The National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Board of Directors is delighted to announce the appointment of Laurie A. Halaska as Executive Director. Halaska brings extensive leadership and administrative experience, having been an executive director and CEO. “Mother Cabrini has always been a part of my life,” said Halaska. “For my own mom, Mother Cabrini was HER saint, and she prayed to her daily. I have continued that practice and when I saw the position announcement for the Shrine it seemed meant to be.”
Congratulations and best wishes, Laurie!
Vocation Ministers Gather in Codogno, Italy
Set amidst the backdrop of the MSC Spirituality Center in Codogno, Italy, where Mother Cabrini first opened her Institute, the vocation directors and vocation promotion team members from across the worldwide MSC Institute gathered last week with General Superior Sr. Maria Eliane Azevedo da Silva, MSC and General Councilors, Sr. Stella Maris Elena, MSC, Sr. Gilda Mendoza Argueta, MSC and Sr. Patricia Godoy, MSC to engage in discussion and planning for the vocation promotion initiatives throughout the Institute. They were assisted in the planning for the conference by Sr. Therese Merandi, MSC and Ms. Tatiana Paridiso of the Generalate.
With facilitators Fr. Fernando Falco, MSpS and Fr. Pablo Meza Pernas, MSpS, priests from the Misioneros de Espiritu Santo in Mexico, who are from an organization known as Cruces, the purpose of the gathering was “to offer planning methods and strategic thinking that would allow the participants responsible for vocations to acquire tools/elements to carry out their ministry in a more discerning manner and with better prospects of success.”
As an integral part of the process, participants considered the socio-cultural aspects currently impacting the ministry of vocation promotion. It was a most fruitful time of discussion, planning, prayer, and friendship steeped in the Cabrinian charism.
There was time for touring, too. On the last day of the conference, the group traveled to Sant’ Angelo Lodigiano, Mother Cabrini’s village, to tour her home, her school, and to attend Mass in the magnificent cathedral built in her honor. It was a meaningful culmination to the days spent together.
Mothers Cabrini and Seton Come to Life in Two New Documentaries
Classic films about saints, like “The Song of Bernadette” and “A Man for All Seasons” and more recent releases like Abel Ferrara’s “Padre Pio” and Alejandro Monteverde’s “Cabrini,” take their cues from traditional hagiographies, bringing grandiose renderings of the lives of these holy men and women to the screen.
“Cabrini,” for instance, produced by Angel Studios follows the traditional model of hagiography, placing Francesca Cabrini’s heroic feats front and center in order to inspire viewers to emulate her laudable example. John Anderson’s glowing review of the film for America described Cabrini, “Portrayed by a gauntly radiant Cristiana Dell’Anna,” as one practiced in “speaking truth to power and doing so relentlessly.” The religious sister journeys to New York at the time of “an explosion circa 1887 of Italian immigration, prejudice and poverty [that] was creating a particular kind of hell for their exported countrymen.”
Against immense challenges, Cabrini and her order, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, go on to found missions, orphanages, and hospitals in New York, and as the film’s coda tells us, around the country and eventually around the world.
Yet new trends among more recent accounts of the saints have been changing the narrative, focusing on oft-ignored and more mundane aspects of their personal lives. Two new films on the lives of Mother Seton and Mother Cabrini, produced by the New Jersey based couple MaryLou and Jerome Bongiorno and released on PBS over the past week and a half, are placing the spotlight on lesser-emphasized aspects of these holy women’s lives.
Known best for their documentaries on matters of socioeconomic and racial justice and Catholic education in Newark, NJ, the Bongiornos decided to venture into telling the stories of these two women who, they state, have deeply inspired them spiritually and professionally.
Narrated in the first-person and weaving together a creative mix of photos, painting and drawings, the documentaries’ scripts draw upon writings by and about the two saints, as well as other historical documents. The films provide a comprehensive view of their lives, including details about their childhoods, their entry into religious life, the founding of their respective missions and the conflicts they confronted, and – perhaps what is most compelling – bits of streams of consciousness style, introspective reflections on their work and their relationship with God. The Bongiornos combine their extensive research with their artistic and spiritual creativity in these moments, reflecting the ways that these saints spoke to them and may also speak to us.
Such accounts of the lives of the saints remind me that even people like me – can become saints. We often forget that the measure of sanctity does not lie in our capacity for perfection or moral coherence. Rather, it resides in the sincerity with which we offer our full selves – including our strengths and weaknesses, our likes and dislikes – to God for him to use for his glory.
To read the full account, please click here
Presenting the Facts on Domestic Violence
Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS), Dobbs Ferry, NY, held a workshop on Domestic Abuse and Violence. Statistics in the United States show that nearly 20 people per minute are physically abused by an intimate partner. In one year, there are more than 10 million women and men abused. We know how important it is to educate people to be aware of the signs of abuse and hopefully help to prevent some people from being abused.
Digna Merchan, MSW, a former social work intern at St. Cabrini Nursing Home and CIS in Dobbs Ferry, presented the workshop. She spoke about what domestic violence is, the different types of violence, the causes, the mental and physical effects on the person, etc. Rocio Soria Morales, a social work intern at CIS, spoke about the impact of domestic violence on children. She presented how witnessing domestic violence effects the child both physically and emotionally. It also has a great impact on their future.
In addition, everyone received a folder filled with information about places that assist domestic violence victims, hotlines to call, places that will assist with legal services, etc.
Exciting Dining Enhancements at Cabrini of Westchester
After almost a full year of construction, final approval of the renovations to all 7 unit kitchen pantries and dining rooms at Cabrini of Westchester was granted by a Dobbs Ferry engineer, resulting in a blessing ceremony and reception on February 12th. “It’s a much more personal experience,” said Sr. Damien Ciminera, MSC, when speaking about the renovated kitchens. “Everything is clean and the food is served much more efficiently and warmer.”
In 2010, Cabrini of Westchester completed a major modernization project that expanded and renovated the Home to add space and details required to provide enhanced privacy, dignity and respect for each patient and resident. Keeping this person-centered care philosophy in mind, country kitchens were included on every unit to serve home cooked meals in a restaurant style manner. Over the years, the kitchens were maintained, but it became clear that updates and replacements were needed.
In order to make these updates, all kitchens and dining rooms were closed to keep the residents safe and the Food Service Department worked tirelessly providing meals with traditional tray delivery service. “The new look of the kitchens is pleasing to the eye and the new equipment, including a steam table, refrigerator, and dish washer is so much more efficient. The staff is able to serve the residents in the dining room faster and provide them with delicious hot food,” said Enrique Vargas, Director of Food Services. “We are excited to start offering new items on the menu such as orange chicken, chicken parmesan sandwiches, garlic butter salmon filets and, during breakfast, Belgian waffles with turkey sausages. There are many more exciting menu updates that will be on-going.”
New dining tables, chairs, wall coverings, lighting and artwork are included in the dining room refurbishing.
During the blessing ceremony, Fr. Ron Galt, Vice President of Pastoral Care and Mission led scripture readings and prayers as he sprinkled the kitchens with Holy Water.
When addressing the residents, Bonnie Burke, Vice President of Operations and Administrator said, “Thank you for all of your patience and support during the construction. We hope these updates make your dining experience much more enjoyable and we look forward to serving you in these enhanced surroundings.”
Cabrini Mission Foundation Hosts Private Screening of Cabrini Movie
Many laughs, cheers, and tears, were shared as Missionary Sisters and friends joined Cabrini Mission Foundation for a private screening of the Cabrini movie on Thursday, March 7th at the Union Square Regal Theatre in New York City.
Attendees enjoyed artisanal pizza and salads provided by La Lanterna di Vittorio as everyone shared their anticipation for the movie. With fresh popcorn in-hand, viewers got to witness the story of Mother Cabrini on the silver screen. A sneak peak of Andrea and Virginia Boccelli’s new song, “Dare to Be” was shown at the end of the movie.
As the curtains closed on the evening’s festivities, attendees left with hearts full of inspiration and gratitude, eager to share the transformative experience of the Cabrini movie with others. With the movie now released to the public, the opportunity to follow in her footsteps awaits all who are moved.
We are grateful to everyone who volunteered, donated, and made the night a special event.
The Cabrini movie is out now! Click the link here to find theatres and movie times near you: https://www.angel.com/movies/cabrini
A Message from Sr. Yolanda Flores, MSC, Vocation Director, Guadalupe Province
From February 27 to March 1, 2024, I had the opportunity to visit Cabrini High School in New Orleans. It was a beautiful and motivating missionary experience. I was welcomed with great simplicity and human warmth by the staff and the students. The purpose of the visit and under the invitation of Principal Yvonne Hrapmann was to have an MSC Sister present to the different groups of students about the Cabrinian heritage, our presence in different missions in the world, and the invitation to make a commitment of service to God’s people when the time comes in their lives.
There were many questions and many clarifications to be made. In particular, on Friday, March 1, Career Day, my task was to speak to the young women about the different vocations. I was privileged to be part of a group formed by two other religious from other congregations and a lady whose commitment is the struggle for the dignity of the unborn, single mothers and all that this entails.
I want to emphasize how happy I was to be able to experience how the charism of Mother Cabrini is alive in the community of teachers and students. My admiration for all those who, from their lay commitment, carry out this mission of forming the new generations and as Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini used to say, “educating the heart” with values and sense for life.
I also appreciated the excellent coordination to help me see different sites and get an idea of the history of the city, its traditions and food. Different members of the staff took turns accompanying me, making me enjoy these days creating indelible memories.
Thank you, students, educational community, and our Provincial Superior for supporting me in creating connections with Cabrini High School. In my role as Director of Vocation Promotion, I have seen “an open window” to continue to bring the MSC presence to the Cabrini High School in New Orleans’ educational community.
Sharing Good News from Cabrini High School
Visit of Sr. Yolanda Flores, MSC
Cabrini High School had a special visitor at the end of February, Sr. Yolanda Flores MSC. While on our campus, she spoke to our religion classes and shared her journey to becoming a Missionary Sister. The students spent some time asking questions and getting to know Sr. Yolanda.
On Friday, March 1st, Sr. Yolanda joined Cabrini alumnae and community partners for Mass and our Career Day! Along with sisters from other congregations in our area, Sr. Yolanda met students in Cabrini’s Sacred Heart Chapel for more in-depth conversations on her calling. Photos of Sr. Yolanda’s visit can be found HERE.
CABRINI VIP Movie Premiere
An exclusive VIP premiere party was held by Cabrini High School for the CABRINI movie on Thursday, March 7. Over 300 alumnae, friends, and supporters gathered to view the movie before it was released to the public. Photos from the event can be found HERE.
The theater manager said that his theater had presold more tickets than any other theater in his region and that the sales were record breaking for his theater. Additionally, this theater was completely sold out for opening weekend.
The local CBS affiliate, WWL-Louisiana, ran a segment on Friday, March 8th. You may view the segment HERE.
Legacy Gala
As a continuation of the celebration of Mother Cabrini, the Legacy Gala was held on Saturday, March 9th at The Cannery in New Orleans. Over 175 people were in attendance. A silent auction was held and featured 170 items up for bid, including vacation stays, restaurant certificates, jewelry, and excursions.
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Heart of Cabrini President’s Award, which recognized six individuals for their excellence, service, and dedication to Cabrini High School. This award was given to Keith Cavanagh, Thomas Long, Jules Martin, Madeline Lipani Suer ’71, Bill Trinchard, and Florence Onstad Wingerter ’71.
Photos from the event can be found HERE.
Warm Greetings from Guatemala!
Warm Greetings from Guatemala!
We would like to share some photographs of the work done during the month of February in Guatemala. Each of the photos describes the type of projects we do in both clinics. We hope you will enjoy them and find them helpful in getting to better know our missons.
Adolescents: This project is called “Jóvenes Chispudos” (it is a local expression to say that someone has a lot of capacity, creativity, and intelligence). They meet some days Sunday each month, to work with the psychology team on topics of interest.
Children: These are photographs of the activities in both dispensaries (with crafts, computers, English, physical activity and stimulation playing) Modified Spark and Shekiná.
Women: The sewing diploma, where women learn to make pieces of clothing with their own style and ideally, train them on financial and social issues.
CABRINI Film Sparks Outpouring of Email
In the Guadalupe Province Communications Office, a typical week will bring 30 – 40 e-messages via the info@mothercabrini.org which is the ‘Contact Us’ link on the homepage of the www.mothercabrini.org website. We hear from people all over the world requesting prayers; asking for Cabrini relics, holy cards; or inquiring about the ministries of the Missionary Sisters.
Since the debut of the CABRINI film, last week the Communications Office received well over 200 emails from people sharing their reactions to the film. Many people wrote of their family’s lifelong devotion to Mother Cabrini and shared their own immigrant stories. Here is a sampling:
I’ve just watched the Cabrini movie and have read everything online; I am fascinated with this woman and her commitment to Christ. ~ A.S.
My interest and devotion to Mother Cabrini has been sparked by the movie “Cabrini”. When my brother was born in 1939, at birth his leg was wrapped around his neck. The doctors said he may never walk, and if that was possible, he would always have a limp. My mother worked untiringly with his leg and prayed to Mother Cabrini. He is five years older than me. I never remember him walking with any distortion or limp. ~ J.S.
Hello! I am reaching out to find out more about Mother Cabrini. My maiden name is Cabrini, but I know next to nothing about any familial connection. In the late 70’s and early 80’s my mother sought to trace any relations but was not successful. Unfortunately, as so often happens, all of my relatives who may have any knowledge have passed. I am honored to share this surname whatever the case but would love to know more about Mother Cabrini’s family. I do know that my ancestors came from the Lombardy region. ~ S.C.C.
Now that so many people have gotten a first glimpse of your foundress through the “Cabrini” movie, they are asking, “How can I get to know her better?” Please recommend some resources. ~ K.H.
We know that the movie Cabrini is moving the hearts of so many. ~ S.C.
Took my wife and son to see the Cabrini film. We loved it, and personally as a proud Italian American whose Great Grandfather came to NY in 1903, I cried some, too. ~ B.P.
The Communications Office has responded to everyone who has taken the time to write to thank them for their feedback and for sharing their own Cabrini stories.