Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Bringing Christ's love to the world

Archives for July 2017

Sr. Regina Casey, MSC receives honorary doctorate

A Very Special Tribute to a Very Special Woman

 July 7, 2017 was no ordinary day at Cabrini of Westchester.  Anyone who entered the chapel for daily Mass could sense something special was about to happen.  The chapel was more crowded than usual, there was noticeably an abundance of MSCs in attendance and there was a palatable sense of excitement in the air.  It was the 71st anniversary of the canonization of Mother Cabrini and a day to honor an MSC who followed closely in her footsteps and served as a visionary, a fearless leader and a devoted servant who accomplished much and touched the lives of many:  Sr. Regina Casey, MSC.

Known as a leader in higher education, Sr. Regina was appointed the President of Cabrini College at the age of 38.  As one of the youngest college presidents in the nation, her leadership aided Cabrini’s transition from an all-female school to a co-ed institution.  During her tenure, she also implemented Cabrini’s Evening Division and its Career Opportunities Program for adult minority students.

Sr. Regina devoted her life to God and the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and went on to become the first American ever elected head of the order – General Superior – after being nominated at the international meeting in Rome in July 1972.  Sr. Regina later served in the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus New York headquarters where she helped oversee the order’s hospitals and orphanages across North America.

In recognition of her exceptional qualities and many accomplishments, Sr. Arlene Van Dusen, MSC and Sr. Catherine Garry, MSC took to the altar to bestow an Honorary Doctorate in Humane Letters from what is now Cabrini University to Sr. Regina Casey, MSC.   Together, Sr. Arlene and Sr. Catherine read the Citation:

“Be it known that Cabrini University lauds and honors the work of Sr. Regina Casey, a fearless leader of faith, a visionary in higher education and a devoted

public servant….For these exceptional qualities and accomplishments, for embodying the values and spirits of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, for leading

Cabrini College, and for your dedicated services to, and leadership of, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Cabrini University honors you.”

Patricia Krasnausky, President and CEO of Cabrini of Westchester, placed the hood on Sr. Regina as her fellow MSCs looked on with pride and admiration.  Sr. Catherine Garry presented Sr. Regina Casey, President Emerita, the Degree “Doctorate of Humane Letters” along with a beautiful photo of the statue of Mother Cabrini that resides on the University’s campus.  Both of which remain proudly on display in Sr. Regina’s room.

Mother Cabrini Shrine Hosts Gala and Summer Bazaar

With spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains and the city of Denver, the 16th Annual Mother Cabrini Shrine Gala took place at the Pinnacle Club at the Grand Hyatt in downtown Denver on Friday, June 23, the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The near sold-out crowd enjoyed a wonderful evening that included a silent and live auction, raffle and dinner all in support of Mother Cabrini Shrine.  Jeff Lewis, Shrine administrator, introduced the Missionary Sisters in attendance and gave a short presentation of the Shrine’s mission statement and ministry and explained that the purpose of the gala was to further support these efforts.

The Company for Cabrini Award was given to Spero Winery. Clyde and June Spero have a long history with the Shrine and the Missionary Sisters.   They also host a wine tasting and dinner each November with all proceeds going to the Shrine.

The Spirit of Cabrini Award was given to The Dire Family, in memory of Mike and Lorraine Dire. For many years, the Dires coordinated a weekly bingo to help the Shrine financially. Lorraine’s parents lived in North Denver and met Mother Cabrini when they repaired her shoes at their family business.

The money raised at the gala is used for the operations, maintenance and special projects of the Shrine and it helps us continue our ministry and the great legacy of St. Frances Cabrini. We are so grateful to everyone has supported this event over the years.

The Mother Cabrini Shrine Summer Feast and Bazaar took place July 15 & 16 and was a celebration in honor of the birth of St. Frances Cabrini and her canonization. It was a faith and fun-filled weekend with Masses, rosary processions, Spanish Dancers, food booths, games, handmade craft items. Spanish Dancers entertained all with their dancing and beautiful costumes. A dove release in Cabrini Gardens was a special addition to the weekend as we honored Mother Cabrini’s life and ministry.

Bishop Jorge Rodriguez, Auxiliary Bishop of Denver, celebrated the 11 a.m. Mass in English and the 2 p.m. Mass in Spanish and both services filled the chapel to capacity and then some. It was a beautiful weekend of celebration.

 

Cabrini University Hosts Summer Institute for Cabrinian Educators

Cabrini University is excited to host the Cabrini Educator Institute. Joining us will be 47 teachers from schools sponsored by the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Argentina, Spain and New Orleans.  This will be the first time that we have hosted such a gathering and it will be a significant step in helping the world-wide network of Cabrini educators collaborate and understand our unique role as Cabrini educators.  The Institute is designed to gather educators from Cabrini schools across the globe to develop skills on teaching and learning. With a clear emphasis on mission, Cabrini educators will learn from each other and immerse themselves in university coursework focused on engaging students from Pre-School through Grade 12.

The Institute has three primary purposes:

  • Focuses on mission and the question of “What does it mean to be a Cabrini Educator?”
  • Offers an opportunity for Cabrini educators to gather and learn from one another.
  • Provides a forum for learning about and discussing current educational issues that transcend particular locations

The Institute is generously funded by the President Antoinette Iadarola Endowed Fund.

 

Urge Congress to Protect Trafficking Victims

Background
H.R. 2200, The Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2017, would reauthorize the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000. The TVPA, the original foundational anti-trafficking legislation in the U.S., was created in 2000 and has been reauthorized four times by overwhelmingly bipartisan votes. H.R. 2200 was introduced by Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ-4) and Representative Karen Bass (D-CA-37) on April 27, 2017.
Supporting H.R. 2200 is an important step the United States can demonstrate to continue our nation’s efforts to eradicate human trafficking and assist human trafficking victims. H.R. 2200 ensures critical funding for both domestic and international anti-trafficking programs. Reauthorizing the TVPA allows programs and services that recognize the importance of dignified care for human trafficking victims to continue assisting human trafficking victims.
As Catholics, we are called to protect the dignity of all human beings, especially the most vulnerable. The USCCB’s Committee on Migration has issued a letter of support for H.R. 2200, but we need your help. Urge your U.S. Representative to pass H.R. 2200 to protect victims of human trafficking by sending the following message:

Take Action by sending the following mssage:

Dear Representative,
As a concerned Catholic, I urge you to support H.R. 2200. I firmly believe in the dignity of the human person and this belief calls on me to protect the most vulnerable, including victims of human trafficking. H.R. 2200 is important, as it reauthorizes the TVPA, providing service provisions that will aid victims.
Supporting H.R. 2200 will ensure that our nation’s efforts to eradicate human trafficking and assist human trafficking victims continues.
I thank Congress for its long-standing commitment to confront modern-day slavery. As a Catholic, I stand ready to support victims and appreciate your work to eradicate human trafficking.

What Other Things Can You Do?

Sign Up for JFI Action Alerts.
Link to Our Trafficking Webinar.
Be an Ethical Consumer

Visit the following websites to learn more about which goods may be products of forced or child labor:

July 15th is the birthday of Mother Cabrini

On July 15th, we will celebrate the 167th anniversary of Mother Cabrini’s birth which took place in S’ant Angelo Lodigiano, Italy.

She was the child of Stella and Agostino Cabrini.

She went on to found the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.  In her 67 years of life, she founded 67 institutions throughout the world to help the poor, the sick and the orphaned.  Her special outreach was to immigrants.

She was canonized in 1946 at the first American citizen saint.

Today, her Missionary Sisters serve on six continents and 15 countries throughout the world.

 

July Brings Special Cabrini Commemorations

During the month of July, the Cabrinian Community observes two very special occasions. On July 7th, we mark the anniversary of the canonization of Mother Cabrini who in 1946 became the first American citizen to be declared a saint in the Roman Catholic Church. On July 15th we celebrate Mother Cabrini’s 167th birthday.

In the book, “Immigrant Saint” The Life of Mother Cabrini” by Pietro Di Donato, he writes of the canonization day, “On July 7, 1946, [the Basilica of] St. Peter’s wore a holiday appearance. Its venerable and imposing pillars were decked with magnificent ancient damask hangings. Countless electric lights and candles were grouped around the pontifical altar…paintings depicting Mother Cabrini hung from the balconies. The activities in the Vatican began just after seven in the morning, when the Cardinals, patriarchs, Archbishops and other dignitaries who were to participate in the canonization began to arrive at the Sistine Chapel. Pope Pius XII entered the Sistine Chapel and intoned the Ave Maris Stella.

“The Pope made the following solemn declaration in Latin: “…we inscribe in the Catalogue of the Saints, the blessed Francesca Xavier Cabrini, ordaining that her memory be celebrated in the universal church on the Day of December 22, in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost.’”

In his homily the Pope said of Mother Cabrini, “Although her constitution was very frail, her spirit was endowed with such singular strength that, knowing the will of God in her regard, she permitted nothing to impede her from accomplishing what seemed to be beyond the strength of a woman.” ~excerpt from “Immigrant Saint” The Life of Mother Cabrini by Pietro Di Donato

“Religious leader, business administrator and spokesperson for the downtrodden, Mother Cabrini was always a woman of compassion. Despite hardship, poor health and disappointment, Mother Cabrini’s peace of soul enabled her to radiate a joy born of unfaltering trust in divine providence. This total and unabashed trust in God was her outstanding personality characteristic and was the source of an inner strength, which propelled her to remarkable accomplishments in a relatively short amount of time. Some saw in Cabrini the embodiment of immigrant aspirations: to get ahead, to excel, to prove one’s self. Others, instead, attributed her achievements to the zeal of a saint.”

                                               ~ Sr. Mary Louise Sullivan, MSC, Ph.D., Mother Cabrini, “Italian Immigrant of the Century”

 

To view a video of Mother Cabrini’s canonization:

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