Cabrini Lay Missionaries Hold Assembly

“I am the vine…you are the branches.”

The Cabrini Lay Missionaries (CLMs) held their Assembly on November 4^th – 6^th at the Cabrini Apartments located on 19^th Street in New York City. Philip Deans, Cabrini Apartments Manager, helped to make us all feel welcome and comfortable.

We CLMs came from both far and near: California, Washington State, New Jersey and New York. The CLMs present were: Lorraine Campanelli, Patricia Krasnausky, Vicky Lucio, Marianne McGowan, Melanie Paccillo, Adela Jarquin Soza, and Patricia Stancato.

We gathered to pray, plan for our future and renew friendships. The theme of the Assembly was “I am the vine … you are the branches.”

Sisters Pietrina Raccuglia, MSC and Catherine Garry, MSC opened our meeting by sharing their experience of the MSC Provincial Assembly that had been held in October. Sister Concepcion Vallecillo, MSC, from Central America, presented a history and overview of the struggles experienced by people in Guatemala and Nicaragua – Cabrini mission territory. We were also excited to learn that the Central America-Mexico Region and the Stella Maris Province will be forming a new canonical entity and Sisters have been asked to vote on a name for the new Province.

Other topics included: What is Formation? by Patricia Krasnausky, Charism and Ministry by Sr. Catherine Garry, Sharing of Ministries including a presentation by Philip Deans on the Cabrini Apartments, and a review of the Cabrini Lay Missionary Booklet.

Luz Marina Diaz, Ph.D., Director of Religious Education at the Church of St. Francis Xavier in New York City, joined us and shared Ignatian spirituality and discernment. We were even able to actually experience the Examen and Spiritual Conversation.

On Saturday evening, a delicious meal was shared by all. We even had entertainment! Hanna Lucio, daughter of CLM Vicky Lucio, performed a Taekwondo black belt routine for us. Mom Vicky acted as an assistant! Hanna was not the only participating artist. We were all asked to showcase our artistic talent by painting glass vases to be sold at the Cabrini Mission Foundation Spirit of Christmas at Rockefeller Plaza on December 9^th in New York City. Thank you, CLM Melanie, for facilitating this fun evening.

Sunday was special. The liturgy at Sacred Heart Convent with the Sisters became a wonderful culminating event. During Mass, Victoria Lucio renewed her commitment as a CLM and her daughter Hanna became a key photographer. This liturgy was even more meaningful because of the musical accompaniment: CLMs Patricia Stancato on guitar and Lorraine Campanelli on the piano. A delicious lunch with the Sisters’ community followed this liturgy.

Hats off to Patricia Krasnausky, CLM Director, for her leadership in planning this meaningful weekend. Thanks to the Sisters at Columbus, Holy Family, Regina Pacis and Sacred Heart communities for their  hospitality. The weekend was great and we left feeling renewed and refreshed.