What did the 140 students from St. Elizabeth School do on their Jubilee pilgrimage to St. Frances Cabrini Shrine? Created a giant chain of hope, made their confessions, blew on a yobel (the ram’s horn used to announce a jubilee), colored their own prayer cards, wrote postcards to refugee children, prayed on Mother Cabrini’s bench, took the Cabrini Pledge, attended Mass, and had FUN and grew in faith! It was a whirlwind day with many graces… and hope.
Multi-day Celebrations Mark the Feast Day at NY Shrine
What a week! St. Frances Cabrini Shrine in New York hosted seven Feast celebrations over four days.
On November 13th we greeted youth from four Catholic schools and in the evening held the Canonization Concert, a re-creation of the Gregorian chant and other music used at Mother Cabrini’s canonization ceremony.
Saturday included Mass in Italian (with a surprise marriage proposal afterwards!) and a Mass for the Filipino community. Sunday dawned with beautiful weather and a full chapel for the English Mass. Msgr. Roger Landry, the National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in the United States, celebrated. His tremendously inspiring homily can be heard here.
As the English Mass ended a busload of Ugandans arrived from Massachusetts. Warm smiles, beautiful harmonies, and huge pots of food lit up the afternoon. While they were finishing their meal in the retreat room a joyous Mass in Spanish began in the chapel, celebrated by Bishop Edmund Whalen.
All in all it was a spectacular few days.
Blessings to all!
A Serene Spot for Prayer, Once Again
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On Wednesday, November 12 a group gathered on the lawn at St. Frances Cabrini Shrine in New York City for the unveiling and blessing of Mother Cabrini’s newly-restored prayer bench. This bench was used by Mother Cabrini when she stayed in northern Manhattan. It features griffins as side supports, and an ornate iron top.
Originally placed in the garden outside the professed sisters’ residence, the bench was moved to a side yard when construction of the current Shrine began. Later it was moved yet again to a location overlooking a parking lot. In recent decades the bench fell into severe disrepair. Nearly 200 donors contributed toward its restoration. Now sturdy and beautiful, the bench can once again be used by visitors the way Mother Cabrini herself used it: for prayer.
The brief ceremony was led by Msgr. Robert Ritchie, with Sr. Diane Olmstead, MSC, Provincial, Sr. Patricia Dunleavy, MSC and Sr. Sharon Casey, MSC in attendance. The bench is now located at the back of the Shrine’s lawn, where it overlooks the Hudson River. Next year the Shrine intends to build a serene prayer garden to surround it.
Jubilee Family Day of Hope at St. F.X. Cabrini Shrine
On Saturday, October 18th, an exuberant group of kids and parents gathered at St. Frances Cabrini Shrine in New York to celebrate a Jubilee Family Day of Hope.
Designed as a close-to-home pilgrimage families could take together, the day included talks about hope, Mass, activities (writing postcards to refugee children, making a prayer bracelet, a color-your-own holy card, and creating a saints candle), and finished up with putting together packages for the homeless with the help of the Sant’Egidio Community.
What fun! The 50-voice children’s choir from Good Shepherd School sang beautifully and lifted everyone’s hearts. This is an event we will definitely repeat, so Catholic families have the opportunity to gather and
spend time together.
A New Website for St. Frances X. Cabrini Shrine – NYC
On Mother Cabrini’s birthday, St. Frances Cabrini Shrine in New York City launched its newly-updated website. Crisp and visually appealing, the site focuses on encouraging pilgrimages and learning more about Mother Cabrini.
Abundant educational resources are easy to download. Take a look – here!
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Birthday Celebrations
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.
CAVS Pilgrims Travel to NY Shrine
This past Sunday, June 1st, members of our Cabrini University community traveled to the St Frances Xavier Cabrini Shrine in New York City. We had an diverse group of Cabrini alums (at least one from EVERY decade!!), faculty, staff and friends.
Our group was hosted by the amazing Julia Attaway, Executive Director of the Shrine, who gave an educational presentation on Mother Cabrini. Mass, a tour of the Shrine and its interesting displays, a delicious lunch and a trip to the gift shop for mementos and keepsakes rounded out the experience.
It was a day filled with joy, memories and camaraderie. Thank you to all who made the trip possible.
Speakers of Hope
As part of its Jubilee “Speakers of Hope” series, last week St. Frances Cabrini Shrine in New York City hosted Rwandan genocide survivor Immaculée Ilibagiza.
Immaculée’s story is tremendously inspiring and had the audience riveted. Ouar guests included attendees from the Bronx, Brooklyn, and New Jersey. Immaculée received a standing ovation at the end.
A reporter from the Archdiocese of New York’s news site, The Good Newsroom, was on hand and wrote a nice piece about the event.
~ submitted by Julia Attaway, Executive Director,
St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Shrine, NYC
You can read the article here:
https://thegoodnewsroom.org/genocide-survivor-offers-message-of-hope-at-st-frances-xavier-cabrini-shrine-talk/.
Una Dia de Reflexion – A Day of Reflection
More than two dozen people from across northern Manhattan gathered at St. Frances Cabrini Shrine on Sunday, May 4 for a day of reflection about the Sacred Heart. The program was led by Sr. Yolanda Flores, MSC, in Spanish, and ended with Mass.
Participants were very enthusiastic. They eagerly asked to return this summer for another event. Many thanks to Sr. Yolanda for her support!
Neighborly Gestures of Support
For two days last week St. Frances Cabrini Shrine served as a drop-off point for our neighbors who wished to donate gently-used clothing and housewares. Volunteers sorted the items and all items were transported to the Uptown Free store, a pop-up event with the motto, “Take what you need, give what you can.”
Never let it be said that New Yorkers are uncaring! The generosity of our neighbors is humbling. ~ submitted by Julia Attaway, Executive Director, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Shrine, NYC
For a quick video of their goodness of click here:
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1E2unm7ZGa/
(You don’t need to be a Facebook user to see it.)