CHS “Welcome Wagon” Travels 400+ Miles to Personally Greet Every New Student

March 4, 2026

Cabrini High School recently rolled out a special “Welcome Wagon” to greet the newest members of the Crescent family in a way they will never forget. Over the course of one spirited weekend, Cabrini cheerleaders, members of the Eclipse Dance Team, and student ambassadors traveled more than 400 miles back and forth across the greater New Orleans area to personally welcome each incoming eighth- and ninth-grade student to the school community.

From Friday afternoon through Sunday evening, the energetic teams went door to door, pom-poms waving and cheers echoing through neighborhoods as they surprised the newest Crescents right at home. Each stop brought moments of pure joy as students stepped outside to find their future classmates and school leaders celebrating them with enthusiasm and excitement.

The reactions were unforgettable. Many students reacted with squeals of surprise, wide smiles, and even tears of happiness as they realized the visit was just for them. Families joined in the celebration, creating videos and cheering along as Cabrini representatives shared a warm welcome and helped mark the beginning of each student’s journey as a Crescent.

The excitement and heartfelt moments fueled the group’s energy throughout the entire weekend. Even after hundreds of miles on the road and dozens upon dozens of stops across the region, the spirit never faded. The final visit on Sunday evening was met with the same enthusiasm as the first, closing the weekend as the sun set on a truly memorable welcome for Cabrini’s newest students.

The effort was so notable that a local news outlet picked up the story and featured the Welcome Wagon in its broadcast, highlighting Cabrini’s unique approach to building community and celebrating its newest students.

The celebration reflects Cabrini High School’s deep commitment to sisterhood, connection, and community. Before a Cabrini girl even enters the gates, Cabrini High School ensures that every member of the school community feels celebrated, supported, and proud to be part of something bigger.

To view a video of the weekend’s recap on Instagram, click here.
The Crescents’ Welcome Wagon made the local news, to see that newsclip click here

Cabrini University CAVS Travel to Guatemala

March 4, 2026

The following are excerpts from the reflections they write at the end of each day’s experiences.

Day One
On Saturday, February 28th, a wonderfully diverse group arrived safely in Guatemala: 2 mother-daughter pairs; as well as 3 or 4 recent graduates; some who have been here several times and some who are coming for the first time.

This is the 17th year that Cabrini has visited San Lucas Tolimán in Guatemala. Why did we come here in the first place? Cabrini had just begun its unique core curriculum focused on social justice, where the College wanted all students to deeply examine injustices in society and search for the root causes and learn how to create a more just world. The College asked Catholic Relief Services (CRS) where they could take students to experience a town trying to create a more just community. CRS said to go to San Lucas.

Day Two
We visited Panajachel, a charming town surrounded by mountains that we reached via a 20-minute boat trip. The town is full of vibrant outdoor shops and street vendors selling handmade shirts and purses with handmade embroidery. We attended Mass at the church which is part of the mission coming together with locals to celebrate. The theme for the day was the common good. We discussed how we experienced the common good throughout visit. The group witnessed the empowerment of local people encouraged to grow into leadership and management positions.

Day Three
We visited a beautiful farm owned by a hardworking gentleman. We spent the morning harvesting coffee beans and made a valiant effort to fill up our buckets! Afterward, we went to the women’s center to see the women at the sewing machines either learning how to sew, strengthening their skills, or practicing what they had just learned.

We learned that we must not take our privileges for granted. Behind everything that we get to enjoy or even , there is a lot of hard work and dedication. We also learned to be grateful for the things we often overlook, such as our jobs or the work we do at home. We are beyond blessed in many capacities and seeing others who do not get the same experience is eye-opening.

Day Four
We toured all the programs the mission provides for the community. First was the Women’s Center focusing on the intricate details of how the original Maya family lived and built their home. There we saw a cooking station, a sewing room and a modernized kitchen used for cooking lessons. Second, we learned about improvements in the coffee growing capabilities. Our 3rd stop was the construction program, focusing on building individual homes and constructing the new visitors’ center. The 4th program is the charity program. Poverty is severe in Guatemala and in the area around the mission. For example, 79% of Guatemalans live in poverty. In San Lucas 16% live in severe poverty, defined as living on less than $3 per day. The 5th program is the visitors’ program. The program welcomed over 126 groups last year. The kitchen serves more than 2,000 meals yearly. The goal of the visitors’ program is to bridge cultural gaps through listening, learning, and implementing skills.

Catholic Sisters Week

March 4, 2026

Catholic Sisters Week
Celebrating Traditions, Changing the World
March 8 – 14

Catholic Sisters Week is an annual celebration held March 8–14 that honors the extraordinary contributions of Catholic sisters and women religious across the United States and around the world. Observed each year during Women’s History Month, the week recognizes the spiritual leadership, compassionate service, and transformative impact of sisters in education, healthcare, social justice, parish ministry, advocacy, and outreach to people who are poor and marginalized.

Launched in 2014, Catholic Sisters Week invites communities to celebrate, learn about, and express gratitude for the lives and vocations of Catholic sisters. Throughout the week, congregations and organizations host events, share stories, highlight ministries, and promote vocations, helping others better understand religious life today.

Catholic Sisters Week also coincides with International Women’s Day on March 8, connecting the witness of Catholic sisters with the global celebration of women’s leadership and dignity. The week serves as a joyful reminder of the faith, courage, and dedication that Catholic sisters continue to bring to the Church and the world.

To learn more about Catholic Sisters Week click here

This year’s Catholic Sisters Week coincides with the Provincial Assembly of the Guadalupe Province. The Missionary Sisters will be joined by MSC General Superior Sr. Maria Eliane Azevedo da Silva, MSC and General Councilor Sr. Gilda Mercedes Mendoza Argueta, MSC for the discernment of new Province leadership. Please pray for the inspiration and guidance of the Holy Spirit as the Missionary Sisters gather for their meeting.

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.