Gracious and loving God,
On this day of gratitude, we gather with thankful hearts.
We give thanks for the richness of our diverse human family –
for immigrants, migrants, and refugees whose journeys, courage, and hope remind us of the resilience of the human spirit.
Their stories deepen our understanding of welcome,
and their presence enriches our communities.
We pray today for peace in our world— for an end to violence, hatred and division.
May Your spirit of compassion guide all nations toward justice, understanding, and harmony.
We lift up those without a place to call home. Grant shelter to the unhoused and strength to those working to provide them with safety and belonging. May every person find warmth, dignity and a genuine welcome.
We give thanks for the blessings before us – for the food that sustains us,
for the hands that prepared it and for the love that surrounds us.
Bless our gatherings, bless those we love near and far, and bless our shared human family and the earth in which we dwell. May gratitude shape our actions and hope light our paths.
Amen.
A Serene Spot for Prayer, Once Again
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On Wednesday, November 12 a group gathered on the lawn at St. Frances Cabrini Shrine in New York City for the unveiling and blessing of Mother Cabrini’s newly-restored prayer bench. This bench was used by Mother Cabrini when she stayed in northern Manhattan. It features griffins as side supports, and an ornate iron top.
Originally placed in the garden outside the professed sisters’ residence, the bench was moved to a side yard when construction of the current Shrine began. Later it was moved yet again to a location overlooking a parking lot. In recent decades the bench fell into severe disrepair. Nearly 200 donors contributed toward its restoration. Now sturdy and beautiful, the bench can once again be used by visitors the way Mother Cabrini herself used it: for prayer.
The brief ceremony was led by Msgr. Robert Ritchie, with Sr. Diane Olmstead, MSC, Provincial, Sr. Patricia Dunleavy, MSC and Sr. Sharon Casey, MSC in attendance. The bench is now located at the back of the Shrine’s lawn, where it overlooks the Hudson River. Next year the Shrine intends to build a serene prayer garden to surround it.
10th Annual NYC Chili Bowl!
Last weekend, the 10th Annual NYC Chili Bowl brought neighbors together for an afternoon of good food and community. All proceeds from the event supported the CIS-NYC Food Pantry, helping us continue to provide fresh, healthy food to families across Upper Manhattan.
We’re so grateful to everyone who made the event possible and to all who came out to support our work. Community efforts like this help ensure that our pantry can keep serving our neighbors during a time of rising food costs and reduced federal assistance.
Thumbs Up for Cabrini U. CAVS Service Day
The Cabrini University CAVS held their first annual Day of Service on Saturday, November 8th in honor of Mother Cabrini’s Feast Day on November 13th.
The Cabrini University community was invited to engage in an act of service wherever they may be located. Alumni, faculty, staff and their families and friends were encouraged to follow in Mother Cabrini’s footsteps and help an elderly neighbor or volunteer at a food pantry, whatever was particularly meaningful.
Two sites were offered for those who wished to serve those serving the poor, immigrants and those experiencing homelessness: the Mitzvah Circle in Lansdale, PA and The Blessing Shop in Norris
We had an enthusiastic turnout and look forward to growing this event in years to come.
Cabrini H.S. Sophomores Live Mother Cabrini’s Mission
Guided by the Campus Ministry Department, the Cabrini Sophomore Service Day and Retreat invited students to step beyond the classroom and experience faith in action. The day is an opportunity to live out one of Cabrini’s core values and meaningful service. Through encounters with the Church’s diversity, sophomores discovered that faith is not only studied but lived. These two days helped students connect what they learn about the Church with real opportunities to serve and grow together as a faith community.
On Monday, November 3, the day began at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church’s Lantern Light Ministry, where students prepared meals for more than 200 individuals experiencing homelessness and displacement. They also organized donated clothing by size to help ensure that guests could receive items that met their needs with dignity and care. In addition, students deepened their understanding of Ecclesiology, the study of the Church, by visiting three Catholic Churches representing different rites: Roman Catholic, Coptic, and Greek Orthodox. Each visit offered a chance to appreciate the beauty and unity of the Catholic faith through sacred art, architecture, music, and liturgical traditions.
Tuesday, November 4, was the Sophomore Retreat, a day of prayer, reflection, and community building. Through small-group discussions, shared worship, and moments of quiet reflection, students were encouraged to recognize Christ’s presence in their daily lives and to discern how they are called to serve others. The retreat provided a time for students to strengthen their faith, deepen friendships, and grow as a class rooted in compassion and trust in God.
100 + Years of Life x 7 = Cause for Celebration
On Monday, November 10th, Cabrini of Westchester held a festive celebration honoring its centenarians, 7 special women who are celebrating milestone birthdays this year. The esteemed honorees are: Gloria Wagner, 100; Jacquelin Beckerich, 102; Martha Macugowski, 100; Alessandra Dileo, 101; Cecile Rosenfeld, 100; Molly Neilson, 102 and Gloria Petrillo, 100. Story continues on next page.
Jessica Garcia-Robinson, Assistant Administrator addressed the gathering of residents, staff members, family and friends: “On behalf of Cabrini’s Administrative team, it is with great joy, deep respect and heartfelt gratitude that I welcome you all to this extraordinary occasion. Today we are gathered not just to honor these 7 remarkable women, but to recognize their lives through a century of change, challenge, triumph and transformation.” Addressing the centenarians, she said, “You are living treasures. Each of you has witnessed history in the making and in your own unique way, you have helped shape the world we live in and we are truly grateful for that. We are humbled to be in your presence today.”
A blessing was offered by resident, Fr. Michael Banks, followed by a presentation from special guest, New York State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins. Senator Stewart-Cousins bestowed framed resolutions to each centenarian and said, “I am so happy to be here to celebrate each centenarian and to give you official proclamations from the New York State Senate because we honor your lives and the value that you have brought to all of us, your communities and your families. I wish you continued health, love, care and many more happy and healthy birthdays.”
Teens Helping Teens
Following the STARS program, several of our high school students came to CIS-DF to participate in a Giving Back Program. The students made 100 bags filled with toiletries and other items which will be given to teenagers whose families frequent The Pantry, which is located in Verplanck, NY. The Pantry provides groceries for residents in the Town of Cortlandt.
One student created the list of items for the bags. In addition to deodorant, lip balm, toothbrushes and toothpaste, etc., the teenagers will also be receiving socks, scrunchies, stress balls, lollipops, wristbands and keychains with inspirational sayings. We are sure that that these packets will brighten the holidays for these teenagers. A special thank you to our CIS-DF teenagers for taking time on their Veterans Day off from school to help others. 
Integrity Always!
Cabrini Immigrant Services – Dobbs Ferry (CIS-DF) held a STARS (StoryTelling, Art, Reading and Socialization) Program for students in Grades 3-5 on November 11th. In addition to being Veterans Day, it was also National Young Readers Day. Dr. Wendy Mages, a trained storyteller, told the story, The Empty Pot, by Demi. A great discussion took place following the story. The students spoke about the importance of having good character. Words such as honesty, compassion, responsibility, etc. were suggested as the ways in which we should act towards one another.
After the discussion, the students created “A Tree of Integrity.” On the trunk, branches and leaves of the tree, the words that were used during the discussion were written on painted leaves. The tree, which hangs in our classroom, is a reminder to always be people with integrity.
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Today is the Feast Day of the Patroness of Immigrants
The Sister with the Suitcase
~ excerpts from an article by Lucetta Scaraffia,
Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, 100 Years of Cabrinian Mission
This fragile, determined woman from the Lombardy region [of Italy] traveled extensively having dedicated her life to helping the Italian immigrants who, filled with hope, made the trip to America [in the late 1880s.] Francesca Cabrini had received this mission from Pope Leo XIII and to serve them, became an immigrant among immigrants. She left Genoa, Italy with seven Missionary Sisters in 1889, unfamiliar with the sea, exactly like most of the women and men packed into third class and during the crossing she began to comprehend the appalling conditions in which immigrants lived. Like them, she thought she would find a warm welcome and assistance when she arrived in New York, but, bitter disappointment was what she found.
The Scalabrini Fathers, who awaited her arrival, told her that they had not expected her so soon and that they had not yet prepared their accommodations. The next day, after 
having rested in appallingly filthy conditions [overnight] she want to see Archbishop Corrigan, where she discovered that the situation a was even worse. The prelate ordered them to go back on the same ship that brought them.
This experience only confirmed to Francesca Cabrini that the presence of her mission here was a necessity. Like other immigrants, without anyone to protect her and her Sisters and without knowing a word of English, she went to work immediately. Nothing seemed to work out the way it should have and everything seemed to conspire against her projects.
Yet, from every ministry she founded, a network of initiatives emanated towards its neighborhood, from parochial schools to family visits. Immigrants knew the Sisters would assist the unemployed in finding work, rescue orphaned children, and ensure legal assistance to the poor families who needed it. The Sisters also took care of prisoners who were the most shunned group of Italian immigrants.
Mother Cabrini always chose beautiful places to open a school, an orphanage or a hospital destined for immigrants. In this way, she dispelled the negative image that weighed on the Italian community.
The migratory movements at the time of Mother Cabrini involved mainly the poor of Europe, whose destination was the Americas. Today, migration concerns [span the globe.] Immigrants, migrants and refugees have become the pressing issue of our time and precisely for this reason, the Saint who died in Chicago in 1917, is today more relevant and important than ever.
Cabrini University CAVS to Hold First Annual Day of Service
To commemorate the Feast Day of Mother Cabrini which will be observed on Thursday, November 13th, the Cabrini Alumni Volunteers and Supporters (CAVS) will be hosting their first annual Day of Service on this Saturday, November 8th. No matter where they are located, alumni, faculty, staff, former students, family members and friends are encouraged to do something beneficial in your community inspired by Mother Cabrini’s example of helping immigrants, children, frail elders and the poor.
We, who have been gifted by the “education of the heart”, whether it is volunteering at a soup kitchen, spending time at a senior center or nursing home, or supporting your local school or non-profit, let’s celebrate Mother’s life and ministries by giving back as one Cabrini College/University family.
One day, one volunteer service of your choice, and over 18,000 alumni – we can truly make a difference together! Wherever you choose to serve, wear your Cabrini gear and take photos of your time of service. Photos along with a blurb can be emailed to cabrininews@mothercabrini.org Photos will be shared in an upcoming edition.
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