Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

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Cabrini Scholarship at Villanova

Last Thursday evening, members of our Cabrini University community attended the Villanova University Endowed Scholarship Award Dinner, specifically to honor the recipients of the Cabrini High School Scholarship and the Cabrini University Alumni Association Scholarship.

Unfortunately, neither of the student scholars could attend the dinner – one is studying abroad and one had to cancel at the last minute. We applaud their academic achievements and look forward to meeting them both in the near future.

MSCs, CAVS & Friends Unite to Provide Warmth in Winter

Cabrini University alumni and friends, in collaboration with the MSC Cabrini Immigration Commission, rallied before Christmas to donate winter clothing essentials – hats, gloves, scarves – for children in need in our partner school districts in Southeast Pennsylvania. These items were delivered just in the nick of time before Christmas to bring smiles and warmth.

Then, just after the new year, the Immigration Commission received an urgent request for coats for high school students in the Norristown School District. (Many of the earlier donated items were sized for elementary school children.) Our contact in Norristown shared that some high school students were coming to school without coats on the coldest days!

Again, due to the generosity of the Cabrini alumni and friends of the Missionary Sisters, last week, it was possible to purchase and deliver 30 brand new winter coats for high school students. The coats were distributed to students that very afternoon bringing much needed comfort to these young people.

 

CAVS Social Justice Ambassadors Host Webinar on Refugees

The Cabrini University (CAVS) Social Justice Ambassadors, under the leadership of Dr. Jerry Zurek, former Chair of the Communications Department, welcomed former Cabrini University faculty member Vonya Womack to speak on refugees and the power of story and community as tools of seeking justice and freedom.

Ms. Womack shared that it is more difficult to look away from a person or an issue when you hear the story, the narrative. Data can dominate a conversation, sometimes overshadowing events, however, story can be riveting, humanizing and can change perspectives. We need people to speak out against injustice, she said. Story can arc into resistance. Words matter.

When people ask, ‘what can I do?’ she said, “your heart will tell you what to do. Your past will point you in your own direction, your niche.”

The webinar ended with participants contacting their congressional representatives about the upcoming funding legislation.

Elders Push for Immigrant Rights

Throughout this year, retirees and senior citizens in their 60s, 70s, and 80s have teamed up with consecrated religious of many congregations to rally for the rights and dignity of immigrants. They have conducted rallies and prayer vigils outside ICE offices as well as the offices of elected congressional representatives. This is particularly so in Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love.

Journalist Meir Rinde of Billy Penn at WHYY, the local news outlet for National Public Radio (NPR), recently did a feature on these social justice-minded senior individuals.

The activists included Jerry Zurek, PhD, a retired Cabrini University Communications Professor who co-leads a regional chapter of the NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice. Zurek said, “I believe we should welcome all people of good will. They enrich our country. I’m a former teacher, and I had so many students who were immigrants themselves, some of them undocumented. I want to do whatever I can to help them.”

Zurek, who is in his 80s, was one of many older people at [a recent] protest. He said he wanted to be there, despite the cold.

“I’m trying to do everything I can to support our immigrant community to make America better,” her said. “We just had twin granddaughters born, and we want to make the world OK for our grandchildren.”

Dr. Zurek was joined by alumni of Cabrini College/University who share his deep concern about the current treatment of immigrants.

To read the entire account, please click here
To learn about a prayer vigil for immigrants, please click here

 

Cookies, Mulled Cider and Mittens!

In collaboration with the Cabrini Immigration Commission of the Guadalupe Province, the Cabrini University CAVS Alumni Association held a drive to collect winter hats, gloves, and scarves for the immigrant children of the Norristown and southern Chester County, PA school districts.  Alumni, faculty and staff were invited to stop by the MSC Cottage in Wayne, PA, for an Open House where the warm aroma of mulled cider and Christmas cookies greeted guests as they dropped off their donations. Cabrini friends reunited for a time of relaxed conversation and camaraderie united in a meaningful cause.

Villanova U. Sponsors Walk for Migrants and Pilgrims of Hope: Augustine, Cabrini and the Journey of the Migrant The Cabrini University Community Takes Part

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.

The walk wound its way through the Villanova campus and finished at the Villanova Law School where an immigration panel entitled “Pilgrims of Hope: Augustine, Cabrini and the Journey of the Migrant” took place.

Co-sponsored by the Augustinian Institute and the Mother Cabrini Institute on Immigration with welcoming remarks by Institute faculty director Michele Pistone, Sr. Christine Marie Baltas, MSC, served as one of the panelists sharing insights on Mother Cabrini’s life and her outreach to immigrants.

Additionally, U.S. Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, (D.) of the 5th District of Pennsylvania, provided an update on legislation regarding immigrants, migrants and refugees

As of next academic year, the offices of the Mother Cabrini Institute on Immigration will be based on the Villanova University – Cabrini campus in Radnor, Pennsylvania.

Thumbs Up for Cabrini U. CAVS Service Day

The Cabrini University CAVS held their first annual Day of Service on Saturday, November 8th in honor of Mother Cabrini’s Feast Day on November 13th.

The Cabrini University community was invited to engage in an act of service wherever they may be located. Alumni, faculty, staff and their families and friends were encouraged to follow in Mother Cabrini’s footsteps and help an elderly neighbor or volunteer at a food pantry, whatever was particularly meaningful.

Two sites were offered for those who wished to serve those serving the poor, immigrants and those experiencing homelessness: the Mitzvah Circle in Lansdale, PA and The Blessing Shop in Norris

We had an enthusiastic turnout and look forward to growing this event in years to come.

Domestic Violence – What Can We Do?

On Monday evening, October 27th, in the seventh of a continuing series of Cabrini University CAVS Social Justice Ambassadors webinars, the topic was Domestic Violence, which was presented by Colleen Lelli, Ed.D., former Professor of Education at Cabrini University, and a national expert on domestic violence and child trauma. Here are some highlights from her presentation:

What can we do to assist families suffering from domestic violence?

One in three women and one in four men in the U.S. have faced intimate partner violence in their lifetime. When someone escapes from domestic violence, they often turn to government assistance in the form of Medicaid and SNAP food benefits. Over the summer, these two forms of assistance received drastic cuts, and now, beginning Nov. 1, all SNAP food benefits will be suspended.

These were some of the less-known effects of the U.S. government’s current budget cuts affecting vulnerable Americans.

Colleen gave an overview of the extent of domestic violence, its manifestations, and the complex dynamics of power and control. By discussing scenarios, participants explored how to know the signs [of domestic violence], the importance of listening [to the accounts of others], the need to ensure the victim’s safety, and the importance of supplying good information.

Dr. Lelli provided participants with a copy of her presentation and helpful resources. Readers may access them here. http://bit.ly/4quJcBP

Following her presentation, participants wrote emails to President Trump and Congress to free up emergency money so survivors of domestic violence will not lose SNAP benefits on November 1st. In addition, participants advocated to restore Medicaid benefits. Here is a link to advocate: http://bit.ly/49bZWYr

You may view a video of Dr. Lelli’s presentation here. http://bit.ly/4nNY4J3

Key Takeaways: Supporting a Loved One in a
Domestic Violence Relationship

 Recognize Red Flags of Power & Control
• Isolation from friends and family
• Monitoring phone, social media, whereabouts
• Verbal abuse, intimidation, or humiliation
• Control of money, work, or resources
• Explosive outbursts followed by apologies (“cycle of violence”)

 What You Can Do
• Listen without judgment: Believe them and let them share at their own pace.
• Express care: “I’m worried because I care about you.”
• Validate feelings: Abuse is never their fault.
• Offer information, not ultimatums: Share hotline numbers, shelters, or counseling resources.
• Stay connected: Keep the lines of communication open so they know you’re a safe person.
• Respect autonomy: Remember, only they can decide when and how to leave.

 What Not To Do
• Don’t confront the abusive partner — it can escalate danger.
• Don’t pressure them to “just leave” — leaving is the most dangerous time.
• Don’t shame, criticize, or make them feel guilty for staying.
• Don’t withdraw support if they return to the relationship.
 Ways to Offer Support
• Provide emotional support and a safe space to talk.
• Help brainstorm a safety plan (e.g., safe contacts, documents, emergency exits).
• Offer practical help: childcare, transportation, a safe place to stay — but only if it feels safe.
• Encourage professional help: domestic violence hotlines, shelters, legal services.

 Resources
• National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.): 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or text START to 88788
• If in immediate danger: Call 911

 Remember: You can’t “rescue” someone — but you can be a steady, supportive presence.
Consistent care can help them feel less isolated and more empowered to make safe choices.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month ~ Follow these organizations on social media
• Laurel House
• Victim Services of Montgomery County, Inc.
• Women’s Center of Montgomery County
• Domestic Violence Center of Chester County
• The National Network to End Domestic Violence
• National Domestic Violence Hotline
• Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence
• It’s On Us

 

 

Cabrini U. Unites with One Church, One Family

~ a reflection by Jerry Zurek, PhD, former Chair, Communications Department, Cabrini University

Cabrini University alumni and friends joined 100-plus faithful in raising their voices in song and prayer in front of the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Philadelphia field office

This public witness was a part of the nationwide Catholic campaign to call people of faith to publicly demonstrate solidarity with migrant families, asylum seekers, and refugees. The campaign is called One Church, One Family. Information may be found at 1family.us.

The speakers reflected the spirit of Pope Leo’s recent message on the World Day of Migrants and Refugees: “Migrants and refugees stand as messengers of hope. Their courage and tenacity bear heroic testimony to a faith that sees beyond what our eyes can see and gives them the strength to defy death on the various contemporary migration routes.”

“We reject the culture of fear that dehumanizes,” said Sr. Michelle Cimaroli, of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

A second day of prayer is planned for Nov. 13, timed to coincide with the feast of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini.

Personally, I was inspired by the many women religious present. As I mingled with everyone, each person spoke from their rich lives, often of decades of service. One, an IHM Sister from Peru, spoke of how the image of the United States has changed for many in other countries.

I hope that public events like this reveal the true spirit of many Americans and Catholics who understand that we truly are one family and must care for those seeking hope as best we can. Participating in a prayer vigil or a public action gives me greater courage to stand up for what we believe.

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