Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Canonization Celebrations in Golden, CO

July 8, 2026

On Tuesday morning, we joyfully began our weeklong celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the canonization of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini with a beautiful Mass celebrated alongside the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, our staff, volunteers, and members of the Mother Cabrini Shrine community.

Following Mass, we gathered for breakfast in a spirit of gratitude, giving thanks for Mother Cabrini’s enduring legacy and the mission that continues through all who serve in her name. With the Shrine grounds beautifully decorated for this historic occasion, we look forward to a week filled with prayer, celebration, and opportunities to deepen our commitment to carrying Mother Cabrini’s mission of love, hope, and service into the world.

Sacred Heart Feast Day Celebrations 2026

June 18, 2026

Throughout the Guadalupe Province and the MSC Institute, on Friday, June 12th, the Feast of the Sacred Heart was observed with special Masses and celebrations by the Missionary Sisters, Cabrini Lay Missionaries, lay collaborators, volunteers, alumni, benefactors and friends.

St. Cabrini Nursing Home, Dobbs Ferry, NY

Missionary Sisters in residence and on mission at St. Cabrini Nursing Home attended a special Feast Day Mass, the blessing of a Sacred Heart banner and enjoyed a luncheon gathering.

Cabrini Health, Australia

The Feast of the Sacred Heart is a profound moment each year where Cabrini Australia feels at one with Cabrini’s ministries globally. We are acutely aware that Sr Theresa Cervasio is the lone Missionary Sister in Australia and we strive to surround her with love overflowing. At our Feast Day Mass Sister Theresa renewed her vows in front of Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Melbourne and Cabrini Board member, Fr Tony Kerin (see attached). Sr Theresa prayed: May the Holy Spirit transform this consecration of mine into a commitment of love, an offering of praise, adoration and reparation in the Cabrinian spirit, so that I may bring the love of the heart of Jesus to the world.

Following Sister Theresa’s renewal, Cabrini staff and volunteers affirmed our commitment to carry on our shared mission, celebrate Mother Cabrini’s life as our inspiration, and bring God’s love to the world by providing exceptional care for our patients, the community and each other.

All of this was summed up by Fr Tony’s beautiful words in his homily: People come to Cabrini for more than just excellent healthcare. It reinforced for all of us what is special about Cabrini…we care about people not just for them.

Mother Cabrini Shrine, Golden, CO

Mother Cabrini Shrine welcomed the community for two days of prayer and celebration in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 11 and 12.

The celebration began in partnership with the Archdiocese of Denver as Catholics joined others across the nation in the Consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The day included Adoration, confessions, a bilingual Liturgy of the Word, the Consecration Prayer, a procession, and benediction.

The following evening, the Shrine’s annual Feast of the Sacred Heart Mass was celebrated in both English and Spanish, bringing together familiar faces and first-time visitors alike. Seven priests concelebrated the liturgy, and three Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart renewed their vows: Sister Alice Zanon, MSC; Sister Bernadette Anello, MSC; and Sister Meseret Naba, MSC. Music from a combined choir of the Shrine’s three Sunday liturgies added to the beauty of the celebration.

Following Mass, guests participated in a procession to the Sacred Heart statue overlooking Denver—a new addition to the Feast Day observance. The evening concluded with Benediction and a reception at the Shrine.
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Together in prayer, the community honored the Sacred Heart of Jesus and prayed for God’s blessings upon their families, communities, and nation. The Shrine looks forward to continuing this special tradition in the years ahead. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us and bless our nation.

Click here to view photos from the celebration:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/141021425@N02/albums/

National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, Chicago, IL

At the National Shrine, Bishop Daniel Turley, OSA, presided over the Feast Day Mass. Sr. Joaquina Costa, MSC and Sr. Laura Baldini, MSC renewed their vows. A light reception followed the Mass. ~ submitted by Laurie Halaska, Executive Director, National Shrine

St. Frances X. Cabrini Shrine, New York, NY

St. Frances Cabrini Shrine in New York held a family night in honor of the Sacred Heart. The goal was to bring Catholic families together and teach kids a bit about devotion to the Sacred Heart. Crafts, gentle catechesis, a bit of prayer time and then a barbecue were all part of the program.

A huge tent was already set up on the lawn for the Cabrini Immigrant Services fundraiser scheduled for the next day, so we ate fresh-grilled hot dogs and hamburgers beneath it. Then God did something utterly magnificent: He sent a rainstorm. It was tremendous, stupendous, and utterly irresistible. The 25+ children squealed with glee and, almost as one, darted out onto the grass to dance in the rain. They ran in circles. They raced in and out of the tent, shouted to each other, held their mouths open to the sky to drink in the gift. It was joy, pure joy.

The parents were transfixed by their children’s exultation. Moms began to talk to moms, and dads to dads. “They will always remember this,” one mother said to another, “the time they were under the big white tent and danced in the rain.” Yes, our programming created connection, but God had a much bigger vision of what was possible.

We do not, alas, have a single photo of the event. All eyes and hearts were so busy relishing the experience that not one parent took a photo.

Kindred Souls

April 22, 2026

In the mid-afternoon of Tuesday 14 April, a call came to me from Cabrini Malvern Reception. A lady named Elizabeth was asking to see me.

To my delight and surprise, it was Elizabeth Barmann from Mother Cabrini Shrine in Denver, Colorado. Elizabeth and her husband Terry were here visiting their daughter who lives locally in Malvern. What a long way from home!

Elizabeth is the Liturgist and Music Director at the Shrine. So, I immediately rang our own Cabrini Liturgist and Cabrini Choir Director, Mission Integration Lead, Leesa Horrigan to join us for coffee. What a great connection for each of us to have on the other side of the world.

A visit to our Chapel meant that we could have a beautiful snap taken by a colleague.
And all too soon our wonderful conversation about Mother Cabrini, her spirituality and the beautiful legacy we carry in our different ministries was over.

From Colorado to Codogno Walking in Mother Cabrini’s Footsteps

April 22, 2026

Ciao from Italy! This April, members of the Mother Cabrini Shrine Colorado community participated in a pilgrimage across Italy, following in the footsteps of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini and visiting places central to her life and mission.

The pilgrimage began in Codogno, where Mother Cabrini founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and continued to Sant’Angelo Lodigiano, her birthplace. The group also paused in Assisi for time set aside for prayer and reflection before arriving in Rome.

In Rome, pilgrims celebrated Mass at the Cathedral of St. Peter at the Vatican and visited the statue of Mother Cabrini inside St. Peter’s Basilica. They also visited St. John Lateran and St. Paul Outside the Walls, where a recently installed statue reflects her global impact.

One of the most significant moments of the pilgrimage took place when six members of the group were welcomed to the General Curia of the Missionary Sisters in Rome. They were received by the General Superior, Sr. Maria Eliane Azevedo da Silva, along with members of her council. During the visit, the group viewed portraits of the congregation’s leadership, dating back to Mother Cabrini, and spent time in prayer before her relic in the Curia chapel.

They also visited the archives, where Mother Cabrini’s writings and volumes are carefully preserved, offering a direct connection to her life and work. The visit included time at the statue “Cecchina’s Dream” and concluded with conversation and hospitality before continuing on to Casa Cabrini.

At Casa Cabrini, the broader group gathered to celebrate Mass in the chapel built by Mother Cabrini and to pray before her relic. The pilgrimage concluded at St. Mary Major Basilica, where the group gathered in prayer, carrying with them the intentions of the Shrine community.

Throughout the journey, the experience offered a deeper understanding of Mother Cabrini’s life and the continued relevance of her mission.
Photos from the pilgrimage can be found on the Mother Cabrini Shrine Facebook page. Thank you to all who followed along and for your continued prayers throughout the journey.

Mother Cabrini Shrine Pilgrims in Italy

April 16, 2026

They spent time in Rome visiting with MSC General Superior Sr. Eliane Azevedo da Silva and Councilors Srs. Patricia Godoy and Gilda Mendoza Argueta as well as visiting Sant’ Angelo Lodigiano, birthplace of Mother Cabrini and Codogno, where Mother founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Holy Days and a Joyful Easter

April 9, 2026

Cabrini Health, Australia
Holy Thursday

Each year, [on Holy Thursday] we have a Ritual of Washing at Cabrini. It is a mark of thanksgiving for each person in our community and the service they carry out daily in the healing ministry of Jesus.

We invite everyone to come forward and allow their hands to be washed by a senior colleague and dried tenderly by another. I’m incredibly humbled and moved by it each year – as are the people who attend.

Although it’s almost 50 years old, we still use the beautiful Servant Song to frame the liturgy. ~ submitted by Margaret Stewart, Group Director, Identity and Mission, Cabrini Health

Will you let me be your servant?
Let me be as Christ to you
Pray that I might have the grace
To let you be my servant too.

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Shrine, New York City
Good Friday

On Good Friday, St. Frances Cabrini Shrine held stations of the cross especially tailored to children.

The gentle, Montessori-style devotion included stories at each station, kid-appropriate questions, a prayer, and an activity or hands-on item. When Jesus fell the first time, each child received a BandAid.

After learning about Simon of Cyrene, the kids traced their own hands to remind them they could be helpers, too.

Veronica wiped Jesus’ face, so the children got to tenderly wipe the face of a bust of Jesus.

It was an enthusiastic crowd, and a beautiful way to introduce kids to this important part of salvation history. ~ submitted by Julia Attaway, Executive Director, St. F.X. Cabrini Shrine, NYC

Mother Cabrini Shrine, Golden, Colorado
The Triduum and Easter Sunday

Holy Week and Easter was a grace-filled and joyful time at Mother Cabrini Shrine in Golden, Colorado, as we welcomed many pilgrims, visitors, and friends to celebrate these sacred days.

Fr. John Lager, O.F.M., Cap., along with fellow Capuchins and student friars, led the liturgies throughout the Triduum. Holy Thursday began with a Seder Meal for staff and weekly volunteers, followed by the Mass of the Lord’s Supper and the washing of feet. On Good Friday, many pilgrims carried crosses up the road to the Shrine, and the day included reflections on the Seven Last Words, the Liturgy of the Passion. The Easter Vigil and Easter Sunday Masses were beautifully celebrated, with overflowing crowds.

During Lent, our Shrine community continued a long-standing outreach project tradition and prepared and delivered 200 Easter baskets to students at Annunciation Catholic School in Denver, sharing the joy of the Resurrection through this act of generosity.

Mother Cabrini Shrine – From the Heart Gala

December 3, 2025

The 2025 Mother Cabrini Shrine From the Heart Gala filled us with deep gratitude. Because of the generosity shared that evening, the Shrine can now move forward with restoring the chapel’s cherished triangular stained-glass windows—crafted in France in the 1960s and treasured by all who pray in this sacred space. This support ensures their beauty and integrity for generations to come.

We are especially grateful to our Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart, our gala committee, table sponsors, auction donors, attendees, and volunteers whose care and commitment shaped the entire evening. Their kindness created a spirit of warmth and community that touched everyone present.

The gathering also reminded us of the many people who carry forth the Shrine’s mission throughout the year—our volunteers, musicians, clergy, retreatants, and visitors. Through their presence and service, the Shrine remains a place of prayer, hope, and encounter with the Heart of Jesus. For all of this, we are truly thankful.

Featured Gala Videos:

Mission Moment Video
A conversation led by gala emcee Kyle Dyer, Emmy-award-winning journalist and host of “Colorado Inside Out” on PBS12, featuring collaborators who support the Shrine’s ongoing ministry. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gdn5goVs2NY

“Holy Ground” Video
A reflective musical offering recorded by the musicians of Mother Cabrini Shrine, accompanied by imagery capturing the spirit and community of the Shrine. Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=oCRFf0K1E1E&feature=youtu.be

Cabrini Day 2025 in Colorado: A Joyful Celebration of Faith and Community

October 8, 2025

Over the weekend, Mother Cabrini Shrine in Golden, Colorado celebrated Cabrini Day 2025, a beautiful weekend honoring St. Frances Xavier Cabrini’s enduring legacy of faith, service, and love. In 2020, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed into law Frances Xavier Cabrini Day, the first paid state holiday in the nation that honors a woman. Cabrini Day is celebrated each year on the first Monday in October.

Festivities began on Sunday with Masses at 8 a.m., 11 a.m., and 2 p.m. (Spanish), each one drawi ng even more attendees than the last. The first-ever Celebration of Nations followed, as members of the Shrine community shared food, traditions, and stories from around the world. The day concluded with Adoration at 5 p.m., featuring music, prayer, and readings from Mother Cabrini’s writings. On Monday, the celebration continued with a special Cabrini Day Mass at noon, bringing our community together in gratitude and reflection.

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini’s mission continues to inspire hearts across generations, and her spirit was truly alive at the Shrine throughout this meaningful weekend.
~ submitted by JoAnn Seaman, Executive Director, Mother Cabrini Shrine

The Denver Catholic featured an article by guest contributor Molly Johnson in honor of Cabrini Day. Read 10 Lessons to Inspire Us This Cabrini Day here

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.

Sacred Heart Feast Weekend at Mother Cabrini Shrine

July 2, 2025

Mother Cabrini Shrine in Golden, Colorado, marked the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus with a weekend of meaningful events centered on faith, tradition, and community.

On Friday, visitors gathered to celebrate the Feast Day with a special noon liturgy, which included the renewal of vows by our beloved Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It is always inspiring to witness their recommitment and service to the church and the Shrine community.

The celebration continued on Sunday as a group of traditional, Hispanic, Matachines Dancers arrived at the Shrine, walking and dancing their way up the road in thanksgiving to Mother Cabrini for her intercession.

Later that morning, Mass was celebrated in the chapel by Archbishop Samuel J. Aquila, bringing together the Shrine faithful during this Jubilee Year of Hope.

Together, the two days reflected the Shrine’s ongoing role as a place of prayer, devotion, and hospitality in Colorado.