Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Bringing Christ's love to the world
This past Sunday, the National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini in Chicago witnessed the Installation of our new Rector Bishop Dan Turley, OSA. Our Vicar, Bishop John Siemianowski, was our main celebrant and officially installed Bishop Dan.
It was an absolutely wonderful day!
September was a busy month for the National Shrine of St. Frances X. Cabrini in Chicago, IL.
• Our Shrine hosted our first ‘Coffee with the Exec’ on September 7th, where our community joined Laurie A Halaska, National Shrine Executive Director, to dialogue on current and future areas of focus.
• Two pilgrimages, one of 150 Hispanic pilgrims and the other of 180 Italian Americans visited our Shrine on September 13th and September 21st respectively. Both groups were treated to an in-depth tour of our chapel, museum area, Mother Cabrini’s room and meditation garden, followed by Mass.
• Two different speakers joined us after our 10 am Mass.
o Sr Patricia Godoy, MSC, General Councilor, visited on September 14th and shared her excitement about her time in Rome with the many young people at the Jubilee Week for Young People.
o Fr Corey Brost, CSV, who is the Executive Director of Viator House of Hospitality for young men seeking asylum joined us on September 28th. Fr Corey shared the work he and his staff are doing to promote interfaith relationships, reverence and leadership.
• Finally, the month of September ended with our annual dinner/fundraiser, Pilgrims of Hope, held on September 25th. Final amounts are still being calculated but we anticipate that well over $100,000 has been raised due to the generosity of our attendees and sponsors. 
These and other happenings at our Shrine can be found here:
Mother Cabrini’s 175th in New York City
St. Frances Cabrini Shrine celebrated Mother Cabrini’s birthday in an abundance of ways! Our celebration kicked off on Friday, June 11 with an Immigration Action & Advocacy event to educate our neighbors about what’s happening, how they can speak up, and where they can learn more. The event was hosted by Cabrini Immigrant Services-NYC and Altagracia Faith Justice.
Cabrini Immigrant Services-NYC (CIS-NYC) joined the St. Frances X. Cabrini Shrine for an early celebration of Mother Cabrini’s birthday with an outdoor screening of the movie Cabrini on the Shrine lawn.
Before the movie, neighbors gathered for a community conversation on immigration, the work we do at CIS-NYC, and how we can give back. The discussion was led by our community organizer, Amelia, alongside partners from Altagracia Faith Works.
Afterwards there was birthday cake for all, including the 150+ neighbors who filled our lawn for a free screening of the CABRINI movie. Account continues on following page.
Saturday dawned bright and early with a Director’s Talk to over 60 people, followed by a joyous Mass in English for a nearly full house. “They sang like Protestants!” the music director exclaimed afterwards.
Two more birthday cakes were consumed before our visitors headed outside to purchase grilled hot dogs and hamburgers. Then it was time for the Spanish Mass, also exuberant and full of life. Sr. Antonina Avitabile, MSC and Sr. Sharon Casey, MSC were on hand at both Masses to pray with pilgrims with the first-class relic of St. Frances Cabrini. ~ submitted by Julia Attaway, Executive Director, St. F.X. Cabrini Shrine, NYC
Friendship and Generosity Mark Mother Cabrini’s Birthday
Cabrinian entities have long been noted for their collaborative spirit. Celebrating birthdays are no exception. For the 175th birthday, the Cabrini Immigration Commission in concert with the Cabrini University Cabrini Alumni Volunteers and Supporters (CAVS) united to host a party for Mother Cabrini at the MSC Cottage in Wayne, PA.
All were welcome to honor Mother Cabrini by bringing “gifts” such as school supplies, toiletries, underwear, shoes and socks that will be given to immigrant children in four local school districts in southeastern Pennsylvania. Gift cards to stores such as Target and Walmart were also requested so that the social workers in these districts could share them with immigrant families in need.
Many who came for the celebration had not seen each other in months or years, but, were united in their concern for immigrant children especially during these uncertain times. We were especially delighted that faculty and staff members from Villanova University joined in the festivities.
The outpouring of support was overwhelming! Guests arrived with bags and boxes overflowing with items. A reoccurring comment from people was that they were grateful for the opportunity “to do something positive to be of assistance to our immigrant brothers and sisters.”
The Cabrini Immigration Commission and the CAVS are grateful to Dr. Susan Pierson, CLM, an Immigration Commission member and former education faculty member at Cabrini University, for being the catalyst for this initiative.
Deliveries of these items to the school districts will be made prior to the start of the new academic year.
Heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us and who gave so generously to the immigrant children Mother Cabrini served and loved so dearly.
A Birthday Mass at the National Shrine
We had 235 people attend our Birthday Celebration for Mother Cabrini this past Sunday at the 10 am Mass.
We also publicly announced our new Rector, Bishop Dan Turley, O.S.A!!!!!
A Double Celebration at Mother Cabrini Shrine!
Mother Cabrini Shrine in Golden, CO, was full of life, love, and laughter on Sunday, July 13, as we celebrated the 79th anniversary of the canonization, and the 175th birthday of our dear Mother Cabrini. With a full to packed chapel at all three liturgies, it was a special day from start to finish.
Children from all over the metro area joined in the celebration at every Mass. They walked in procession, offered carnations to Mother Cabrini, and sang a heartwarming version of “This Little Light of Mine” that included a special new verse: “Just like Mother Cabrini, I’m gonna let it shine.” Their joy lit up the chapel!
At the start of the 2 p.m. Mass, our Spanish community brought even more beauty and tradition with a special dance down the center aisle in honor of Mother Cabrini. Afterward, they hosted a festive fiesta on the Shrine grounds—complete with food, music, and great company.
In addition to our Denver-missioned Sisters, we were also honored to welcome Sr. Bernadette Anello, MSC and Sr. Yolanda Flores, MSC to the Shrine for the celebrations. Their presence made the day even more meaningful.
It was a joyful and faith-filled celebration, and we’re so grateful to everyone who came to honor Mother Cabrini’s life and legacy. Here’s to continuing to let our light shine—just like she did.
On Tuesday evening July 15, the Sisters and staff at the Shrine welcomed over 100 of our faithful volunteers and donors for an evening of appreciation. The evening began with a prayer service in the chapel including a reflection on Mother Cabrini from Sr. Bernadette Anello. The evening concluded with a wonderful barbecue style dinner in the cafeteria prepared by the kitchen staff.
Happy Birthday, Mother Cabrini!
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.
Following Mass, all were invited to participate in a blessing ceremony of the beautiful Sacred Heart Shrine that was newly constructed in the front of the nursing home and dedicated to the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. As residents, family members, staff, Missionary Sisters and representatives from the Carmelite System gathered in front of the shrine, Bonnie Burke, Chief Executive Officer and Nursing Home Administrator addressed all by saying: “It is with deep gratitude and joy that we gather here to celebrate the birthday of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini. Today, we honor her legacy, not only in prayer, but with a special and sacred symbol, the blessing of the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Sacred Heart of Jesus has always held a central importance to Mother Cabrini and the Missionary Sisters both as a spiritual foundation of the ministry and as the personal source of strength and serenity in their lives. This statue stands not only as a devotion to the Sacred Heart, but as a reflection of Mother Cabrini’s life. A life poured in service, hospitality and unwavering trust in the Divine.”
This gorgeous shrine was made possible through the generosity of Patricia Krasnausky, former President and CEO of Cabrini of Westchester, who recently retired after 27 years of devoted service to the home. We are grateful to Pat for the many years of leadership, guidance and dedication to Cabrini and wish her well in her retirement.
During the blessing, Fr. Ron Galt, Vice President of Pastoral Care and Mission gave a reflection on the meaning of the Sacred Heart and Fr. Michael Banks, OFM, Cap., resident priest, shared the formal blessing. Afterwards, resident priest, Fr. Bill Arlia, OFM, Cap., blessed the statue with holy water and a closing song was sang by all. A reception was held in the nursing home lobby directly following the festivities.
Thank you to all that participated and contributed to this happy day!
CHS Shows How Mother Cabrini Still Makes Headlines After 175 Years
It’s been an exciting week for Cabrini High School as the school’s community continues to shine across New Orleans.
Juniors Lizbeth Garcia-Cruz and Mia Reyes kicked things off with an inspiring appearance on Fox 8’s NOLA Now, where they spoke about the impact of women’s sports and how competing in soccer has shaped their confidence, leadership, and sense of purpose. Their passion was evident and a proud moment for the Cabrini Crescent community.
Cabrini High was also thrilled to announce that it has been named one of the Top Five Favorite Private High Schools in NOLA Family Magazine! Voting is open daily through August 15, and the school encourages everyone to keep the momentum going and help name Cabrini the NOLA Family Favorite for 2025. (Daily voting can take place here under the “schooled” category.) In addition to this honor, Cabrini was also named a “Place to Watch” for 2025 by NOLA Family–the only private high school in the city to earn this recognition. The magazine even visited campus this week for a professional photo shoot featuring Principal Ashley Evers and a group of camera-ready, smiling Crescents.
And finally, the highlight of this midsummer week on Bayou St. John: a birthday celebration for Mother Cabrini herself! In true Cabrini spirit, summer staff and a handful of students gathered in the school’s mid-renovation front lobby to honor 
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.
The staff of the National Shrine of St. Frances X. Cabrini and staff members from the Generalate Offices in Chicago, met for an afternoon of input from married couple Michelle Sherman and Nick Rademacher. In this year proclaimed a Pilgrimage of Hope, they underscored the impact of Pope Francis, Mother Cabrini and a Sacred Heart Spirituality.
Michelle and Nick are continuing their connection with our Cabrini ministries as the newest members of the National Shrine’s Board’s Formation Committee. Many will remember Michelle who served with Cabrini Mission Corps in New York City and Nick who was a Professor of Religion at Cabrini University for many years.