Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

A Heartfelt Message from Sr. Diane Olmstead, MSC and greetings from the Guadalupe Province

April 30, 2026

A Heartfelt Message from Sr. Diane Olmstead, MSC

Dear Sisters, CLMs, lay leaders and colleagues, volunteers, benefactors and all who are part of the Cabrini community,
On April 30th, I will complete my term as the Provincial of the Guadalupe Province of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Being a Provincial is perhaps one of the most challenging and yet grace-filled times of my life. During these eight years we have experienced so much as a Province and in our world.

It would be hard to mention all that has happened; suffice it to say, we have experienced many crises and many graces and God was and continues to be with us! Throughout it all, we have sought to help one another and to be witnesses of God’s Love.

The journey continues and in order to respond with generosity and fidelity we need to walk together and exercise creative intelligence. We also need courage to listen to what God is asking of us and not be afraid of change. Jesus says to us, “Arise, go forth and trust that I will lead you.”

Thank you for the privilege to walk the journey with you. Let us pray for each other as we enter this time of transition. May you welcome Sr. Lucy Panettieri, MSC, the new Provincial, with the same warmth and collaboration as you did with me.

Sr. Diane Olmstead, MSC

Thank you, Sr. Diane, for your vision and leadership throughout these eight years. May the next chapter of your life be filled with grace. Blessings.

Well-wishes from your lay collaborators…

Cabrini Health, Malvern, Australia
Cabrini in Australia would like to thank Sr. Diane for your leadership, support, and wise counsel over your years as Provincial Superior. Your visits ‘Down Under’ have always been busy and intense. However, there’s always time to try something new for a bit of fun!
~ All staff at Cabrini Health

Cabrini High School, New Orleans, LA
Cabrini High School New Orleans extends its deepest gratitude to you, Sr. Diane, for your unwavering support and dedication. Over the past two years, especially, marked by significant leadership transitions, growth in our student body, and meaningful campus-wide improvements and capital enhancements, your guidance and presence have been invaluable. Your profound interest in the lives and formation of tomorrow’s Cabrinian women has left a lasting impact. The Cabrini community has cherished the time you have spent not only with faculty and staff, but also with students and alumnae, who remain deeply passionate about Mother Cabrini’s enduring legacy. Cabrinian women are truly unmatched: strong, motivated, endlessly curious, and driven by a deep devotion to witnessing God’s glory in action. You embody this spirit wholeheartedly, and Cabrini High School is profoundly grateful for your commitment and contributions. As you move into your new role, the Cabrini community offers its prayers and best wishes for your continued success and faithful service.
~ Administration, Faculty, Staff and Students of Cabrini High School

Cabrini Immigrant Services – Dobbs Ferry and NYC
With deep gratitude, Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC and Dobbs Ferry honor you, Sister Diane, as you complete your term as Provincial. We are grateful for your generous support of our mission and genuine solidarity with the immigrant communities we serve. Living out the charism of Mother Cabrini, you have supported us through seasons of growth and through moments of challenge. Your steady encouragement and wise counsel have made our organization stronger. Thank you, Sister, for everything. We wish you every blessing in the chapter ahead.
~ The Staff of Cabrini Immigrant Services

Cabrini Guatemala
On behalf of Cabrini Guatemala, we express our deepest gratitude to Sr. Diane for your eight years of dedicated and inspiring leadership. Your kindness, constant support, and strong sense of mission have left a meaningful mark across our ministries. Even from a distance, your vision of unity among us, your deep faith, and your encouragement, especially toward communicators, have been truly inspiring.

Your leadership has not only guided our work but has also strengthened our sense of purpose and belonging within the Cabrini family, reminding us that even across distances, we are united in one shared mission. We carry forward your example with gratitude and hope, keeping you always in our prayers.
~ All of us at Cabrini Guatemala

Cabrini Mission Foundation
On behalf of the Cabrini Mission Foundation Board of Trustees and staff, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Sr. Diane as you complete your term as Provincial. We thank you for your faithful leadership, wise guidance, and steadfast support throughout your tenure.

In the spirit of Mother Cabrini, you have led with courage, compassion, and deep trust in God’s providence. Your dedicated service and thoughtful discernment have strengthened the mission and inspired many to continue the work of healing, teaching and caring.
With sincere appreciation, we thank you.

(Everyone will be warmly invited to join the Cabrini Mission Foundation on October 23 for our Annual Gala when we will honor Sr. Diane.)
~ Christopher LaBianco, Executive Director

Guadalupe Province Offices – New York City
Dear Sr. Diane,

You have been a light to those of us who have had the privilege to work with you over the years. You have always made us feel appreciated and supported every step of the way. We wish you abundant blessings as you step into this new chapter of your journey. We pray that your new assignment brings you fulfillment, opportunities to serve others, and continued spiritual growth.

May your faith continue to guide you, your purpose grow stronger, and your work be filled with meaning and grace. May you find strength in every challenge, joy in every success, and peace in knowing you are exactly where you are meant to be. Congratulations, and may God’s presence go before you in all that you do.
~ Josephine Geraci, Dee Campos, Mike Tambasco and James Murphy

Guadalupe Province Offices – Pennsylvania

Dear Sr. Diane,
We want to share our deep gratitude for being such a kind, caring, and deeply considerate leader. Collaborating with you these eight years has been a joy and privilege and we’re thankful for the trust, support, and compassion you have brought to every moment. You have poured incredible heart and dedication into your role as Provincial, and now, we will look forward journeying together in new ways.
May you find time for rest and renewal as you anticipate your future ministries serving God’s people. We wish you love, grace, and every blessing as you continue your selfless service in the world.
~ Karol Brewer and Nancy Costello

Mother Cabrini Shrine, Golden, CO
Dear Sr. Diane,

With deep gratitude and affection, we thank you for your years of faithful leadership as Provincial of the Guadalupe Province. We are especially grateful for the generous support and encouragement you have shown Mother Cabrini Shrine. Please know of our heartfelt prayers for you and our lasting appreciation for all you have given so generously to the province and to us. May the Sacred Heart and St. Frances Cabrini continue to hold you close and bless you in this new season of life.
Gratefully,
JoAnn Seaman and the staff at Mother Cabrini Shrine

National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, Chicago, IL
Sr Diane,
We want to thank you for your eight years of leading the Guadalupe Province. Your leadership and dedication have left a lasting impact with all of us who have worked with you. We are so grateful for your guidance and unwavering professionalism. Our wish for you is to have a well-earned relaxing time to yourself and we look forward to working with you in your new role, whatever that may be.
~ Laurie Halaska and National Shrine staff

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Shine, New York, NY

Birthday Celebrations

July 17, 2025

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.