In May, Ivonne Moreno-Rodriguez, Social Work Supervisor at Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC, joined humanitarian workers, faith leaders, and advocates in the 23rd – Annual Migrant Trail Walk through the Sonoran Desert. The seven-day, 75-mile pilgrimage honors migrants who have lost their lives while seeking safety, reunification with loved ones, and opportunities for a better future in the United States.
Despite increasingly restrictive immigration policies intended to deter migration, people continue to flee violence, persecution, poverty, and instability in search of safety and hope. Between May 2025 and May 2026, the remains of 109 migrants were recovered in the Sonoran Desert alone. Of those, only 17 have been identified.
Ivonne carried a cross bearing the word Desconocido (“Unknown”), representing one of the many individuals whose identity remains unknown and whose family members—a spouse, mother, father, children, or siblings—may still be searching for answers.
During the walk, Ivonne became ill and required medical attention. The experience led her to reflect deeply on the migrant whose cross she carried. “When I became sick, there were people around me who cared for me and made sure I received help,” she shared. “I couldn’t stop thinking about the migrant I was carrying. He may have also become sick in that same desert, but there was no one there to help him.”
After being discharged from the hospital, Ivonne was welcomed into the home of a local family who offered her a warm meal, a comfortable bed, and a place to recover. “I experienced the nurturing power of community,” Ivonne noted. “I couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if we welcomed every migrant with kindness, compassion, and respect for their dignity, rather than responding with persecution and discrimination.”
As a ministry of faith inspired by Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini, the patron saint of immigrants, Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC remains committed to serving immigrant families with compassion while advocating for the humanity, inherent worth, and rights of every person. We honor the lives of those lost and affirm the dignity of those who continue their journey today.
Following Sister Theresa’s renewal, Cabrini staff and volunteers affirmed our commitment to carry on our shared mission, celebrate Mother Cabrini’s life as our inspiration, and bring God’s love to the world by providing exceptional care for our patients, the community and each other.
The celebration began in partnership with the Archdiocese of Denver as Catholics joined others across the nation in the Consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The day included Adoration, confessions, a bilingual Liturgy of the Word, the Consecration Prayer, a procession, and benediction.
d to the beauty of the celebration.
A huge tent was already set up on the lawn for the Cabrini Immigrant Services fundraiser scheduled for the next day, so we ate fresh-grilled hot dogs and hamburgers beneath it. Then God did something utterly magnificent: He sent a rainstorm. It was tremendous, stupendous, and utterly irresistible. The 25+ children squealed with glee and, almost as one, darted out onto the grass to dance in the rain. They ran in circles. They raced in and out of the tent, shouted to each other, held their mouths open to the sky to drink in the gift. It was joy, pure joy.
Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS), Dobbs Ferry, NY held a STARS (StoryTelling, Art, Reading and Socialization) Program for students in grades Kindergarten – 2. Dr. Wendy Mages, our trained s toryteller, told the story, The Way You Shine by Marielle E. Sabellico. The children loved the story and discussed how they shine in their community. Some children shine by helping at home, some recycle, some water plants and there were so many other ways.
Back by popular request, Sr. Bridget Zanin, MSC, returned to Cabrini Immigrant Services -Dobbs Ferry (CIS-DF) to speak with our Knitting Group. She spoke about the miracles that have been attributed to St. Cabrini.
Today, in a world often marked by loneliness, division and suffering, the message of the Sacred Heart reminds believers of God’s enduring love and mercy. Mother Cabrini’s life demonstrates that genuine devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is rooted in prayer and serves as a catalyst for action. Her life shows that Christ’s love inspires compassion, service, and a commitment to the dignity of every human being.
The National Eucharistic Pilgrimage kicked off on Sunday, May 24. Each of the perpetual pilgrims on the St. Frances Cabrini Route will be carrying with them a second-class relic of Mother Cabrini, a gift from St. Frances Cabrini Shrine in New York. The Shrine has committed to praying for the nine perpetual pilgrims — Cheyenne Johnson, Zach Dotson, Marcel Ferrer, Sharon Phillips, Eduardo Gutierrez, Angelina Marconi, Raymond Martinez II, Mary Carmen Zakrajsek and John Paul Flynn — until the six-week walking pilgrimage ends in Philadelphia on July 4, the 250th anniversary of our country’s founding.
Normally, this Rite of Renewal takes place during Holy Week at the Mass of Chrism in St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City, but given it is almost impossible for our resident priests and brothers to get to the Cathedral, we invite the Bishop to Cabrini so that this important liturgy can be celebrated in our own Chapel.
1 residents, staff and volunteers at St. Cabrini Nursing Home in Dobbs Ferry, NY gathered outside around our Peace Pole for a prayer service. With wars raging in various parts of the world and antisemitic and anti-Muslim rhetoric increasing in our country, and overseas, we wanted to gather to raise our voices in prayer for a more peaceful, just, respectful and nonviolent world.