Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Cabrini Student Organizing Summit Focuses on Migration Justice

October 14, 2026

~ excerpts from an article by Ignatian Solidarity Network Staff

Students from Catholic campuses throughout the US gathered in Chicago from October 2 – 4th for the Cabrini Student Organizing Summit on Migration, a weekend hosted by the Ignatian Solidarity Network (IHN). The summit was named in honor of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, and the objective of the summit was to equip students to organize for migration justice.

A framework of five stages guided each session: Encounter, Disruption, Reimagining, Prophetic Action and Reflection. Students were asked to name an issue they wanted to address on their campus and to identify which stage felt most clear and which was most challenging.

As representatives of their schools and communities, each participant brought differing reasons for their interest in migration justice.

Sr. Evarlyne Ndeti, MSC, currently, a student at Loyola University in Chicago attended the conference. Loyola University Chicago has two efforts underway. One team will organize two students from each graduate school to identify needs in their communities, particularly among immigrant, international and multilingual students and will bring a collective proposal to graduate councils and university departments.

The next step comes soon. ISN’s Cabrini Week of Action for Migration Justice runs November 8-16, 2026, in celebration of St. Frances Cabrini’s feast day, inviting Catholic high schools and colleges to pray, learn, and act on behalf of immigrants and refugees. Suggested activities include vigils and Circles of Silence, educational events, postcard writing to elected officials, and resource drives for migrant-serving organizations. The week culminates on Monday, November 16, when students attending the Ignatian Family Teach-In for Justice in Washington, D.C., gather on Capitol Hill for Advocacy Day. ~ with thanks to Sr. Bernadette Anello, MSC for sharing this account.

A New Mission Statement and Core Values

September 9, 2026

On Wednesday, August 19, we had a beautiful Service of Blessing and Presentation of our new Mission Statement and Core Values at the St. Cabrini Nursing Home in Dobbs Ferry, NY.

Beautifully framed statements were presented to every department leader, clinical nurse manager, administration and the volunteer department to be hung in prominent areas of departments, clinical units and throughout our facility. It was a major project and undertaking. It involved having reflective and meaningful conversations with department staff, clinical staff and leadership, residents and volunteers to create a Mission Statement and set of Core Values that truly reflect our heritage, who we are, what is important to us and how we care for each other.

Volunteering is a ‘Work of Heart’

July 16, 2026

Recently, we offered the Annual Retreat for our Cabrini Volunteers at St. Cabrini Nursing Home in Dobbs Ferry, NY. We offer this gathering every year and there is spiritual and sacramental content along with sharing among the volunteers and a refresher on the importance of prayer preparation for Communion Ministry and other areas of volunteering at Cabrini.

We begin with a beautiful breakfast and welcome to everyone, and we end with the celebration of the Eucharist which includes a service of Blessing and Re-Commitment by the volunteers.

Each year, the volunteers seem to look forward to this opportunity to gather together, pray together, and renew their commitment to Cabrini and to our residents. We have a wonderful group of volunteers who are so generous with their time and the positive impact they have on the lives of our residents and Cabrini at large is profound indeed.

Carrying the Cross of the Unknown

June 18, 2026

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.

A Blessed and Happy Occasion

May 21, 2026

On Monday, May 11th our St. Cabrini Nursing Home Chapel was packed as we welcomed Bishop Gerardo Joseph Colacicco to preside and preach at Mass. Bishop Colacicco graciously accepted our invitation to also lead the Renewal of Vows of our resident priests and the Religious Commitments and Promises of our resident religious brothers. This is an annual Mass and rite that is enjoyed by those participating in the renewal of vows and commitments but also by our residents, staff, and volunteers in attendance.

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.

Throughout the year, in fact, we also work closely with the leadership of each of the congregations of women religious who have resident Sisters at Cabrini to choose a date or feast day in the liturgical calendar that’s important to each congregation of women religious so that our resident Sisters can renew their vows in the presence of their respective leadership teams and the wider Cabrini family.

These occasions seem to be enjoyed and appreciated, and they have become an annual cause for celebration at Cabrini

Uniting in Prayers for Peace

May 20, 2026

On Friday, May 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.

NETWORK Launches Institute to Help People Organize

January 28, 2026

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the news, you’re far from alone. There are also millions of people who want to do something, but just don’t know what.

NETWORK, the Catholic social justice lobby, has an answer: Get organized.
The lobbying group started by, and still largely run by, Catholic sisters is launching its Organizing Institute, a four-month program designed to strengthen your ability to recruit new people into the movement against the rise of authoritarianism and unaffordability of daily living, build powerful teams and communicate an inspirational message.

The sessions are virtual and are Thursdays, every other week, from 1-2:30 p.m. Eastern, starting March 5 and ending June 25. The deadline to apply is Feb. 11, but officials advise applying as soon as possible. ~ from Global Sisters Report

Cabrini of Westchester Honors its Long-Term Service Employees

November 20, 2025

On November 14th, Cabrini of Westchester held the annual Employee Service Awards ceremony followed by a luncheon in honor of forty-four outstanding employees who were celebrating five, ten, fifteen, twenty, twenty-five, thirty, thirty-five and even forty-five years of service to the organization.

The ceremony was held in St. Cabrini’s Chapel and Christina Tiesi, Pastoral Care Associate, bestowed blessings on all of the honorees. In her remarks, Bonnie Burke, Chief Executive Officer and Administrator, said, “Our mission is rooted in compassion, care, and community, and today we recognize the vital contribution of our staff across all departments. Every member of our team plays a crucial role in enhancing the lives of the residents. Your commitment ensures the residents receive the highest level of care and dignity. A heartfelt thank you to each of you for your years of service, unwavering commitment, professionalism, kindness and love you put into your work throughout the years. I extend full gratitude to all of you and congratulations!”

Each of the awardees received a pin with a precious stone reflective of their years of service to Cabrini of Westchester. Account continues on following page.

Recipients were invited to participate in a luncheon in recognition of the hard work and dedication to the mission accomplished by all Cabrini of Westchester Employees each and every day of the year!

Villanova U. Sponsors Walk for Migrants and Pilgrims of Hope: Augustine, Cabrini and the Journey of the Migrant The Cabrini University Community Takes Part

November 20, 2025

On the Feast Day of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, Patroness of Immigrants, – which is also the birthday of St. Augustine – members of Cabrini University joined the Villanova University community in a Solidarity Walk to show support for migrants. The walk was sponsored by Villanova’s Mission and Ministry Office.

The walk wound its way through the Villanova campus and finished at the Villanova Law School where an immigration panel entitled “Pilgrims of Hope: Augustine, Cabrini and the Journey of the Migrant” took place.

Co-sponsored by the Augustinian Institute and the Mother Cabrini Institute on Immigration with welcoming remarks by Institute faculty director Michele Pistone, Sr. Christine Marie Baltas, MSC, served as one of the panelists sharing insights on Mother Cabrini’s life and her outreach to immigrants.

Additionally, U.S. Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, (D.) of the 5th District of Pennsylvania, provided an update on legislation regarding immigrants, migrants and refugees

As of next academic year, the offices of the Mother Cabrini Institute on Immigration will be based on the Villanova University – Cabrini campus in Radnor, Pennsylvania.

A Well-Deserved Recognition

November 20, 2025

Sandi Schreier, Director of Social Work at Cabrini of Westchester, was presented with the 2026 Professional of the Year Award from LeadingAge New York, part of a national association of 5,500 not-for-profit organizations. Ms. Schreier graciously accepted the award from Kristen Meyers, Chief Operating Officer of LeadingAge New York, on November 13, 2025 at a celebration held in her honor. While presenting the award, Ms. Meyers stated “This award honors a long-term care, housing and services professional for their contributions to the well-being of the elderly or chronically ill in his or her community. It is open to professionals who demonstrate civic involvement as well as professional dedication, accomplishment and field expertise. I’m very pleased to present this award to Sandi on behalf of LeadingAge New York.”

. Meyers shared that the nomination included comments from several of Ms. Schreier’s peers and truly got to the heart of why she is such a deserving recipient of this award. In his nomination letter, Fr. Ronald Galt, Vice President of Mission and Pastoral Care wrote: “she is without a doubt one of the most dedicated, hardworking and accomplished leaders I have had the pleasure to work with in my career. She is deeply respected and admired by her fellow department leaders, her own staff, as well as other interdisciplinary staff, our volunteers and our residents.”

Another peer, David Leyden, Director of Rehabilitation, wrote, “I am blessed to have a colleague who not only supports and encourages me, but also challenges me in a way that makes me see things from a different perspective.”

At the reception, Bonita Burke, Chief Executive Officer and Administrator stated, “Sandi, you are someone who truly knows compassion, integrity and dedication and this award could not have gone to a better person.” Congratulations Sandi!
~ submitted by Susan Herceg, Director of Development and PR, Cabrini of Westchester