Joel Zazyczny, Sr. Diane Omstead
Eustace Wolfington
Catherine Bullock, Sr. Pietrina Raccuglia
It was a night full of smiles, laughter, and a few tears, as attendees came together to celebrate Cabrini Mission Foundation’s annual 2022 Gala, hosted on Oct. 13th at the Metropolitan Club. The theme at this year’s event, “Education of the Heart,” embodied Mother Cabrini’s education principle – teachers or advocates for Cabrini, need to “Educate the Hearts” of those they teach, which links intellectual competence with moral development and instills a special concern for those persons who are in need.
The heart of every guest was full as each honoree reflected on his/her commitment to education and his/her contribution to continuing the mission. Four honorees were awarded the Cabrini Angel Award which recognizes individuals who have helped several generations to flourish and prosper. No person, place, or global pandemic, could stop these driven educators from assisting students in finding their purpose, guiding them through important life events, and fostering the dreams of the world’s incoming leaders.
Catherine Costa Bullock attended the Cabrini school in Brooklyn until the 3rd grade, then transferred to “Sacred Heart Villa” the Cabrini School in Dobbs Ferry, New York, later becoming a beloved teacher and educator.
Sr. Catherine Garry, Yvonne Hrapmann
Hrapmann, a dedicated principal at Cabrini High School in New Orleans, always works diligently to guarantee her students a comprehensive, faith-filled education, especially during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina where she was able to continue classes even after losing her home to the disaster. Helena and Francis Ottaviano educated the hearts of their children to live lives of service and love. Francis was a doctor at Cabrini Medical Center, and saved countless lives during his career, while Helena touched many with her loving, generous heart. Joel Zazyczny is a graduate of Cabrini University, and went on to become a scientist, innovator, and business leader with over 30 years of experience in chemicals and industrial minerals.
Receiving the Son of Cabrini Award, Eustace Wolfington is a devoted Catholic, family man, and proud father of 10 children. For the last several years Eustace has committed his time, energy, and financial resources to producing a movie which will make Mother Cabrini more known to the world, and believes her legacy represents a story worth telling and will resonate with the young women of today, tomorrow and into the future.
The Sisters, and staff, would like to send a sincere thank you to everyone who attended the gathering, and for the continued support of the mission.
Cabrini Mission Foundation, in collaboration with Cabrini Immigrant Services – NYC, have partnered with Community of Sant’Egidio, a global Christian movement of volunteer communities focused on service to the poor, together have helped to distribute 400 meals weekly to the homeless population in New York City. Volunteers and supporters work in tandem to provide individuals in need with a hot meal, a friendly smile, and an opportunity for a long-term relationship.
In a continued effort to respond with urgency to the individuals affected by natural disasters, Cabrini Mission Foundation, in collaboration with the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Guadalupe Providence, has partnered with Water With Blessings, a faith-based nonprofit dedicated to providing clean drinking water, to assist those affected by the Appalachian floods in Perry County, Kentucky. The 100 filters donated will provide desperate mountain families and the elderly with access to safe, clean drinking water where the entire water system has been destroyed and offer financial relief from paying for bottled water, which may not be accessible.
I was very active in school,” she recalled. “I played sports and did all different kinds of things. I never really thought of entering the convent until my freshman year when I kind of had this calling.”
recently spoke at the Cabrini Mass at Sacred Heart Church, which is sponsored by Catholic Charities of Fairfield County, CT. It commemorates the Italian-American founder of the religious order, who supported immigrants throughout the United States and established 67 institutions, including schools, orphanages and hospitals that cared for the poor and marginalized.
Mother Cabrini based her work on an “education of the heart”; promoting Gospel values, critical thinking and openness towards others. Through this initiative and all of our Foundation programs the Cabrini Mission Foundation continues to carry Mother Cabrini’s legacy forward.
Along with these dedicated individuals, three honorees were awarded the Spirit of Cabrini Award, which represents an understanding of Mother Cabrini and a willingness to continue her legacy of helping people who are in need throughout New York City beginning with the Italian-American community. Philip Foglia, Sr. (Posthumously) and Chazz and Gianna Palminteri, have been involved with the Foundation for many years and were able to use their connections to erect the Mother Cabrini statue in Bryant Park.
Cabrini Mission Foundation responds with urgency to provide immediate assistance to those in need. The devastation that has swept through Haiti following last month’s magnitude 7.2 earthquake has left thousands of people without basic necessities, food, housing and access to life-saving medical attention.
The Cabrini Mission Foundation responds with boldness and urgency to the unmet needs of the most vulnerable, especially when there are those in need in our own community. During the summer season, our team worked with Cabrini Immigrant Services’ NYC Food Pantry, and has been dedicated to supporting and feeding more than 200 families each week.