The National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Board of Directors is delighted to announce the appointment of Laurie A. Halaska as Executive Director. Halaska brings extensive leadership and administrative experience, having been an executive director and CEO. “Mother Cabrini has always been a part of my life,” said Halaska. “For my own mom, Mother Cabrini was HER saint, and she prayed to her daily. I have continued that practice and when I saw the position announcement for the Shrine it seemed meant to be.”
Congratulations and best wishes, Laurie!
Sharing Her Mission Story
The marvelous gift of mission brought to the National Shrine by our dear 
Sr. Joseane Cabral Soares, MSC.
This past weekend, the National Shrine of St. Frances X. Cabrini welcomed Sr. Joseane Cabral Soares, MSC.
Sr. Joseane shared her powerful experiences as a consecrated woman serving refugees and locals in Dzaipi, Northern Uganda. Her joyful witness touched the hearts of those present, inspiring them to support Heart Ministries Uganda through prayer and financial assistance.
The National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini is committed to reaching out to ministries such as Heart Ministries Uganda, that bring the healing love of Jesus’ heart to those in need. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sr. Joseane for her transformative witness and inspiring message, which continues to bring hope and widen the horizons of love to countless lives in Uganda…and beyond!
MSCs on Mission – True Missionaries Faithful to God’s Call
After long-standing service at Cabrini Health, Australia and the National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, Chicago, respectively, Sr. Sharon Casey, MSC and Sr. Bridget Zanin, MSC are now beginning new ministries.
Sr. Sharon Casey, MSC
The following are remarks that Sr. Sharon Casey, MSC shared with the Cabrini Health community:
Greetings during this Advent, Christmas and Hanukkah season!
I’d like to say thank you for your warm welcome to me in 2009 upon my arrival here at a medical facility across the earth! It definitely was a daunting experience. However, your excitement and demonstration of the Cabrinian values which I sensed immediately was heartening.
Your encouragement and support bolstered my determination to fulfil the mission God called me to do in Melbourne.
During these years, a message arose within me, saying, ‘remember who you are’. It was clear, stirring and helped me often to re-ground myself. This message made me pause amid the dizzying pace and consider my roots, beliefs, manner of being and interacting. It gave me the opportunity to remember those upon whose shoulders I stand.
This message was a gift from God. I often remind myself with the grace of God, of who I am, where I’ve come from, and the values that shaped me. These moments, made me conscious of the strong pull from society to become truly self-centered.
I encourage you to remember who you are as a member of the Cabrinian community whether you’ve been here for 30 years or three months. I encourage you to remember the commitment that you made to be faithful to our Ethic of Care when you came here.
When social media and society lure you into believing in acting in another way, I encourage you to go and spend some time by the sculpture that was designed and made over a number of years due to the COVID pandemic.
The sculpture VIGIL – The Heart of Cabrini is a memorial of thanks to the sisters who first came here, carrying the spirit of Mother Cabrini and each of you who have made Cabrini what it has become thus far.
When you need encouragement, consider going out and sitting by this sculpture, helping you remember who you are.
On behalf of all my Sisters of the Sacred Heart throughout the world and our lay collaborators and partners, I thank you for your efforts to work according to the Cabrinian values, Ethic of Care, and legacy.
Sr Sharon Casey, MSC – December 2022 To view a video of Sr. Sharon’s sharing her message: https://vimeo.com/780550489/e1cd1d118c
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Sr. Bridget Zanin, MSC
Bridget Zanin, MSC, joined the Cabrini University community on Tuesday, November 29. She has served as a Missionary Sister of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (MSC) since 1962. As a teenager in Brazil, she was called on a spiritual path that led her from her home to the United States Midwest and eventually Radnor, PA. Get to know Sister Bridget through the Q&A below. Answers have been edited for clarity and brevity. ~ submitted by Matt Nestor, Cabrini University
What are your first impressions since arriving here at Cabrini University?
Sister Bridget: The campus is beautiful. I feel a little bit isolated because I’m so used to living in a city where you step out and can go anywhere and do anything. Here, you need a car.
Which city were you in before you arrived here?
SB: Chicago. I was the Director of the National Shrine of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini in Chicago. I was at the Shrine for 10 years. And before that, I was in the city of Des Plaines [Illinois]. I was working as a chaplain at the Holy Family Hospital. And, before that I worked at Mercy Family Hospital in Chicago.
What kinds of service did you do there and elsewhere?
SB: My first profession was as a nurse. I worked as an ICU nurse in medical/surgical. It was kind of getting heavier and heavier, so I went in to chaplaincy so I could talk to patients and their families. Having the nursing background, being a chaplain I think was a blessing for me, because I could understand the patient’s diagnosis—what they were going through. I could talk to them not as a nurse, but as a chaplain.
You grew up in Brazil, correct?
SB: Yes, I was born in Brazil. My grandparents migrated from Venice, Italy to Brazil where they worked very hard to get themselves through a hard time. They moved there during the Second World War, when people were moving out to look for a better life. So, they struggled a lot. But, I see now their struggles were not in vain, because I see now my family are in good positions. I have a judge, two lawyers, and a doctor in the family.
How did you choose religious life?
SB: I always felt a call. I used to go and pray every day. I had two other friends and they wanted to go [to the convent]. Two months later, my dad rented a car and took us to the convent. I was only 15. Can you imagine? Then, we did our profession and took our vows. And, I was missioned to the United States.
Obviously, you are a Missionary Sister of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, an order founded by Mother Cabrini. What does it mean to you to come here to Cabrini University, the only Cabrinian University in the world?
SB: I think it’s very special. And, the people who I have met so far, they’re so nice. I had a passion for the [Shrine] that I was at, and seeing that the people here have the same values and are part of the Cabrini family, has encouraged me to keep on giving and do whatever I can.
What attracted you to the MSCs?
SB: It was their simplicity and their faith. I like simplicity. I knew nothing about Mother Cabrini but they gave us books to read. And, the more I read, I saw she had this big devotion to the Sacred Heart. She kept saying the Sacred Heart is the fountain of all virtues.
What do you hope to accomplish here at Cabrini, and what do you hope to send students out in the world with?
SB: If I can make a difference in someone’s life, this life will go on to make a difference in the world. I feel that we all have a mission. Sometimes, people think they have to have a vocation to do the mission. No, you don’t. Life is an attitude. So, we can have a positive attitude—a faith attitude. I have my certificate in spiritual direction and I’m also a chaplain. And, I was a nurse. I am hoping to bring these skills to my present mission, everywhere I go and in everything that I do. I hope I can make a difference in campus life. To read the full interview with Sr. Bridget, please click here
The National Shrine of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini – 8th Annual Benefit Event
The National Shrine of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini – 8th Annual Benefit Event
All enjoyed this beautiful evening beginning with a cocktail hour under the stars followed by dinner and presentations by emcee Janet Davies, and our Executive Director Sr. Bridget Zanin, MSC and our Rector Fr. Ramil Fajardo, who inspired us with stories about Mother Cabrini and the enormous impact she made in our city.
Our Benefit Event Committee worked extraordinarily hard in a very short period of time to produce this wonderful and remarkably successful event. Proceeds for this year’s Benefit will provide important support for our Shrine Ministries, Programming and Special Events.
Mother Cabrini was certainly watching down upon us and we can be sure she was smiling.
Fr. Ramil Fajardo Named Rector of The National Shrine of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini
We are delighted to welcome to our Shrine team our new Rector Father Ramil Fajardo. His new ministry at the Shrine became effective July 1, 2021.
. Ramil is a well-respected priest in the Archdiocese of Chicago with an impressive background and keen knowledge of our Missionary Sisters and their mission here at the Shrine. He came to know our Sisters during his first assignment at St. Clement Church in Lincoln Park where they attend daily Mass.
He was ordained May 22, 2004. Following his assignment at St. Clement, Fr. Ramil returned to St. Mary of the Lake to pursue advanced studies in Sacred Theology. In 2010, he went to Canada to study Canon Law at Saint Paul University of Ottawa, Ontario and earned a Canon Law Licentiate.
On January 15, 2013, Fr. Fajardo joined Holy Name Cathedral and began his duty as a judge of the Metropolitan Tribunal. In July 2017, he received additional duties as Director of Liturgy and Cardinal’s delegate for Saint James Chapel and the Archbishop Quigley Pastoral Center.
We look forward to working with Fr. Ramil as we progress and move into the future with his leadership and vision. The Shrine’s Executive Director, Sister Bridget Zanin, MSC and Father Ramil will be diligently working on a new schedule of Shrine events, including confessions, adoration, and other formational programming. As new events are added, details will be posted on our website at cabrininationalshrine.org.
We invite you to The National Shrine of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini where Fr. Ramil will celebrate Mass on Saturday at 4:00 pm and Sunday at 10:00 am. The Shrine is located at 2520 N Lakeview Ave Chicago, IL 60614.
Giving Tuesday Assists Immigrant Children with e-Learning
The National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini joined the Cabrini Retreat Center on Tuesday, May 5th for GivingTuesdayNow, a day of Global Action for giving and unity in response to COVID-19. It was the decision of Sister Bridget Zanin, MSC, Director of the National Shrine, to explore the needs of immigrants in our local community in Chicago. Nancy Golen, Director at the Cabrini Retreat Center located in Des Plaines, IL, put [the Shrine staff] in contact with Exodus World Service, a Christian organization that empowers people to be champions for refugees.
Exodus World Service discussed with us the need for Chromebooks. During this pandemic, immigrant children in Chicago are falling increasingly behind in their education. They don’t have access to computers for e-learning, so, we dedicated this Global Day of Giving to raise a minimum of $1000.00 for the purchase of four Chromebooks for four immigrant families.
Mother Cabrini based her work on the “education of the heart.” As a teacher, her aim was always the formation of the whole person as it instills a special concern for those in need. We asked each of our communities if they would help us “educate the hearts” of immigrant children and we were delighted in their response as we were able to provide Exodus World Service with the funds to purchase five Chromebooks for five immigrant families
Restoration of First Class Relic
The Mother Cabrini First Class Relic has been restored and preserved by Sara Moy, a certified conservator. On November 5th, the relic, the right humerus bone of Mother Cabrini, was returned to the newly refurbished reliquary in the Shrine altar. On Mother Cabrini’s Feast Day, Wednesday, November 13, the restored relic which had long been in the altar of the chapel of the former Columbus Hospital, received a special blessing from the Most Reverend Raymond E. Goedert, DD. at the 4 p.m. Mass at the Shrine
National Shrine of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini Celebrates Our Foundress at a Sparkling Benefit
What joy we felt on Thursday, September 12th as we welcomed over 160 guests at the Chicago Yacht Club Monroe Station for our annual Benefit Dinner! This year we honored Mother Cabrini as the anchor of our community.
Our benefit venue, The Chicago Yacht Club, embodies our deep admiration for Mother Cabrini and the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, who many times traveled the waters overseas to establish her missions.
Our celebration continued with cocktails, dinner, paddle raising along with silent and live auctions. We were especially proud to welcome Sr. Barbara Staley, MSC, General Superior & Council and very much appreciate her support.
The evening was a huge success and we thank Mother Cabrini for such lovely weather and all the joy we shared. She was truly with us as we celebrated and honored her mission in our beautiful city!
National Shrine Lends Support to MSC Ethiopian Mission
Sr. Bridget Zanin, MSC, Director of the National Shrine of St. Frances X. Cabrini in Chicago writes that they are pleased to announce that their Lenten Outreach to support the Cabrini Ministries in Ethiopia raised $5,086.00. In appreciation for the generosity of our community, Sr. Bridget received a heartfelt thank you from Thinky Mabaso on April 15:
Greetings Sister Bridget:
Your hard work and continuous support bear testimony of the love that Mother Cabrini had for suffering people and deep care for children. The support that you have given us gives hope and courage, and it echoes the words, “Now is the Favorable Time.” Your act of love and kindness, as well a selfless giving, gives strength to the work done here which at times shakes and challenges the core of our faith. It is such kindness where our hope is rekindled. Once again thank you from all of the little beautiful souls of the Children in Dubbo (Ethiopia). On behalf of Cabrini Ministries, we would like to thank you a million times.
Thinky Mabaso
In addition to their gratitude they sent us the attached pictures of the children laughing and a group photo of Cabrini Ministries Ethiopia.
We are delighted to see the laughter in these children faces and admire the Cabrini Ministries in Ethiopia for their selfless acts of charity and love and their strength in continuing their vocation.
Our Easter Sunday Mass was a glorious celebration with 400 in attendance and following the service, children relished in the joy of an Easter egg hunt with Father Ted Ploplis in the Narthex area of the Shrine.
We feel blessed with all that transpired at the Shrine during Lent and Easter Sunday and look forward to a very busy summer of tours, concerts and faith
formation events.
Highlighting the Need for Support of Ethiopian Missions
Each year, the National Shrine of St. Frances Cabrini asks for your support in our outreach events during Advent and Lent. This year for Lent, we are choosing one of the Cabrini Ministries in Ethiopia.
Cabrini Ministries Ethiopia provides health, education, housing, food, and social services to hundreds of people in the Dubbo area which is approximately 6 hours south of Addis Ababa, the capitol of Ethiopia. This is a very rural area where families have limited access to food, running water and education.
Cabrini Ministries provides food to the many impoverished families and is also funding their needs for medical treatment. The need for education is great and currently Cabrini Ministries is educating over 300 children. Unfortunately, many children are being turned away so our ministry is helping these children by paying for them to be educated at other schools.
The Mission also runs St. Mary’s Hospital that delivers over 1000 babies a year and provides health services to the community. Recent funds allowed them to build a new kitchen so they can cook for patients as well as pay for medical care of sick patients that are poor.
Beginning next week, we will have a second collection for our missions in Ethiopia. We will have this collection every weekend during Lent. Family is not always about relatives but the people in your life who want you in theirs so as part of our family, help us to support Cabrini Ministries in Ethiopia.
If you are in the Chicago area, please check our announcement board in the narthex for details and pictures of our mission in Ethiopia. Thank you for your generosity!!!
