Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Bringing Christ's love to the world

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Volunteering is a ‘Work of Heart’

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.”

Domestic Violence – What Can We Do?

On Monday evening, October 27th, in the seventh of a continuing series of Cabrini University CAVS Social Justice Ambassadors webinars, the topic was Domestic Violence, which was presented by Colleen Lelli, Ed.D., former Professor of Education at Cabrini University, and a national expert on domestic violence and child trauma. Here are some highlights from her presentation:

What can we do to assist families suffering from domestic violence?

One in three women and one in four men in the U.S. have faced intimate partner violence in their lifetime. When someone escapes from domestic violence, they often turn to government assistance in the form of Medicaid and SNAP food benefits. Over the summer, these two forms of assistance received drastic cuts, and now, beginning Nov. 1, all SNAP food benefits will be suspended.

These were some of the less-known effects of the U.S. government’s current budget cuts affecting vulnerable Americans.

Colleen gave an overview of the extent of domestic violence, its manifestations, and the complex dynamics of power and control. By discussing scenarios, participants explored how to know the signs [of domestic violence], the importance of listening [to the accounts of others], the need to ensure the victim’s safety, and the importance of supplying good information.

Dr. Lelli provided participants with a copy of her presentation and helpful resources. Readers may access them here. http://bit.ly/4quJcBP

Following her presentation, participants wrote emails to President Trump and Congress to free up emergency money so survivors of domestic violence will not lose SNAP benefits on November 1st. In addition, participants advocated to restore Medicaid benefits. Here is a link to advocate: http://bit.ly/49bZWYr

You may view a video of Dr. Lelli’s presentation here. http://bit.ly/4nNY4J3

Key Takeaways: Supporting a Loved One in a
Domestic Violence Relationship

 Recognize Red Flags of Power & Control
• Isolation from friends and family
• Monitoring phone, social media, whereabouts
• Verbal abuse, intimidation, or humiliation
• Control of money, work, or resources
• Explosive outbursts followed by apologies (“cycle of violence”)

 What You Can Do
• Listen without judgment: Believe them and let them share at their own pace.
• Express care: “I’m worried because I care about you.”
• Validate feelings: Abuse is never their fault.
• Offer information, not ultimatums: Share hotline numbers, shelters, or counseling resources.
• Stay connected: Keep the lines of communication open so they know you’re a safe person.
• Respect autonomy: Remember, only they can decide when and how to leave.

 What Not To Do
• Don’t confront the abusive partner — it can escalate danger.
• Don’t pressure them to “just leave” — leaving is the most dangerous time.
• Don’t shame, criticize, or make them feel guilty for staying.
• Don’t withdraw support if they return to the relationship.
 Ways to Offer Support
• Provide emotional support and a safe space to talk.
• Help brainstorm a safety plan (e.g., safe contacts, documents, emergency exits).
• Offer practical help: childcare, transportation, a safe place to stay — but only if it feels safe.
• Encourage professional help: domestic violence hotlines, shelters, legal services.

 Resources
• National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.): 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or text START to 88788
• If in immediate danger: Call 911

 Remember: You can’t “rescue” someone — but you can be a steady, supportive presence.
Consistent care can help them feel less isolated and more empowered to make safe choices.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month ~ Follow these organizations on social media
• Laurel House
• Victim Services of Montgomery County, Inc.
• Women’s Center of Montgomery County
• Domestic Violence Center of Chester County
• The National Network to End Domestic Violence
• National Domestic Violence Hotline
• Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence
• It’s On Us

 

 

1260 Upper Gulph Road, Wayne, PA 19087
Phone: 484-581-7163   Fax: 484-581-7164
info@mothercabrini.org