Chicago church welcomes Cabrini bone

CHICAGO, Nov. 24 (UPI) -- Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii parishioners say they are honored to have their Chicago church be the new home for one of Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini's bones.

Bishop Raymond Goedert said during service at the Chicago church that the bone from the first U.S. citizen to be canonized by the Roman Catholic Church would serve as a valued relic for all parishioners, the Chicago Tribune said Monday.

"She is one of us,"Goedert said. "Every piece of Chicago was blessed by her presence. Chicago is where she lived and died."

Cabrini, who died in 1917, was credited with helping open scores of hospitals, orphanages and schools throughout the United States.

The Cabrini bone was placed in an honorary shrine on Columbus Hospital property after the death of Cabrini, who was born in Italy, but had to be relocated as the site was part of a condominium renovation, the Tribune said.