This is a message that Sr. Diane Olmstead, MSC, Provincial, sent last week to the Guadalupe Province community upon the election of Pope Leo XIV.
Dear members of the Guadalupe Province and those in mission with us,
we not all feel the excitement in the air as we celebrate with the Church and the world the discernment and election of Pope Leo XIV? It is not yet 24 hours but already his words speak to us and cause to rise up within us a sense of expectant hope. I would like to share some of his words that have touched my heart and offer the world hope:
From his first speech on May 8th:
“Peace be with you. … I would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families and all people, wherever they are; and all the peoples, and all the earth: Peace be with you.”
“God loves us, all of us, evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God. Without fear, united, hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we will go forward. We are disciples of Christ, Christ goes before us, and the world needs his light. Humanity needs him like a bridge to reach God and his love. … working together as women and men, faithful to Jesus Christ …”
“To all of you, brothers and sisters, … we want to be a synodal church, walking and always seeking peace, charity, closeness, especially to those who are suffering.”
From His first Mass on May 9th with the Cardinals:
‘We are called to bear witness to our joyful faith in Christ the Saviour…”
Faith “is both a gift of God” and a path to follow in order to allow [ourselves]to be changed by that gift.” … “A lack of faith is often tragically accompanied by the loss of meaning in life, the neglect of mercy, appalling violations of human dignity, the crisis of the family and so many other wounds that afflict our society. … This is the world that is entrusted to us, a world in which, as Pope Francis taught us so many times, we are called to bear witness to our joyful faith in Christ the Saviour.”
Finally, when speaking of the commitment and exercise of the ministry of authority Pope Leo XIV prayer to God, through the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church “to move aside so that Christ may remain, to make oneself small so that he may be known and glorified, to spend oneself to the utmost so that all may have the opportunity to know and love Him.”
As the Guadalupe province, let us pray for Pope Leo XIV that God grant him the grace he asks for and that we may be firm in our commitment to walk together as brothers and sisters, missionary disciples, witnesses of faith, hope and love in the world. ~ Sr. Diane Olmstead, MSC on behalf of the Guadalupe Province
As a part of its outreach, members of the Cabrini Immigration Commission of the Guadalupe Province, with thanks to Commission Chair Karol Brewer and Commission member Dr. Susan Pierson, have established a partnership with three school districts in southern Chester County, PA: Avon Grove, Kennett Square and Oxford that each serves a large population of children from immigrant families.
The staff of the National Shrine of St. Frances X. Cabrini and staff members from the Generalate Offices in Chicago, met for an afternoon of input from married couple Michelle Sherman and Nick Rademacher. In this year proclaimed a Pilgrimage of Hope, they underscored the impact of Pope Francis, Mother Cabrini and a Sacred Heart Spirituality.
For two days last week St. Frances Cabrini Shrine served as a drop-off point for our neighbors who wished to donate gently-used clothing and housewares. Volunteers sorted the items and all items were transported to the Uptown Free store, a pop-up event with the motto, “Take what you need, give what you can.”
intake, he was referred for social services after sharing that he was feeling emotionally overwhelmed and struggling to navigate complex public systems alone. What began as a search for legal help became a turning point in his journey toward healing and self-advocacy. “When I started the case with you, my priorities changed,” he said. “I learned a lot about myself. I gained tools to overcome challenges, and I appreciated learning how to count on myself. You made me realize my own potential and that I have it in me.”
Cabrini Athenians presented The Addams Family Musical to packed houses during Cabrini’s Spring Arts Festival earlier this month. One night was so popular that 75 extra seats had to be brought in to accommodate the crowd. The performances were outstanding, with vocals, harmonies, and choreography that rivaled local professional theater companies.