Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Bringing Christ's love to the world

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Paint and Sip

Cabrini Immigrant Services – Dobbs Ferry (CIS-DF) held a Paint and Sip Program on November 4th. Ethel Zai, a well-known artist from Dobbs Ferry, NY and a longtime CIS-DF volunteer led the group. Ethel, along with her two helpers, Melanie and Angela, led us in creating our very own fall-inspired works of art.

While ‘sipping’ on coffee, the participants changed a blank white canvas into a beautiful fall scene. Pictures of colorful autumn leaves and trees brought out the beauty of season.

Ethel and her helpers provided instructions and encouragement along the way. The experience was enjoyable for both the experienced painters and for beginners. There was plenty of laughter, smiles and pride as we shared our paintings with each other.

Thank you, Ethel, for sharing your talent with us. We look forward to your returning so we can paint our winter scenes.

National Shrine of St. Cabrini Hosts Benefit

The National Shrine, located in Chicago, continued its celebration of Mother Cabrini’s 80th anniversary of canonization with its annual benefit event.

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Msgr. Kenneth Velo emceed the evening’s event, leading the attendees in fun, fellowship and philanthropy.  Due to a very generous donor, the specific operational goal was met prior to our evening’s event.  This allowed the ‘raise the paddle’ segment to generate additional funds for daily operational needs.

This year’s event also hosted an on-line auction which highlighted several trips and one-of-a-kind experiences.  All of these exceeded our previous year’s benefit event totals.

We are beyond grateful for all the work the staff and volunteers, led by Barb Willis – Development Director, put into making this such a huge success and we thank all attendees and sponsors for their support.  We are truly blessed!

Educator, Missionary, Patroness of Immigrants – Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini

Feast Day - Friday, November 13th

This year, as we observe the 80th Anniversary of her canonization, we reflect upon the fact that complex personality factors combined to make Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini an outstanding woman of her era. Without a doubt she possessed that intangible element known as charisma. Only a charismatic personality could have attracted so many followers and captivated the attention of both the powerful and lowly of this world.

Cabrini was a modern woman. Her interests were extensive. She certainly did not adapt readily to the role expected of late nineteenth and early twentieth century women religious. She was an entrepreneur and world traveler, keenly aware of the currents of thought in the world of her time.

Cabrini foresaw the 20th and 21st centuries as times of sweeping change and therefore, tailored her philosophy of education, healthcare, and social service to accentuate the intrinsic value and dignity of each human being touched by her Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Frances Cabrini was a woman endowed with special understanding and insight.

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, guided by the light of Christ and the love of God for his children, blazed a path still brightly lit through a world which was too small for her zeal. She invites us all to follow in her footsteps of love and service.
~ excerpts from Mother Cabrini, “Italian Immigrant of the Century” by Sr. Mary Louise Sullivan, MSC, PhD and. In Weakness, Strength, The Life and Missionary Activity of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini

The Guadalupe Province Assembly 2026

The 2026 Guadalupe Province Assembly took place from October 25 to 30 in Newark, New Jersey with Missionary Sisters and their lay collaborators hailing from Australia, Guatemala, Nicaragua and the United States. The Assembly paid honor to the Jubilee Year of Our Lady of Guadalupe. The theme of the Assembly was taken from Pope Leo’s encyclical “Magnifica Humanitas” - Magnificent Humanity. The gathering opened with greetings from Provincial Superior Sr. Lucy Panettieri, MSC. The assembly days included time for daily Mass, prayer, presentations, updates on province ministries, and collaborative discussions.

Fr. James Miracky, SJ gave the keynote address exploring Magnifica Humanitas on safeguarding the human person in the time of artificial intelligence (AI). He noted that we are living through the fastest technological changes in human history. Fr. Miracky focused on the key themes of the encyclical: 1) the human person as the image of God 2) equal dignity of all beings 3) the supreme value of human rights 4) the common good 5) universal goods destination. He noted that AI cannot replicate moral discernment and that AI has no empathy for the human condition. His presentation was followed by extended conversations at the participants’ tables as they considered such questions as: what is being asked of us at this time with regard to AI? In light of the Assembly, what should we, as mission leaders, commit to do regarding AI? How can we ensure our use of AI strengthens our mission, protects human dignity and advances the common good?

A highlight during the Assembly was the three-year recommitment of four Cabrini Lay Missionaries (CLM).

As the time of their departure from the Assembly, the Missionary Sisters bestowed a candlelight blessing upon all their lay collaborators.

During the latter days of the Assembly, the Missionary Sisters spent time considering

to their Constitutions.

It was a time of prayer, friendship and mission.

To learn more: Pope Leo XIV Presents “Magnifica Humanitas” on AI

Camino de  New York

 

The set-up team for the "Camino de New York” arrived at St. Frances Cabrini Shrine before sunrise on October 31. Fifteen long miles lay ahead for Bishop Peter Byrne, Fr. Vincent Druding, representative of several religious communities, and the faithful who planned to walk the length of Manhattan in prayer and sacrifice for an increase in vocations. The Shrine was the starting point.

The idea for the walk came while Bishop Byrne and Fr. Vincent walked the Camino de Santiago in Spain this past August. They discussed the urgent need of the Church for more priests and religious whose hearts are on fire to bring the Gospel to souls. Why not create a camino in New York? The project quickly took shape.

The Shrine offered to provide a light breakfast for the walkers after the bilingual Mass. Since no registration was required for the walkers, we guessed that a 7:30 am Mass on a Saturday might draw 60 participants. We were only off by about 200! Fortunately, we’d just done a Costco run and had several cases of granola bars and other snacks on hand. Equally fortunate, Sr. Laura Baldini, MSC arrived to help with logistics. And what a way to start the day!  The crowd headed out at about 9:15am, leaving us time to set up for our regular 9:30 am Mass and the rest of the day.

 

All Saints Party!

Pier Giorgio Frassati, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, a Guardian Angel, Theresa of Lisieux and several others joined no other than an almost 2 year-old Mother Cabrini at St. Frances Cabrini Shrine's first All Saints Costume Party. We made halos, talked about what a saint is, and lit candles in prayer for help to become saints. Very fun!

We Remember and We Celebrate

On November 2nd, the Feast of All Souls, some of the clients from Cabrini Immigrant Services, Dobbs Ferry, (CIS-DF) celebrated Día de los Muertos, (the Day of the Dead), with the residents at St. Cabrini Nursing Home.

Prior to the start of the prayer service, a beautiful altar, the ofrenda, was created in the lobby of the nursing home. There was such reverence and love that went into creating the altar. Each piece that was added had great meaning. There were marigolds, butterflies, fresh fruits (bananas and oranges), bread, skulls, candles, pictures of some of our deceased loved ones, colorful banners, etc. It is customary in Mexico and many of the countries in South America to build an altar in your home to remember the dead. Our CIS clients were from Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Honduras, and Venezuela. Many of our clients are not able to go to their countries to celebrate with their families so they are so appreciative of being able to celebrate as part of the ‘Cabrini Family.’

The prayer service, which was held in the chapel, was presented in Spanish and English. Some of the clients from CIS-DF spoke about what Día de los Muertos means to them. A focus on the monarch butterfly and its connection to Dia de los Muertos was presented. As part of the service, several people held paper monarch butterflies while others held butterfly cutouts with special words in English and Spanish such as Hope/Esperanza, Love/Amor, Faith/Fe and Family/Familia. Those holding the monarch butterflies came to the front of the altar to symbolize the arrival of the butterflies. Those holding the cutouts, raised them up to represent the enduring values that connect families across generations.

The residents were then led out of the chapel to the lobby where there were luminaria bags in the hall that lit the way. One of our clients led the procession as she held the Book of the Dead. The clients spoke about the altar and the meaning of the different items.

Everyone was invited to write the names of their deceased family and friends on a card and then place it on the altar. They will be remembered in our prayers.

A special thank you to Bonnie Burke, CEO/Nursing Home Administrator at St. Cabrini Nursing Home and Fr. Ron Galt, Vice President for Mission Integration and Pastoral Care, for inviting us to celebrate such a meaningful time at the nursing home.

Renewing Their Promises


During the Provincial Assembly of the Guadalupe Province, we held a special prayer service for our Cabrini Lay Missionaries (CLMs). We are grateful to and congratulate Julia Attaway, Dr. Angela Campbell, Kaitlyn Franzone and Patricia Krasnausky who renewed their promises as CLMs for 3 years.

It was wonderful to have so many of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart and lay collaborators join us in prayer. What a joy to have Sr. Gilda Mendoza Argueta, MSC, General Councilor and Sr. Lucy Panettieri, MSC, Provincial Superior, be part of the prayer service. After Sr. Gilda read Matthew 5:14-16, Sr. Lucy invited the CLMS to renew their commitment. Angela and Kaitlyn were able to join us via Zoom.

It was such a sacred moment when everyone extended their right hand and prayed for the CLMs. We prayed that they would achieve their efforts in living out the Gospel, bringing God’s loving comfort, mercy and compassion to all those with whom they meet. Sr. Lucy then presented each CLM with a special certificate.

 

 

Honoring the Legacies of St. Augustine and Mother Cabrini – November 9-13

November 13 is both St. Augustine’s birthday and Mother Cabrini’s Feast Day
Sponsored by the Office of Mission and Ministry, the Mother Cabrini Institute on Immigration, and the Augustinian Institute, this celebration will raise consciousness about the founding spirit of Villanova, linking together the lives and ministries of these two great saints.

 

Villanova was founded by the Augustinians to bring the central values of St. Augustine – Truth, Unity and Love – into higher education. It was born in the midst of anti-immigration riots of Philadelphia in the 1840’s. As such, it was a university formed to raise up the hopes and dreams of Irish immigrants marginalized in the society of their time. Almost 50 years later, Mother Cabrini came to the United States to raise up the hopes and dignity of Italian immigrants, another marginalized group in American society. She is the first U.S. citizen to be declared a saint and is the patron saint of immigrants in the Church.

Both Augustine and Mother Cabrini were migrants themselves and understood how people are treated when they are the “others.” Pope Leo reminds us that “A litmus test for social justice today is the treatment of migrants, refugees and those forced to move due to poverty, violence, climate change and environmental disasters.” (MH 81). Through Mission Week, we hope to underscore that value and see that Villanova’s roots are tied to that challenge.

The week has celebrative, reflective and action-oriented activities.
Date and Time

Event

Description

Monday, November 9
6:00 p.m.
Location TBD

Hygiene Kit Assembly

Assemble hygiene kits for immigrants organized in partnership with the Villanova Refugee Empowerment (VRE) student group.
Tuesday, November 10
7:00 p.m.
Connelly Cinema
Cabrini film screening

Watch the film Cabrini about the life and times of Mother Cabrini and the immigrants in New York. Receiving stellar reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, the film is inspirational and uplifting. Stay until the end of the movie for a chance to win Wawa gift cards. RSVP.

Wednesday, November 11
11:30 a.m.
Speakers Corner, Falvey Library at Maggitti Hall

Talk: Pope Leo and Migrants by Fr. Art Purcaro

Talk on “Pope Leo and Migrants” by the Rev. Art Purcaro, OSA, a longtime dear friend of Pope Leo’s, as he shares his unique insight about our Villanova alumnus.

Wednesday, November 11
6:30 p.m.
Location TBD

Panel: From Arrival to Belonging

The Villanova Refugee Empowerment student group hosts a panel titled: “From Arrival to Belonging.”

Wednesday, November 11
7:00 p.m.
Cabrini Campus Sacred Heart Chapel

Mass for Peace

Mass for Peace, including a special focus on immigrants.

Thursday, November 12
3:00 - 4:00 p.m.
St. Rita’s Hall Community Room

Talk: Careers in Immigration Legal Services

Robyn Lieberman, of the Mother Cabrini Institute on Immigration will host a talk on “Careers in Immigration Legal Services.”

Thursday, November 12
5:00 p.m.
Ortiz Hall, Room 210
Dinner for faculty
and staff with
Dr. Kathleen Sprows Cummings

Dinner for professors and administrators teaching or researching immigration related themes with Dr. Kathleen Sprows Cummings of Notre Dame.

Friday, November 13 - Birthday of St. Augustine and Feast Day of Mother Cabrini

Friday,
November 13
12:05 p.m.
St. Thomas of Villanova Church
Mass and Procession

Mass in St. Thomas of Villanova Church, followed by a procession in support of immigrant justice. It starts at the Church, makes a stop at the Peace Pole in front of St. Rita’s Hall, and ends at Vic Maggitti Hall.

Friday,
November 15
1:00 p.m.
Speakers Corner, Falvey Library at Maggitti Hall

Talk: Dr. Kathleen Sprows Cummings

Academic talk “Embracing the World: The Mission and Legacy of Mother Frances Cabrini,” by Dr. Kathleen Sprows Cummings of Notre Dame University. Approved for ACS credit. RSVP

Additional ALL WEEK Activities
Monday-Thursday, Nov. 9-12: Join us in all the different Colleges and Law School, as well as numerous campus offices, for the celebration of these two saints with cupcakes and birthday cake to mark St. Augustine’s birthday.

Monday-Friday, Nov. 9-13: Campaign to collect mittens, hats and scarfs for poor immigrant children in the local schools. Collection bins are located on campus at the Connelly Center, Bellisini Hall and the new Falvey Library at Vic Maggitti Hall.

Monday-Friday Nov. 9-13: Tabling for political action in front of the Oreo between 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. The present migration phenomenon means there is a need for comprehensive and just immigration reform. Sign postcards to be sent to elected representatives asking for these changes in present law.

 

The Camino de New York!

It’s time to pray hard for vocations! Join Bishop Peter Byrne, Fr. Vincent Druding, and the Office of Young Adult Ministry on Saturday, October 31 for a 15 -mile Camino that will go from the northern tip of Manhattan to Battery Park City!

The day begins at St. Frances Cabrini Shrine with Mass at 7:30 am, followed by a light breakfast. The itinerary includes stops at Holy Name of Jesus, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine, St. Joseph’s Greenwich Village, Old St. Patrick’s, and concludes at the Elizabeth Ann Seton Shrine.

Wear comfortable shoes and bring a water bottle and packed lunch. You are welcome to walk any portion of the route you can. And if you can’t join us, pray with us! ~ submitted by Julia Attaway, Executive Director, St. F.X. Cabrini Shrine

 

 

1260 Upper Gulph Road, Wayne, PA 19087
Phone: 484-581-7163   Fax: 484-581-7164
info@mothercabrini.org