Cristiana Dell’Anna stars in a scene from the movie "Cabrini." The OSV News classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association rating is PG-13 -- parents strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13. (OSV News photo/Angel Studios)

The Cinema Series at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center continues with the biopic “Cabrini,” the story of America’s first saint. It will be screened on Saturday and Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. From award-winning director Alejandro Monteverde comes the powerful epic of Francesca Cabrini, an Italian immigrant who arrives in New York City in 1889 and is greeted by disease, crime, and impoverished children. Cabrini sets off on a daring mission to convince the hostile mayor to secure housing and healthcare for society’s most vulnerable. With broken English and poor health, Cabrini uses her entrepreneurial mind to build an empire of hope unlike anything the world had ever seen. The movie is based on the true story of Frances Xavier Cabrini MSC, also known as Mother Cabrini, who founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, a religious institute that was a major support to her fellow Italian immigrants to the United States. She was canonized in 1946 by Pope Pius XII. With a 98% Rotten Tomatoes Audience Score, the film is called “heartwarming” by the AARP Movies for Grownups. The Hollywood Reporter calls it “a compelling portrait of a heroine whose story is too little-known.” The Chicago Sun-Times calls it “a beautiful reminder of the human being behind the name.” The (London) Observer calls it “thoroughly and emotionally captivating.” Rated PG-13 for some violence, smoking, language, thematic material, “Cabrini” runs two hours, 25 minutes. Tickets are available at the door for $7 (adults), $6.50 (seniors & Opera House members) and $5 (students) the night of each screening. The Opera House is equipped with assistive listening headsets for the hearing-impaired. Simply request one from any usher or staff member. The Opera House Cinema Series is generously sponsored by Lake Shore Savings Bank. In addition, Opera House programming is made possible by the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County. The 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center is a member-supported not-for-profit performing arts center with a mission to “present the performing arts for the benefit of our community and region … providing access to artistic diversity … and high-quality programming at an affordable price.” It is located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.fredopera.org.