for the girls who lived at the Queen of Heaven Orphanage, which she also established.

In addition to Mother Cabrini Shrine and the state’s holiday, Cabrini is also honored by the St. Frances Cabrini Catholic Church in Littleton, and the late saint was also inducted into the Colorado Women's Hall of Fame in 2022.

Read More: What is Colorado’s Newest State Holiday Cabrini Day?

Governor Jared Polis officially signed the bill into law that made Cabrini Day an official Colorado state holiday on March 20, 2020.