Pope Francis and the Magisterium of Fragility

March 17, 2025

~ 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

March 6, 2025

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 ahome 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

March 6, 2025

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 inChicago.

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

March 6, 2025

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

March 6, 2025

(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

February 27, 2025

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

Love is in the air at Cabrini Health!

February 27, 2025

Ebi Joseph from Logistics and diabetes educator Asha Mary Kurian were pretty much strangers when they married 22 years ago, after their families arranged their marriage.

So, while they may not have started married life madly in love, more than 15 years of working together at Cabrini and two children later, the couple most definitely are now.

Each Valentine’s Day, Ebi usually likes to cook a special dinner for Asha, but this year, they had to settle for a quick catch up at work, as Asha had an evening flight to India with their daughter on Friday.

Ebi and Asha are just one of many couples who both live and work together at Cabrini. ICU NUM Mebin Babu and his wife Bena, one of our nurse educators, are also married, and there’s Marney and Vas Siganakis, who can often be found together in theatres – on levels 1 and 2 at Cabrini Malvern, not The Palais or
Princess Theatre!

There’s also Renante and Angela Dulay, Dip and Exa Carpenter, Rolly and Scarlet Mahinay, and April and James Gindang – just to name a few.

Hope everyone felt the love this Valentine’s Day!

The Guatemala Service Trip Tradition Continues!

February 27, 2025

Buenos Dias! For the 16th year, members of the Cabrini University family departed on Saturday, February 22nd for San Lucas Tolimán, Guatemala, for a mission immersion trip. Previously the trip was included as part of the curriculum of a class offered to Cabrini students, led by Cabrini faculty Dr. Jerry Zurek and Dr. Ray Ward.

Over the years, numerous alumni, faculty, staff, families and friends have joined the students on this trip. Now that Cabrini University has closed, it was important to the Cabrini University community to continue our partnership with the “Friends of San Lucas” non-profit organization and to work alongside and learn from the Maya people.

At the end of the day building the house, two volunteers, Faith and Jake led a nightly reflection on the topic of uniting workers to build an economy that put people (not profit) at the center. Surely, Cabrini mission in action!

Cabrini Students Tap into Space

February 27, 2025

Cabrini High School’s geometry students took their learning to new heights—quite literally—by successfully receiving satellite signals and communicating with amateur radio operators using mathematical principles. This innovative, hands-on activity combined STEM education with real-world applications and showcased the cutting-edge potential of geometry in technology and space exploration.

Using their knowledge of similar polygons, scale factors, and proportionality, students measured and analyzed amateur radio antennas, including cubical quads and Yagi antennas. These antennas rely on precise mathematical relationships between their reflector, driven, and director elements, an ideal demonstration of similar polygons and their use in engineering and communications.

Students successfully received signals from satellites, including one traveling as far away as Maine. The experience was further enriched as geometry teacher Alvin Mahler used a cubical quad antenna and radio to enable students to ask questions of amateur radio operator Michael Decossas, Jr., a student at Archbishop Shaw High School, through a local repeater.

This dynamic, hands-on STEM experience highlights Cabrini High School’s dedication to preparing students for the future by integrating cutting-edge technology with fundamental math concepts. By bridging the gap between textbook learning and practical application, this activity reinforces how math and science fuel innovation in today’s world. Cabrini High School is quickly gaining recognition as a school for young women who want to invest in a future in science, mathematics, engineering, and technology. Through partnerships with industry leaders, state-of-the-art lab activities, and creative faculty, Cabrini is shaping the next generation of female innovators and problem-solvers.

Building Community!

February 27, 2025

This month, Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC continued to build community through new initiatives and advocacy efforts. Our social services team launched Almas Latinas (Latin Souls), a support group focuIsed on celebrating culture and sparking joy.

Their first gathering was a salsa dancing class. Meanwhile, our Justice for Immigrants (JFI) program led rapid response efforts and Know Your Rights trainings. This month, we led nine trainings in Spanish and English at schools, churches, and on behalf of local elected officials. Our legal services team attended three of these sessions, engaging directly with community members seeking guidance and support.

We also took to the streets in partnership with the New York Immigration Coalition, marching from Washington Square Park to City Hall to demand that those in power uphold and strengthen our sanctuary laws.

Closing out the month, our social services and JFI teams will hold a workshop on family preparedness this Thursday to help guide families through emergency planning and parental designation in NYC.