Through the tireless efforts of Cabrini Action and Advocacy Chair Karol Brewer and Cabrini Mission Corps missioner Melanie Paccillo and the generosity of many others, a new Cabrini Closet has opened in New York City to assist victims of human trafficking.
The Cabrini Closet NYC is now officially open following a prayer service, blessing, and ribbon cutting at the Gramercy Park location.
This wonderful new ministry of the Missionary Sisters will provide a direct service to female survivors of human trafficking. Through fashionable clothing any woman would be proud to wear, the Cabrini Closet will be an important part of the transition from victim to survivor.
Missionary Sisters and friends of the Cabrini Community gathered from all over New York City and Pennsylvania to join in this very special prayer, blessing, and ribbon cutting. Following the opening song, God of This City by Chris Tomlin, there was a reading of an anti-trafficking prayer and a response prayer. Missioner Jenay Smith reminded of us how Christ is in the least of our brothers and sisters by reading the Gospel of Matthew 25:31-40. Interspersed were quotes from Mother Cabrini such as, “as I see it, the mission is simply this: loving other human beings.” Father Golino from Epiphany Parish blessed the closet and those in attendance with holy water. Sr, Catherine Garry, MSC made some beautiful comments and, with the help of Sr. Arlene VanDusen, MSC and Phillip Deans, Manager of the Cabrini Apartments, cut the ribbon to officially open the closet. All sang the closing song of Press On by Mandisa. Following the service, guests enjoyed a reception and fellowship.
