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Refugee Week 2025 in Australia

This middle week of June marks Refugee Week 2025 in Australia.

The Refugee Council of Australia has Finding Freedom as the overarching theme. This year’s emphasis is on the vital role community plays in all our lives, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, language, disability, sexuality and age.

‘The journey towards freedom represents the challenging path that many refugees take, escaping oppression and uncertainty for safety in a new place’, says the ARC.

Cabrini Health, Breast Surgeon, Dr. Jasmina Kevric, is herself a refugee from Bosnia Herzegovina. Thirty years ago, Jasmina arrived in Australia as a child. Now alongside her specialist services at Cabrini, she volunteers her time at our Refugee Health Hub helping refugees like herself.

Jasmina’s story was captured in the Australian national media this week. Here are the links to the TV story and the podcast.

‘Community is more than just a physical place or a group of people; community is a lifeline. [Cabrini’s Refugee Health Hub] is a space where everyone can feel safe, valued, and empowered to pursue their dreams without fear or judgment.

This Refugee Week, we celebrate the inclusive communities across Australia that open their arms to those seeking refuge, providing platforms for connection and a sense of belonging.’

Cabrini of Westchester’s 26th Annual Sharing in Mission Dinner Was a Great Success!

Cabrini of Westchester recognized several deserving honorees at its 26th Annual Sharing in Mission Dinner. The theme for the event, which was held on May 21, 2025, at the beautiful Tappan Hill Estates in Tarrytown, NY was “An Evening in Spring.”

This year’s honorees included Christopher J. McCarthy, Senior Consultant, PKF O’Connor Davies; Paul Mourning, Partner, Crowell & Moring LLP; and Lorraine Campanelli, Director, Cabrini Immigrant Services of Dobbs Ferry, NY. The honorees were chosen because they reflect the values that Cabrini of Westchester as an organization cherishes: compassion, excellence, commitment and service. Attendees were delighted to dine amidst beautiful spring flowers and décor. Colorful succulent plants were given to all that attended.

We are truly grateful to the honorees, sponsors, donors and the 2025 Sharing in Mission Dinner Event Committee for making the evening such a wonderful success. Thanks to their efforts, the event raised approximately $200,000 to benefit Cabrini of Westchester!

Books Provide the Gateway to Opportunities

Recently, Karol Brewer of the Cabrini Immigration Commission, had the pleasure of meeting Filomena Elliott, Director of the Adult  Program at the Kennett Library in Kennett Square, PA, to whom we delivered books that many of The Update readers generously donated to our Cabrini Immigration Commission of the Guadalupe Province.

The librarians plan on using some of the books for bilingual story time at the library and have made sure that there are copies of each one in their library system.

The mission of Kennett Library’s Adult Literacy Program (ALP) is to provide free basic literacy and English as a Second Language instruction to community adults. The goal is to improve literacy to levels of proficiency necessary to function on the job, in the family, and in society.

The program began in 1979 with tutoring in basic literacy, added ESL classes in the 1990s to fill the need for an increasing immigrant population, and now also includes classes for American citizenship preparation, GED preparation, and digital literacy. There are five levels of ESL classes taught weekly in both day and evening, from September through June. Besides attending weekly classes, students may request a volunteer tutor trained by the ALP staff who provides individual help and reinforcement of skills. Each tutor meets weekly with students, offering between one and three hours of individual practice of English skills, Civics, or GED subject material (Math, Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies).

Since 1979, ALP has served over 11,000 adult learners from 62 different countries. In 2024, ALP delivered 16 weekly classes to 477 students representing 26 countries. Of those 477, about 1/3 (168 students) took two, three, or even four classes. There were 13 students who earned American citizenship and two who earned their high school diploma.

ALP staff—the Director and her Administrative Assistant–also offer help and resources to all who need orientation to the Kennett Square community and the agencies and organizations that assist newcomers with needed services.

CAVS Pilgrims Travel to NY Shrine

This past Sunday, June 1st, members of our Cabrini University community traveled to the St Frances Xavier Cabrini Shrine in New York City. We had an diverse group of Cabrini alums (at least one from EVERY decade!!), faculty, staff and friends.

Our group was hosted by the amazing Julia Attaway, Executive Director of the Shrine, who gave an educational presentation on Mother Cabrini. Mass, a tour of the Shrine and its interesting displays, a delicious lunch and a trip to the gift shop for mementos and keepsakes rounded out the experience.

It was a day filled with joy, memories and camaraderie. Thank you to all who made the trip possible.

Explore, Learn, and Dream: Experiences That Transform Childhood

Childhood needs more than just basic care; it needs experiences that awaken curiosity, spark dreams, and invite children to discover the world with new eyes. Guided by this belief, the Shekiná and Positive Parenting programs from Dispensario Madre Cabrini, along with the Chispa Modificado program from Dispensario San José, recently carried out two unforgettable activities that left a lasting impact on the children involved.

Children from the Shekiná program and their mothers, participants in Positive Parenting, enjoyed a magical visit to the Zoo. For many, it was their first time seeing animals like giraffes, elephants, lions, or toucans up close. Their faces lit up with wonder, reminding us how important it is to create moments that connect children with nature and inspire new questions. Together with their mothers, they not only learned about the animal world, but also strengthened emotional bonds in a joyful, playful environment.

Meanwhile, the children from the Chispa Modificado program explored the fascinating world of the Children’s Museum. They moved through educational stations where science, art, communication, and daily life came alive through interactive exhibits. Every space was a chance to imagine, experiment, learn, and be amazed. More than just learning, the visit boosted their self-esteem and fueled their desire to grow.
These kinds of experiences go beyond education—they dignify childhood and reflect Cabrini Guatemala’s commitment to the families we serve each day. Because one joyful moment can plant the seed of hope in a child’s heart.

MSCs Welcome Cabrini University Alums

The closing of Cabrini University in Radnor, PA may have taken place one year ago, however the mission, our loyalty, and friendships continue to remain open and deeply rooted in our hearts as alumni.

In the past year, the Cabrini Alumni Volunteers and Supporters (CAVS) association has been launched to keep our 18,000+ alumni ties strong, to keep communications flowing, to engage one another in the mission and in service for the common good, and to enjoy each other’s company at sporting events and social gatherings.

We, as alumni, have always taken our cue from our beloved Missionary Sisters. The Sisters’ charism, their warmth, their sense of inclusion and hospitality created a campus culture of welcome and of a shared endeavor that was transcendent. As students, we felt valued, and a part of something greater than ourselves. As alumni, we seek to keep that distinctive Cabrinian spirit flourishing.

Last evening, Missionary Sisters Christine Marie Baltas, Eileen Currie, and Roselle Santivasi, invited the alumni who are currently serving on the CAVS Council to their home for a social event. For many of these alums, who represent a wide range of graduation years, this was the very first opportunity to meet one other. As the alums gathered, our Cabrini bonds were immediately evident. Smiles, hugs, and laughter filled the air as we greeted one another. As one alum so aptly said, “I am so happy. This feels like home.”

Thank you, Sisters, for welcoming us into your home and for your encouragement to grow and strengthen our Cabrinian connections.

Just the Beginning of their Cabrinian-Inspired Story

Cabrini Senior Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement Exercisesr5.17.25rPhoto: Tyler Kaufman

Cabrini Senior Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement Exercisesr5.17.25rPhoto: Tyler Kaufman

Cabrini Senior Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement Exercisesr5.17.25rPhoto: Tyler Kaufman

The Cabrini High School community came together on Saturday, May 17, to honor the Class of 2025—53 extraordinary young women who collectively earned $13.5 million in scholarships; the average scholarship amount per graduate is $350,000. We’ve learned that this is, to date, the highest scholarship average among all girls’ high schools in the city of New Orleans.

This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to the exceptional Cabrinian education provided at the school, the strength of our rigorous curriculum, and the dedication of college counselor Ms. Jessica Coalson, who works tirelessly with each senior to not only find the right college fit, but to secure enough scholarships and grants to give her the freedom to choose where to continue her academic journey.

Several students were recognized with major awards. Student Body President Harmony Addison received both the Principal’s Leadership Award and the Overall Leadership Award. Harmony will be attending Howard University, where she plans to pursue a career in obstetrics.

The day’s highest honor, the coveted Mother Cabrini Award, was presented to Hailey Thibodeaux. This award, voted on by the faculty and staff and approved by the administration, is given to the senior who best embodies the selflessness, faith-driven perseverance, and compassionate heart of Mother Cabrini herself—a senior who lives the core values of respect, excellence, and service. Hailey will be attending Louisiana State University to study pediatric oncology nursing.

As always, the seniors opened and closed the celebration in signature Cabrini fashion, carrying their yellow roses down the aisle and singing the Cabrini High School Alma Mater—hand in hand, heart to heart.
To hear the CHS graduates sign their Alma Mater please click here    Thanks to Sr. Yolanda Flores, MSC for sharing her recording.
Here’s to the Class of 2025,
just beginning their Cabrinian-inspired story!

Cabrini’s Class of 2025 Sets a New Standard

The Class of 2025 has achieved something truly remarkable. Cabrini High School is proud to announce that this year’s graduating class, 53 strong, has earned an astounding $13.5 million in college scholarships. That’s an average of $350,000 per student—a powerful testament to the academic excellence, leadership, and character fostered within the Cabrinian-educated school community.

This incredible accomplishment sets a new standard in the city and solidifies Cabrini’s role in New Orleans as more than just a high school. It is one of the strongest investments available to families seeking a bright future for their daughter, and this year’s graduates have proven that investment yields life-changing returns. With full scholarships to top-tier institutions across the country—including Baylor, Howard, Rutgers, and Villanova—our Doves are taking flight with confidence, preparation, and purpose.

Yesterday, at the annual Senior Luncheon, we celebrated these young women and their many achievements. Academic awards were presented in abundance, and the graduates were formally welcomed into the Cabrini Alumnae Association by Madeline Lipani Suer ’71—a moment that marked not just an end, but a new beginning in their lifelong connection to Cabrini High School.

The Class of 2025 may be turning the page, but their story is far from over. As they step forward as alumnae, they carry the legacy of Cabrini into every corner of the world, each one ready to make a difference.

We are especially proud to recognize this year’s Valedictorian and Salutatorian, two exceptional students who embody Cabrini’s mission and spirit:

Valedictorian: Grace Williams
Grace will attend Villanova University on a full Mother Cabrini Scholarship, where she plans to study neuroscience.

Salutatorian: Tessa Anderson
Tessa is heading to Baylor University, also on a full scholarship, to pursue studies in pre-med and biology.

From the classrooms of Cabrini to the frontiers of science and medicine, Grace and Tessa exemplify what it means to lead with intellect, integrity, and faith. Their journeys are just beginning, but their impact is already being felt.

The Class of 2025 has raised the bar, and in doing so, they’ve inspired the next generation of Crescents to dream boldly, work tirelessly, and live with purpose. At Cabrini, the future isn’t just imagined—it’s earned.

Shhhhhh…Don’t Tell Anyone…No Le Digas a Nadie

Shhhhhh…Don’t Tell Anyone…No Le Digas a Nadie

On Friday, May 9th, the Cabrini Immigration Commission, presented the documentary, ‘Don’t Tell Anyone/No Le Digas A Nadie’ at Cabrini Immigrant Services-Dobbs Ferry, NY. Karol Brewer, from the Cabrini Action & Advocacy Coalition, the Province Formation Office, and a member of the Commission, joined us for the movie.
CIS-DF invited their adult tutors and volunteers to view the movie. The movie is about Angy Rivera, who came to the USA at the age of 4 with her mother. She lived with a secret; she was undocumented. The very moving documentary follows Angy’s life for 3 years. It takes us through the process of her applying for a U-Visa. In time, she became an activist for undocumented youth, created an advice blog, Ask Angy and a YouTube channel.

After the documentary, Angy Rivera joined us via zoom. We were able to ask her so many questions and express our deep admiration for all that she has and continues to do for immigrants.

Advocating for Immigrants

Yesterday, Justice for Immigrants (JFI) joined the New York for All and Dignity Not Detention coalitions in Albany for the Stop the Complicity! All Hands for Immigrant Justice action. Together with immigrant leaders, advocates, and allies from across the state, we called on our elected officials to end New York’s complicity with ICE and take action to protect our communities.

We are witnessing unprecedented attacks on immigrant communities: from the handcuffing of children in Sackets Harbor to the disappearance of New Yorkers to CECOT in El Salvador, and the detention of people, both citizens and non-citizens, without due process.

That’s why we’re demanding the passage of two bills this legislative session:
• New York for All Act (S2235/A3506) – to stop local and state agencies from collaborating with ICE.
• Dignity Not Detention Act (S316/A4181) – to end ICE detention expansion in New York and ban private detention centers altogether.

We were proud to stand alongside community members and elected officials, many of whom wore a handmade cape bearing the NY4All message around the Capitol and during the press conference. Because art is resistance, too.

1260 Upper Gulph Road, Wayne, PA 19087
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info@mothercabrini.org