Archives for February 2026

Educating to Prevent: A Health Initiative Beginning in Childhood

February 26, 2026

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On February 18, Cabrini Guatemala officially presented the children’s book “No Virus Can Resist Good Habits,” an educational initiative that responds to one of today’s most pressing health challenges: the misuse of antibiotics and the growing problem of antimicrobial resistance.

This project was born from the commitment of a team of healthcare professionals, including a pediatrician from San José Dispensary – Dr. Cesar Anleu and Dr. Piera Ceschi, a veterinarian, in collaboration with international professionals from the Master’s Program in Global Health.

Inspired by the realities faced daily by the families served in our dispensaries, they chose to address this issue in a simple and approachable way—by educating children.

The book uses accessible language and friendly illustrations to teach essential habits such as proper handwashing, avoiding self-medication, and the responsible use of medicines. In this way, it promotes awareness from an early age and helps build a culture of prevention within the community.

The authors emphasized the importance of health literacy and educating children on these issues, focusing on children’s ability to understand and, even more importantly, to be part of the solutions in the future.

The event brought together partner institutions and representatives from national entities such as the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture, along with professionals committed to promoting public health. It was a meaningful space for dialogue, collaboration, and shared commitment to the common good.

Children from our programs played a special role during the presentation, reading from the book and sharing short messages of gratitude. Their participation reflected the concrete impact of this initiative and reminded all present that education is a seed of hope.

This effort reflects the charism of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, who taught us to respond with creativity and courage to the needs of our time. Today, that mission continues through actions that protect life, strengthen families, and foster informed and responsible communities.

The book is distributed free of charge and may not be sold and is intended to contribute to efforts to combat this global health problem. It is written in English and translated into European and Latin American Spanish, Italian and German. The Missionary Sisters have a digital version available to share with those who are interested, especially, Cabrinian institutions around the world.

At Cabrini Guatemala, we reaffirm our commitment to integral health and education as tools for social transformation. We believe that forming good habits today is caring for the future of the next generations.

Love One Another…Pass It On

February 24, 2026

Cabrini Immigrant Services, Dobbs Ferry (CIS-DF), held a STARS (StoryTelling, Art, Reading and Socialization) for Kids Program for students in Grades 3-4. Dr. Wendy Mages, a trained storyteller, told the story, Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch, by Eileen Spinelli. The story is about a man who kept to himself. One day, he received a heart-shaped box of candy with a note that said, “Somebody Loves You.” This note changed his whole life. He went out more, was friendly and seemed so much happier. Sadly, he found out that the package was sent by mistake. He went back to his old self until his neighbors came together and let him know how much he was loved.

After listening to the story, the children had a wonderful discussion about how important it is to be accepting and loving of others. They spoke about bullying and how some children don’t have any friends. The children discussed ways that they can help make others feel more comfortable and loved. They painted a poster showing ways they can be loving and kind to others. The hope is that others will see the posters and also spread love. They reminded us that our actions speak louder than our words. The children are going to make more of effort to sit with someone when they are alone, talk to someone who seems sad and just spread love.

Everyone loved the story. In fact, many said that it was their favorite one. They were so happy to receive a copy of the book so they can not only share the story but they can also share the love.

Cabrini Cares Day Spurs Action

February 24, 2026

On Saturday, February 21 a group of about 30 people from five parishes and the surrounding neighborhood gathered at St. Frances Cabrini Shrine in New York City for the first Cabrini Cares Day. The topic was helping the homeless. Pietro Bartoli of the Community of Sant’Egidio spoke about the scope of the housing problem in New York, its causes, and how everyday people can engage those who are, in his words, “Having the worst day of their life almost every day.”

Questions flew almost as fast as practical tips and ideas. Pietro noted that the most important thing we can do is to live up to our Christian calling to look at each person as a human being. “Yours may be the only smile that person receives all day,” he said. Tips offered by other participants included:
• If you offer someone a granola bar and they refuse, don’t be offended. You wouldn’t take it personally if you offered a friend food and they said no. And you don’t know if the person has already eaten ten granola bars in the past two days.
• Set yourself a policy on how you’re going to handle requests and stick to it. That way you’re not faced with a decision (and temptation) every time you’re asked.
• If you choose to give money, do it without strings or judgment attached.

At the close of the session participants put together 100 hygiene kits and 100 warming kits. Everyone took as many kits as they thought they could hand out. The remainder were given to the Community of Sant’Egidio, which does outreach to the homeless twice a week.

The group will meet again to do role-playing on how to engage the homeless, and to create additional kits.

Pope Leo XIV Calls for Renewal as Lent Begins

February 19, 2026

~ USCCB

In his homily, Pope Leo shared that the ashes that people receive symbolize human mortality and a world “in flames” – marked by war, environmental degradation and the erosion of justice and peace. He continued by saying that the ashes reflect not only personal sin but also broader social and cultural brokenness, urging Catholics to “call death for what it is” and to face both personal and communal failures with humility and courage. ~ Vatican News

The Pontiff stressed that Lent is not only a private devotion but a communal journey toward spiritual freedom. He encouraged Christians to respond to sin by bravely accepting responsibility and striving for genuine conversion. ~ USCCB

Beyond the traditional disciplines of fasting and prayer, Pope Leo also underscored the importance of everyday acts of kindness and reconciliation. He encouraged believers to abstain from harsh words and rash judgment, to promote peace in daily interactions, and cultivate charity in their homes and communities. ~ Vatican News

Bunnies Bring Heart and Joy

February 19, 2026

The Knitting Group from Cabrini Immigrant Services – Dobbs Ferry (CIS-DF) has been hard at work putting smiles on the faces of many children. The group crocheted bunnies for Valentine’s Day. The bunnies were donated to the children at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, NY. Every stitch was made with love for the children who would be spending Valentine’s Day in the hospital.

Shirley Godoi, our Administrative Assistant, dropped off the bunnies. She was greeted with big smiles and excitement from the nurses on the unit. They were so grateful to be able to give the children a special gift. A note was enclosed with the bunnies telling them that our love and prayers accompanied each one. We’re looking forward to the next project that our Knitting Group will be doing. They love to spread joy and happiness to others.

From the National Spotlight to District Champions, CHS Continues a Tradition of Excellence

February 12, 2026

Cabrini High School students continue to bring Mother Cabrini’s mission to life through bold achievement, joyful faith, and a spirit of excellence that reaches far beyond campus.

The Cabrini Cheer and Dance teams recently traveled to Walt Disney World to compete on the national stage at ESPN Wide World of Sports in the National High School Cheerleading and Dance Championship. Cabrini’s teams earned a Top Ten ranking in the nation! The experience placed Cabrini among the country’s strongest programs and highlighted months of disciplined preparation, unity, and resilience. Guided by Coaches Teena and Amanda Costales, ‘15 and supported by Athletic Director Sarah Heraty Bruzeau’15 and Director of Facilities and Operations Kirk Maronge, the team represented Cabrini with confidence, professionalism, and heart.
To view a recap of the competition: https://www.facebook.com/share/r/184UtkC9uh

In athletics, Cabrini Soccer captured the District Championship title under the leadership of Coach Ryan Hodkinson.

During Catholic Schools Week, Cabrini was also selected to lead the music in the Archdiocesan Catholic Schools Week Mass, a celebration uniting Catholic schools from across the New Orleans Archdiocese. In a region rich with Catholic education and tradition, the invitation to serve in this liturgy was a distinct honor. Maiya Tate ’18 and the Cabrini liturgical choir led the congregation in music, drawing praise from archdiocesan leaders and showcasing the vibrant talent that defines the Cabrini High School community.

From national competition stages to archdiocesan liturgies and championship fields, Cabrini students continue to pursue excellence while remaining rooted in faith, community, and service. ~submitted by Anne Argus DiPaola, ’96, CHS Director of Communications

Religious Vocation Fair at Villanova University

February 12, 2026

On Tuesday, February 10^th, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus joined in a Vocation Fair on the campus of Villanova University hosted by Fr. Jeremy Hiers, OSA, Vocation Director for the Villanova Province of the Augustinian Friars.

Twenty-one congregations of men and women religious who are members of the Delaware Valley Member Area of the National Religious Vocations Conference (NRVC) participated.

It was an event to introduce Villanova students to the many charisms in religious life and to meet religious sisters, brothers and priests and to learn more about religious life as a vocational path. Sr. Roselle Santivasi, MSC and MSC Vocation Team Coordinator Nancy Costello were present to meet and speak with students.

Warm Wishes for Sr. Joan McGlinchey, MSC

February 12, 2026

Sr. Joan will be missioned from Chicago to Dobbs Ferry, NY

On February 6, the Chicago community gathered in prayer and gratitude as Sr. Joan McGlinchey, MSC, was missioned to Dobbs Ferry, NY.

The Eucharist that evening was a heartfelt expression of thanksgiving for her many years of faithful presence among us. Sisters, collaborators, and friends came together to honor her steady leadership, wisdom, and deep commitment to the Cabrinian mission.

Sr. Joan’s life in Chicago spans decades. Through her service in congregational leadership and her support of key Cabrinian ministries in the city — including the National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini and St. Anthony Hospital — she has helped strengthen and sustain our presence here.

Beyond the Institute of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Sr. Joan also served the wider Catholic Church as Vicar for Religious in the Archdiocese of Chicago and as a founding member and Board Member of AHLMA. In these roles, she accompanied women and men religious with pastoral care and ecclesial responsibility. Her leadership reflected a deep love for religious life and a commitment to communion within the Church.

Following Mass, the community continued the celebration with warm fellowship, shared memories, and heartfelt appreciation. A bouquet of roses and a joyful “Thank You” banner expressed what words alone could not.

As Sr. Joan begins this new chapter in Dobbs Ferry, we accompany her with prayer and affection, grateful for her witness and confident that her missionary spirit will continue to bless the congregation.

Preparing for the Lenten Season

February 12, 2026

Ash Wednesday, this year is on February 18th, which marks the beginning of the sacred season of Lent in the Catholic Church, a forty-day period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that prepares the faithful for the celebration of Easter. It is a solemn and reflective day that invites Catholics to turn their hearts back to God through repentance and renewal.

On Ash Wednesday, Catholics receive ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross. The priest or minister says either, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” or “Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” The ashes, made from the burned palm branches of the previous year’s Palm Sunday, symbolize human mortality, humility, and sorrow for sin. They are an outward sign of an inward desire for conversion.

From a Catholic perspective, Ash Wednesday signifies several important spiritual realities:
• Repentance: It is a call to examine one’s life, acknowledge sin, and seek God’s mercy through sincere contrition and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
• Mortality: The ashes remind believers of the brevity of earthly life and the hope of eternal life in Christ.
• Conversion: Lent is a journey of ongoing conversion — turning away from sin and turning toward God more fully.
• Spiritual Discipline: Catholics begin practices of fasting and abstinence on this day. Those who are eligible fast (one full meal and two smaller meals that do not equal a full meal) and abstain from meat as a sign of sacrifice and solidarity with Christ’s suffering.

Ash Wednesday is not a Holy Day of Obligation, yet it is one of the most widely attended liturgies of the year because of its powerful symbolism. It sets a tone of quiet reflection and hope. Though penitential, it is ultimately a day rooted in grace — a reminder that God’s mercy is always available and that the journey toward Easter begins with humility and trust in His love.

CIS-NYC Advocating in Multiple Dimensions

February 5, 2026

At Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC, our staff, through the program Justice for Immigrants (JFI), has participated in a number of mobilizations in the city and in our state’s capital to show our support for protecting immigrant rights!

We joined the New York Immigration Coalition’s Annual Member Congress in Albany, lobbying our assembly members for the New York for All Act, which would prohibit state and local collusion with federal immigration enforcement; as well as the Access to Representation Act, which would establish a right to universal representation, meaning anyone at risk of deportation who cannot afford a lawyer will be provided one; and finally, demanding that the budget for immigration legal services be increased to at least $175 million.

We also paid our respects at the vigil for Alex Pretti, who was murdered by ICE officers in Minnesota, as well as attended the ICE Out of NYC rally on the designated nationwide shutdown against ICE.

At our office on Friday, January 30th, our Social Services team hosted a Nutrition Workshop for clients, where they learned how to incorporate more vegetables and fruits into their meals. The participants also completed ten minutes of exercise and prepared a healthy recipe—a salad. We hope to continue our work serving the immigrant community whether it be in our office, in the state capital, or in the streets!