Maintaining the longtime friendships established during their years at Cabrini College/University, a group of faculty, staff and alumni, meets regularly for lunch to enjoy each other’s company. This week, they gathered at nearby Rosemont College where they were warmly welcomed to campus. 
Una Noche de Esperanza
An overflow crowd packed St. Frances Cabrini Shrine in New York City on March 7 for the first in a series of “Nights of Hope.”
Each of these evenings is designed to make going on a Jubilee pilgrimage easy: we offer confession, prayers for the Holy Father’s intentions, Mass, and Adoration. The events alternate between being in English and Spanish. A night for young adults and a family day are also being planned.
Bishop Edmund Whalen celebrated the opening event in Spanish. With six priests on hand, hundreds of confessions were heard and a chapel full of people remained for the full hour of Adoration. It was truly an inspiring evening filled with hope.
Women Knitted Together in a Cause
The Knitting Group at Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS) – Dobbs Ferry, NY has completed another project
The group knitted over 250 “Water Filter Socks” for ‘Water by Women’. This organization has empowered women in 48 countries to become “Water Women.”
The hope of the organization is to help women to have clean, filtered water for their families. They give filters to women around the world, train them to use them and to maintain the filters. In order to keep the filters safe, the crocheted socks are put around the filters. The sock prevents damage if the filter hits a rock or is accidentally dropped.
Fr. Ron Galt, Vice President of Pastoral Care and Mission at St. Cabrini Nursing Home, came to CIS to bless the Water Filter Socks. He invited everyone to extend their hands in blessing over the socks. He thanked everyone for their beautiful gift of helping others. He noted that every stitch is a sign of love for the other person. In addition to blessing the socks, he also assured our clients that they are remembered in prayer every day. He offered the love and support of everyone at the nursing home.
Celebrating Excellence and…Embracing Lasting Connections
It was a proud day at Cabrini High School as we honored the newest members of our National Honor Society (NHS). Surrounded by faculty, parents, and peers for their dedication to scholarship, service, leadership, and character—cornerstones of a Cabrinian education. Each inductee received her official NHS pin, a certificate, and Cabrini’s signature yellow rose, a symbolic nod to the rose she will carry at graduation. And, in true Cabrini spirit, Ms. Natalie, our beloved front office manager, added her personal touch to the occasion by baking cupcakes for the reception, making the afternoon even sweeter.
…Embracing Lasting Connections
From recognizing academic achievement to embracing the joy of community, Cabrini has always been a place where students and faculty share a deep and lasting connection, something alumnae often reflect on as one of the most impactful aspects of their time as a student. This special bond was on full display during our recent “Underground Faculty Spirit Week,” when faculty members surprised students each day with creative, playful themes. From Green Day to Wacky Tacky Day, “Anything but a coffee cup or water bottle,” to Inside Out Day, the faculty kept everyone guessing.
What made it even more memorable? Spirit Week was never actually for the students; it was just for the faculty, and the faculty never let on that it was happening! The fun (and the running joke) came from watching students try to figure out what was going on. Their puzzled looks and whispered debates were all part of the silliness, and the faculty’s commitment to keeping the secret made it that much more hilarious. It was a week filled with laughter, reinforcing that the Cabrini experience extends far beyond academics. It’s about building relationships, creating joy, and making memories that last a lifetime—the very essence of what it means to be a Crescent.
Pope Francis and the Magisterium of Fragility
~ by Andrea Tornielli
Vatican News – This year, the twelfth anniversary of his pontificate falls at a particular moment for Pope Francis, who has been living in his hospital room for almost a month. The news coming from the latest medical bulletins is encouraging, his prognosis is no longer guarded, and hopefully, he will be able to return to the Vatican soon. Still, what the Pope is going through at this time undoubtedly makes this anniversary of the beginning of his pontificate very unusual. The same year that has seen Pope Francis’ longest intercontinental journey (to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, and Singapore); the conclusion of the Synod on Synodality; and the opening of the Holy Door that inaugurated the Jubilee, now witnesses this delicate passage. The Successor of St Peter, sick among the sick, suffers and prays for peace, accompanied by the chorus of prayers of so many people around the world. He, who in these twelve years has never concluded a meeting, a catechesis or an Angelus without the words, “Please do not forget to pray for me”, today feels the embrace of so many believers and non-believers who care deeply for him.
We look with affection and hope at the windows of the tenth floor of Gemelli Hospital. We thank Pope Francis for this magisterium of fragility, for that still feeble voice of his that has joined the Rosary in St Peter’s Square in recent days—a fragile voice that continues to implore peace and not war, dialogue and not oppression, compassion and not indifference.
Happy anniversary, Pope Francis! We still need your voice so much.
To read the entire account, please click here
Cabrini Immigration Commission Makes Connections
In recent weeks, the Cabrini Immigration Commission of the Guadalupe Province has been asking Weekly Update readers and friends to consider donating children’s storybooks with an immigration focus. An Amazon link has been provided in The Update for those looking to donate.
We have been so grateful for the number of books that have been arriving. Ongoing thanks to everyone who has donated thus far. The books, which are colorfully illustrated and suitable for children in grades, K through 8th grade, will be given to Cabrini Immigrant Services-New York City and Cabrini Immigration Services-Dobbs Ferry, NY for use with their clients.
Additionally, through the outreach of Cabrini Immigration Commission member Dr. Susan Pierson, the Commission members have made connections with social workers in the Avon Grove School District and the Oxford School District located in southern Chester County in the suburban Philadelphia. Southern Chester County is home to many immigrants who work in the agricultural sector, specifically, in the mushroom industry. Kennett Square, PA, is known as the mushroom capital of the world.
The school districts serve the children of these immigrant workers, many of whom live in multi-family housing, or who move often from one place to another, or who find themselves without a
home from time to time.
Members of the Cabrini Immigration Commission contacted the social workers in each of these districts to ascertain the needs of the immigrant children they serve. Items such as school supplies, backpacks, coats, hats, gloves, socks, sneakers, healthy snacks, toiletries, and gift cards to Walmart, Target, Wawa (a local convenience store), CVS, Walgreens and Giant Food stores were among the items they requested.
On Tuesday, donations of these items, along with the books, were delivered to these school districts and were gratefully received. Holly Oliver, the caseworker at Penn London Elementary School, maintains what she calls a “comfort closet” in the school for immigrant and underprivileged students where they can come to get an extra sweater, if needed; a snack to take home; or a pair of shoes that better fit them. No questions asked.
Yesterday, Holly wrote to thank the Cabrini representatives saying,
“Thank you, again, for the generous donations for Penn London students! It was perfect timing as well, as yesterday afternoon I found out that one of our immigrant students is having to move for the second time this school year. I was able to give them two of the gift cards you provided, toiletries, and some extra snacks to get them through.”
Some U.S. Bishops to Lead 9-day Online Prayer for immigrants during Lent
A group of U.S. bishops, including two cardinals, will lead a nine-day Lenten prayer service for migrants and refugees in an online series sponsored by the Catholic Theological Union in
Chicago.
The “National Novena for Migrants and Immigrants” will be held over nine days, March 14-22, overlapping with the feasts of St. Patrick and St. Joseph, which are traditionally marked by Irish, Italian, and Polish immigrants in the United States. Scripture tells how Joseph led the refugee Holy Family to Egypt. Patrick, according to tradition, was trafficked as a slave to Ireland.
“Both Patrick and Joseph not only call attention to the American immigrants, but they are also stories that help us think about the situation of migrants and immigrants today,” said Stephen Millies, executive director of Catholic Theological Union’s Bernardin Center, which is organizing the novena.
Seven bishops have confirmed their participation: Cardinals Blase Cupich of Chicago and Joseph Tobin of Newark, New Jersey; Archbishops Nelson Pérez of Philadelphia and John Wester of Santa Fe, New Mexico; Archbishop-designate Joe Vásquez of Galveston-Houston; Bishop John Dolan of Phoenix and Bishop Daniel Flores of Brownsville, Texas.
The 15-minute prayer services will begin at noon Central time, over Zoom. Worship aids will be available in Spanish and English. Also included will be information about Catholic ministries serving migrants and immigrants.
To read the entire article, please click here
Those interested in attending the online novena can register here.
Nutrition Workshops = Better Health
On Friday, February 28, the graduation ceremony for the nutrition group was held at Cabrini Immigrant Services-NYC, where 13 participants from various countries, including Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Peru, and Mexico, completed 8 nutrition workshops in collaboration with the Cornell University Cooperative Extension.
Participants learned how to read labels, teach their children to eat healthier, and be cautious when washing fruits and vegetables.
Each participant received a diploma and a gift from Cabrini and Cornell in gratitude for their participation and perseverance. All the participants enjoyed a pleasant moment during the graduation, they prepared a healthy salmon and couscous salad recipe. The nutrition group started on January 17, 2025, and concluded on February 28, 2025.
Catholic Sisters Week 2025 – March 8 – 14
(OSV News) — They’re compassionate doctors. Inspiring teachers. Committed advocates for justice. Steady guides on the spiritual path. Catholic sisters in America simply can’t be stereotyped.
And to prove it, the 12th annual Catholic Sisters Week (March 8-14) is celebrating their many ministries and achievements with campaigns and activities that aim to educate, inform and even surprise. The yearly event launched in 2014 as a part of Women’s History Month.
“The sisters don’t toot their horns,” said Susan Oxley, communications and membership manager for the Religious Formation Conference, a Chicago-based organization serving women’s and men’s religious institutes in America and abroad.
“They’re too busy doing what they do. And so, we’ve got to do that for them.”
And from the official Catholic Sisters Week website:
We are thrilled to share an exciting initiative that places a national spotlight on the profound impact of Catholic Sisters: the #LikeaCatholicSister campaign! This campaign brings together congregations from across the country in a unified effort to challenge outdated stereotypes and shift perceptions of religious life by showcasing the diverse, dynamic, and impactful ways Sisters serve today.
For generations, Catholic Sisters have been breaking barriers, advocating for justice, leading in education and healthcare, and fostering spiritual growth. Their presence in communities—both past and present—has been a source of strength, hope, and transformation. Through storytelling, social media engagement, and historical connections, the #LikeaCatholicSister campaign will bring these powerful stories to light, showing how Sisters continue to be forces of change in a world that deeply needs their compassion and leadership. To learn more, please click here
Ash Wednesday Reflection
As we journey through each week of Lent, one of our Cabrini Lay Missionaries (CLM) will share a reflection with us. Lorraine Campanelli offers her thoughts on Ash Wednesday.
Ash Wednesday
I love the season of Lent because it allows us the time to stop and look within ourselves to see ‘what am I really about.’ Of course, I love the season of Advent and Christmas but, unfortunately, I find myself getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season. Lent, however, allows me time to breathe.
In the Gospel for Ash Wednesday (Matthew 6:1-6, 16-18), Jesus tells us not to be ‘out there’ with others performing righteous deeds but rather, be alone, reflect, breathe. Jesus tells us that when we give alms, do it in secret. No one needs to know what we are doing. Jesus even says, “Do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” That’s pretty secretive. When we pray, Jesus tells us to go to our inner room, close the door and pray in secret. When we fast, don’t look sad and gloomy but rather, wash your face and appear like you are not fasting. Jesus is inviting us to take time to be with Him. Imagine shutting off the world around us, even if it is for a brief period of time and just being with our Lord. ~ Lorraine Campanelli, CLM Director
Reflection:
When will I take alone time to just breathe and be with God?
Can I do this everyday? Jesus tells me to go into my inner room.
Is my inner room my heart? My soul?
What is God saying to me in those quiet moments