AMCM082025
From October 1 to 3, Villanova University, through the Mother Cabrini Institute on Immigration, and the Refugees and Migrants in Our Common Home project, held three days of conferences and working groups at the Patristic Institute Augustinianum in Rome, with the aim of “shaping the first drafts of action plans that will guide our collective response to migration in higher education and beyond.”
The invitation came from attorney Michele Pistone of Villanova University, which enabled Javier Ramirez Baron, Executive Director, Sister Pietrina Raccuglia, MSC, and Sister Yolanda Flores, MSC of Cabrini Immigrant Services – New York City (CIS_NYC) to participate, along with our Superior General, Sister Eliane Azevedo da Silva, MSC; General Councilor Sister Patricia Godoy, MSC, Sister Joseane Cabral, MSC and Sister Tatiana Avdokushina, MSC.
An integral part of the program was an audience with Pope Leo XIV, who encouraged us to strive to seek new ideas and forms of service “by placing the dignity of each person at the center of any solution.” When we encounter difficulties, he said, we should not fall into the trap of “globalization of indifference,” but rather nurture a “culture of reconciliation.” The Pope, recognizing that this work is not easy, encouraged us to formulate action plans without forgetting that “it is also important to remember that migrants and refugees can be privileged witnesses of hope through their resilience and trust in God.”
During the conference, Canadian sculptor Timothy Schmalz created a sculpture of Frances X. Cabrini, incorporating figures of migrants considered—in his own words – “angels unawares.” His work reflects what we can offer through our service, hope, and support for each person we serve. This piece of art was blessed on the last day by Fr. Joseph Farrell, OSA, the Prior General of the Augustinian Friars, in the presence of all the participants.
On the 4th and 5th, we actively participated in the Jubilee of Migrants and the Mission.
On the 6th, a group of MSCs, along with a lay person, Javier Ramirez, held a meeting to evaluate our participation in the jubilee and share our different types of services related to migration. This was an opportunity to present to the General Council a proposal to organize a small committee of sisters and lay people (two to three people) to help us find resources, creative ways, and support for the work we do on behalf of migrants and refugees. It can be a small drop into a huge ocean of needs, but a helpful drop maybe needed to complete the ocean.
Our Nutrition Group, hosted by the CIS-NYC Social Services team, carried out its first recipe session last Friday with 17 participants. During the session, participants prepared healthy salad wraps and learned practical ways to add more fruits and vegetables to their daily meals. This hands-on activity is part of our ongoing effort to promote healthy eating habits and increase access to nutritional education for immigrant families.
The Cabrini Social Justice Ambassadors of the Cabrini University CAVS (Cabrini Alumni, Volunteers and Supporters) under the direction of Dr. Jerry Zurek, former Chair of the Communications Department, hosted a Zoom with Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS) leaders Lorraine Campanelli, Director of Cabrini Immigrant Services, Dobbs Ferry, NY and Amelia Scdoris, Justice for Immigrants Coordinator, at Cabrini Immigrant Services-NYC.
We had 235 people attend our Birthday Celebration for Mother Cabrini this past Sunday at the 10 am Mass.
A Double Celebration at Mother Cabrini Shrine!
Cabrini of Westchester celebrated the 175th birthday of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini in a very special way on July 15, 2025! A Mass, with live music, took place in the St. Cabrini Nursing Home Chapel and was televised throughout the nursing home for the residents to participate from their rooms. Delicious breakfast and lunch menus were prepared by the Food Service Department for the residents including a delightful treat of purple cupcakes in honor of Mother Cabrini.
CHS Shows How Mother Cabrini Still Makes Headlines After 175 Years
Cabrini’s 175th birthday with cake, joy, and a fun social media reel for all Crescents, past, present, and future. Nearly two centuries later, her legacy continues to inspire young women to lead with faith, courage, and compassion.
Despite the rain, last Saturday’s fundraiser was a beautiful, joy-filled evening that reminded us of the strength and love in our community. We celebrated 26 years of Cabrini Immigrant Service with this year’s theme of HOPE. Hope is a word that reflects not just what we feel for the future, but what we actively build together. In a time when many in our community face fear and uncertainty, hope is our refusal to give up. We gathered to celebrate our collective work, honor incredible leaders, raise support for immigrant justice, and commit to hope for a more just future for all.
Embracing the spirit of Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini, Ivonne Moreno-Rodriguez, Social Work Supervisor from Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC (CIS-NYC), joined the 22nd Annual Migrant Trail Walk that ended on June 1st. Ivonne and 43 humanitarian workers completed the 75-mile, seven-day pilgrimage from Sasabe, Mexico to Tucson Arizona to honor the over 8,000 migrants who have died at the border since the 1990s, to denounce decades of inhumane border polices, and this year with the current administration, to oppose the weaponization of the immigration laws.
Yesterday, Justice for Immigrants (JFI) joined the New York for All and Dignity Not Detention coalitions in Albany for the Stop the Complicity! All Hands for Immigrant Justice action. Together with immigrant leaders, advocates, and allies from across the state, we called on our elected officials to end New York’s complicity with ICE and take action to protect our communities.
intake, he was referred for social services after sharing that he was feeling emotionally overwhelmed and struggling to navigate complex public systems alone. What began as a search for legal help became a turning point in his journey toward healing and self-advocacy. “When I started the case with you, my priorities changed,” he said. “I learned a lot about myself. I gained tools to overcome challenges, and I appreciated learning how to count on myself. You made me realize my own potential and that I have it in me.”