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.
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.
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.
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!”
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.
. 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.”
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.”
As November approaches, we begin to think about our deceased family, friends and loved ones in a special way. On October 29th, some of the clients from Cabrini Immigrant Services, (CIS) Dobbs Ferry, NY, shared their celebration of Día de los Muertos, (the Day of the Dead), with the residents at St. Cabrini Nursing Home.