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The Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

A message from Sr. Pietrina Raccuglia, MSC, Provincial, Stella Maris Province:

Dear Sisters, CLMs and Collaborators,

Greetings on this most special day for us as Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. As I reflect on this Heart of Christ, I often ask myself these questions:

Where is my heart directed in today’s world?

How do I express Christ’s love and mercy in what I do?

 We are all called to be “bearers of Christ’s love in the world” no matter where we are or what our circumstances might be. Amidst the “busyness” of each, our challengs is to strive to put God’s love into action.

In all we face as a nation, a country, a community, we must continue to ask ourselves: What is my heart set on; where is it directed, what is the treasure that it seeks? For as Jesus says,

“Where you treasure is, there wil your heart be also” (Mt. 6:21).

Let us continue to Seek the Heart of Jesus in our own reality and be open to where this Heart of Christ will Lead Us.

 

Francesca’s Garden Will Benefit So Many in Need

Long-time readers of The Update will remember that for the past three summers, due to the generosity of former Cabrini University trustee Elizabeth Riley Bell and her husband, Ray, we were gifted with heirloom tomatoes that were planted and nurtured by Gus Feudale, the Cabrini University Grounds Manager, and his crew on the grounds of The Cabrini Cottage. The garden is named in honor of Mother Francesca Cabrini, whose parents were farmers.

The tomatoes are harvested each year and brought to area homeless shelters and homes for rescued victims of human trafficking. This year, Elizabeth and Ray have relocated and so, Gus Feudale and his crew have taken up the mission of the vegetable garden, once again, planting tomatoes, and introducing sweet peppers, mini-eggplant, butternut squash, zucchini and watermelon. Just yesterday morning, the Cottage ladies discovered the first pepper to sprout. Given the combination of the rainy spring and the sun-drenched property where the garden resides, the garden is off to a great start.

World Refugee Day

In a world where violence forces thousands of families to flee for their lives each day, the time is now to show that the global public stands with refugees.

We are in the midst of the WORLD’S WORST refugee crisis in history. A crisis that brings with it overwhelming numbers, huge challenges for countries and communities affected, untold misery — and hope.

More than 65 million people are now counted as forcibly displaced by the United Nations. That’s like the entire population of the UK or France, or about as many as everyone in New York State, Texas and Florida — all forced from their homes. Just over one-third are refugees, people forced to flee their countries because of persecution, war, or violence. More than half of refugees are under 18 and more people are displaced every day – you could fill about 630 school buses with people forced from their homes every day! War is a major factor. More than half of refugees come from three war-torn countries — Syria, Afghanistan and Somalia, the UN says, while others flee famine or prosecution. Starvation is stalking millions in Africa in 2017. And in Myanmar, there are about 1 million Rohingyas — a persecuted ethnic and religious minority, who say they are being increasingly targeted and attacked.

Some take refuge in the first safe place they find. Others journey on, risking all, in the hopes of finding a better new life.

Right now, as you read this, traffickers are selling migrant men, women and children in make shift ‘slave markets’ all over the world. I’ve read that they are placed under a sign that reads “for sale”. First hand witnesses report them being sold for between $200 and $500 each.

Many times they are then held for ransom in mass prisons and detention centers often run by militias; or used as forced labor and for sexual exploitation. Survivors have spoken of their slave masters extracting ransoms from relatives, including beating and torturing their captives while on the phone to their families so they would hear them scream while being tortured. “People were tied up like goats, beaten with broom handles and pipes every day, to get money,” reported by the International Office on Migration.

 

What YOU Can Do

  1. Pray

That asylum seekers may find hope and restoration from the despair and persecution from which they have fled; that Christians can celebrate unity in Christ while celebrating our differences in cultures and nationalities; that unaccompanied refugee children may be protected from all harm and reunited with loving families; for migrant workers, that they may work in safe and just conditions, and that we who benefit from their labor may be truly grateful for what they provide; for an end to the violence and poverty that displace so many of our sisters and brothers from their homes and homelands; for our political leaders, that they may implement policies that allow for safe migration and just migrant working conditions, and put an end to the detention of asylum seekers, while protecting our national safety.

  1. If you’ve got five minutes, call your representatives.

Currently, the United States Congress has proposed budget cuts that would reduce refugee assistance to the region by 20 percent and humanitarian relief by 15 percent. It’s critical to call your legislator – and this is especially true if your representative is against helping refugees and if she or he is already in support of refugees.

If she or he doesn’t support refugees, your call could help sway their opinion. And if she or he does support refugees, those calls bolster stances!

It’s really powerful for a senator or representative to be able to say, ‘I got 10,000 calls from constituents who are saying they want us to welcome refugees in this country.’

  1. If you’ve got a few hours a week, volunteer.

There are refugees already all around the United States trying to settle in to this country. Three million refugees have been resettled in America since the Refugee Act of 1980 was signed, according to Pew Research. About 85,000 people were admitted during the last fiscal year under President Barack Obama.

Resettlement agencies are always looking for volunteers. This ranges from everything from language training to handling logistics to just being some company. Find a local agency and see if there’s anything you can do.

If you need help finding an agency near you, try checking here for the Office of Refugee Resettlement.

  1. If you’ve got no time but some extra cash, donate.

DONATE TO CABRINI IMMIGRANT SERVICE CENTERS WHO ARE WORKING WITH IMMIGRANTS EVERY DAY! http://www.cis-nyc.org

  1. If you’ve got friends and neighbors, change their opinions.

All you have to do is talk to people you know and explain to them why you think refugees are people who deserve a chance at a peaceful life.

When people hear that attitude from people they’re familiar with, that’s really powerful. Those conversations can change minds better than news stories and essays.

This is vital if you live in a community where refugees are being settled. You can help to make sure they are fully welcome. Meanwhile, it can lead to an even bigger change. These conversations can be difficult, and you may not be able to change everybody’s minds. Be respectful in these talks — and knowing the stats and information always helps.

But that doesn’t mean you should stop speaking up and spreading awareness. Change often happens slowly. Have patience with it.

  1. If you’ve got no time, no money, but a lot of passion, then pay attention to the news.

Know what’s going on! It was people’s awareness of the news that led to the inspiring protests at airports around the country after Trump signed his (now-blocked) executive order against refugees. Awareness leads to mobilization, which can lead to change.

  1. 7. Sign the Pledge:The U.N. Refugee Agency is circulating a#WithRefugees petition, which asks that governments around the world ensure that every refugee child can get an education, that every refugee family has a place to live, and that every refugee can work or train for new skills. The petition will be delivered to the U.N. headquarters in New York in time for the U.N. General Assembly on September 19.

 

MSC Leadership Conference – Widen the Space of Your Tent

Cabrinian Lay Leaders Join MSCs As Together We “Widen the Space of (Y)our Tent”

Traveling from points near and far, lay leaders in the Stella Maris Province gathered June 4-6 in North Jersey to meet and confer with the Missionary Sisters regarding the formation of the new canonical entity with the region of Central America and Mexico (CAMEX) which will become official in December 2017. Missionary Sisters, representative of both the Stella Maris Province and CAMEX, were present for the MSC Leadership Conference.

Facilitated by Arturo Chavez, PhD, the President and CEO of MACC, the Mexican American Catholic College in San Antonio, TX, the goal of the leadership conference was to focus on, discuss and distil the cultural heritages and influences that will be so much a part of this new entity.

Dr. Chavez emphasized that we must come to recognize what is conscious and what is un-conscious in our minds and hearts and to be aware that there is the potential for cultural clashes as this new entity comes into being.

How can we create a new space?   Using the image of the tent, a space in the desert, those assembled were reminded that there will be real challenges in this process, yet, there will be in this coming together, spaces of true grace.

The conversation about these realities began with a panel discussion headed by Sr. Pietrina Raccuglia, MSC, Provincial, Stella Maris Province; Sr. Catherine Garry, MSC; and Sr. Diane Olmstead, MSC. To provide a context for discussing the new entity, Sr. Pietrina related that currently there are 67 MSCs and 9 Cabrini Lay Missionaries (CLMs) in the Stella Maris Province. In CAMEX, there are 13 MSCs and 2 CLMs. Therefore, the new entity will have 80 MSCs, 11 CLMs and approximately up to 6,000 plus, lay collaborators – employees, boards of trustees and volunteers – in our institutional ministries.

The governance structure will consist of one provincial and three councillors. This proposed structure is now being finalized and will be sent to the General Council for their approval. Additionally, a name for the new entity will be decided upon.

Sr. Diane related that as the new entity is formed, there will be a sharing of resources: people, expertise, property and finances. Already, there have been exchanges of information and communication among the MSCs and laity. This will lead to a growth in solidarity.

Sr. Catherine said that there will be no major changes in institutional structures.   She added, that there are three different countries that comprise CAMEX: Nicaragua, Guatemala and Mexico. The MSCs interface with a different governmental structure in each of these countries.

Sr. Pietrina assured all that, “the Spirit has been working. All of our lives will be transformed by this new entity.”

Following the panelists’ remarks, those assembled were invited to ask questions of the Sisters.

Cabrini Health Trustee Sylvia Falzone inquired, ‘by coming together, what can we do more of?’ The Sisters responded that we look toward a deeper understanding of theology, social justice, and solidarity. Sr. Pietrina commented, “the CAMEX MSCs have moved my soul. They work among the poorest of the poor.”

Affirming Sr. Pietrina’s statement, Sr. Antonina Avitabile, MSC said that in attending recent meetings in Central America that her “horizons have been broadened.”

Sr. Maria Elena Plata, MSC, from Guatemala, noted, “we are about creating new life. We are all part of a larger project, dreams and hopes. Our lived experiences will add more richness.” We will see “more of an internal transformation.”

Sr. Maria Concepcion Vallecillo, MSC, from Nicaragua, commented, “Integration is not easy. We could each stay in our own place, but we need to improve. This is not about numbers. This is about quality and resolving problems.” Sr. Concepcion went on to say this this is also an intergenerational experience of Cabrini, that communion will make us stronger. She offered a theological reflection on the image of the tent and the desert, stating that each institution should expand its own tent. We need to find and trace new roads and invent new ways of being with one another. We need to generate new leadership. We need to share our strengths. We should say “no” to fear and “yes” to the Providence of God and “yes” to hope. Let us walk together.

To broaden horizons and deepen the level of understanding about the various cultural realities that will becoming one, presentations were given on the historical and geo-political dimensions of Mexico and Central America given by Sr. Concepcion; of Australia given by Mary Anne Gallagher, Cabrini Health, Executive Director on People and Culture; Cath Garner, Cabrini Health, Executive Director of Mission and Strategy; and Dr. Michael Walsh, Chief Executive of Cabrini Health; and on the United States, presented by Dr. Jeff Gingerich, Provost and Academic Vice-President, Cabrini University. Each presentation served to “widen the space of our tents” in order to think and act in greater solidarity.

Throughout the conference, Dr. Chavez reminded the Sisters and laity to personally consider, ‘how wide is my tent? Where do we find ourselves with these changes?’ The lay leaders have been entrusted with this Cabrinian mission and we are challenged to see the world where we live as a global society. How do we express who we are today? How will we be formed? What opportunities will be provided for employees so that they can learn and demonstrate the charism?   Together, we are people of hope.   We are Cabrini.

CIS-NYC Participates in a Pop-Up for Immigrant Heritage Month

To kick off Immigrant Heritage Month Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC participated in the #IAmAnImmigrant Pop-Up in New York City on Saturday, June 3rd. The Pop-Up served as an opportunity to celebrate and honor the contributions of immigrants in the United States, to draw attention to immigrant issues, and to expose local organizations (like us!) to the general public.

The event included art, food, performances, service activities, workshops, celebrity panels, and more! Cabrini Immigrant Services staff and volunteers hosted a service activity to benefit our Angel Fund Scholarship Program; a program that provides funding and support for low-income undocumented students who are pursuing higher education. Participants were asked to bring school supplies and gift cards and to write notes of encouragement for our scholarship recipients.

Hundreds of people came through the space throughout the day, including passing tourists, local families, activists, and even a contingent from the “March for Truth,” which was happening nearby! We connected with many new partners and allies and were blown away by the number of donations and kind letters we received! You can see a short video of the event here: bit.ly/CISPopUp

 

Cabrini University Celebrates 60th Anniversary of Its Charter

On June 7, 1957—60 years ago—the Court of Common Pleas of Delaware County officially granted a charter to (then) Cabrini College, which was the final step in the long process for Cabrini to become an institution of higher education.

To commemorate this Founding Day—Cabrini’s Birthday—Dr. Donald Taylor and the President’s Office invited the campus community to an ice cream social, where anecdotal notes on Cabrini’s academic history were presented and all in attendance sang Happy Birthday to Cabrini University. Sr. Grace Waters, MSC, did the ceremonial honors of cutting the cake.

Missionary Sisters honored by Cardinal Dolan for their Jubilees

 

May 21st was a day of great celebration when Cardinal Dolan of New York honored a group of consecrated religious men and women. Among the group of honorees were Missionary Sisters Sr. Joan Marie Sariti; John Giani and Celia Cid. They are pictured in the front row, 4th, 3rd, and 2nd respectively from the right. Sr. Joan Marie is celebrating 70 years as an MSC, Srs. John and Celia are celebrating 60 years, and Sr. Amada Liboro, not pictured, is celebrating 50 years. This photo appeared on the front page of the May 25th edition of Catholic New York.

Sr. Joan Marie writes, “We were invited by Cardinal Dolan for a jubilee Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral for all religious women and men.  We then proceeded to his residence for a delicious buffet luncheon.  We all received a rosary blessed by the Pope when he was in New York in 2015. It was a great day.”

Congratulations and blessings, Sisters!

Cabrini of Westchester – Sharing in Mission Dinner a Great Success

Cabrini of Westchester recognized the achievements of three honorees at its 19th Annual Fundraising Event, The Sharing in Mission Dinner held on May 10, 2017 at the beautiful Tappan Hill Mansion in Tarrytown, NY. Thanks to the honorees, sponsors, donors and the 2017 Sharing in Mission Dinner Event Committee the evening netted almost $180,000 to benefit the ministry of Cabrini of Westchester!

The Evening at the Derby theme added a lot of frivolity to the evening. In keeping with the Derby theme, many guests arrived wearing the latest fashions and stylish hats. Guests were greeted by beautifully dressed young boys and girls selling raffle tickets and were served Mint Julips, a signature drink of the Derby. Upon entering the dining room, they were surrounded by red roses and centerpieces that featured racehorses and derby hats. Mike Bennett, a local radio host, kicked off the evening with his great wit followed by moving speeches from each of the three honorees. A highlight of the evening featured a virtual horse race where guests could buy a chance to win $100!

This year’s honorees included: James and Nancy Landy, Lisa Venditti and Dr. Bangaruraju Kolanuvada (Dr. Raju). The honorees were chosen for their dedication to Cabrini of Westchester’s mission, which calls on individuals to be leaders, educators, advocates and sponsors of quality services to those in need of care and compassion.

Much to Celebrate…Cabrini Marks its First Commencement as a University

With a stunningly beautiful spring day as the backdrop for graduates and their families and friends, William R. Hite Jr., EdD, Superintendent of The School District of Philadelphia, addressed bachelor’s degree candidates at Cabrini University’s undergraduate Commencement on Sunday, May 21 on the campus in Radnor, PA.

Bhavna Shyamalan, PhD, Co-founder and Vice President of the M. Night Shyamalan Foundation, addressed master’s degree candidates at the University’s graduate Commencement on Sunday afternoon May 21.

 

Celebrating a trifold of milestones, the ceremonies marked Cabrini’s 57th Commencement, the first exercises since becoming a University, and Cabrini’s 60th anniversary.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Hite and Dr. Shyamalan during a year of momentous occasions,” said Donald B. Taylor, PhD, President of Cabrini University. “By sharing Cabrini’s steadfast commitment to social justice and education, these leaders exemplify how graduates will continue to impact their communities, long after leaving campus.”

During the undergraduate ceremony honorary degrees were conferred upon several past presidents of Cabrini University: Sr. Regina Casey, MSC (1969 – 1972) accepted by Sr. Diane Olmstead, MSC; Sr. Mary Louise Sullivan, MSC, PhD (1972 – 1982) – given posthumously and accepted by her cousin Marcia Butland – Sr. Eileen Currie, MSC (1982 – 1992); and Dr. Antoinette Iadarola, (1992 – 2008) the first lay president of Cabrini College. Honored also was the University’s longest serving faculty member Professor Emeritus Dr. Joseph Romano.

During the afternoon Commencement, Dr. Bhavna Shyamalan, Vice-President of the M. Night Shyamalan Foundation was awareded an honorary degree. In her heartfelt address, Dr. Shyamalan encouraged graduates to be their most authentic selves, to believe in themselves and say ‘yes’ to opportunities to grow.

Cabrini of Westchester Celebrates National Volunteer Week

On Thursday, April 27th, 2017 we hosted our annual Volunteer Appreciation Service.  Our theme for the event was “Making the World a Better Place” which is the recognized theme for National Volunteer Week.

An inter-faith prayer service was held in the Chapel where we presented long term Volunteer Peggy Coffey with the first ever “Spirit Award” in recognition of her 20 years of volunteer service to Cabrini!  Music and refreshments followed on the north patio on what turned out to be a beautiful day.  The food was great, the music was entertaining and the company was the best!  Each guest received a small gift box of a key chain with a colorful butterfly and the Cabrini logo as well as a card that expressed the gratitude we have for  the service of each Volunteer.

We truly thank our Volunteers who should know that we could not accomplish the great work we do without their help!

610 King of Prussia Road, Radnor, PA 19087
Phone: 610-902-1039
Fax: 610-971-0396
Email: info@mothercabrini.org