Cabrini Mission Corps missioner Rebecca Wyss visited the New York Statehouse in Albany with other members of the Food Bank for New York City to advocate for more funding for emergency food. Since 2007, funding for food banks in the state has remained the same, even though the need has grown every year. Rebecca and people who work at other food pantries spoke with elected officials about how they have to try to feed more people every month with the same amount of funding from the state. We pray that the representatives heard their request and will offer more support to food pantries like ours!
Cabrini College faculty, students and alumnae travel to Guatemala
A personal account by sophomore Molly Seaman:
Over the recent Spring break, several Cabrini College faculty, students and alumnae had the opportunity to travel to Guatemala in order to participate in a one-week mission trip in San Lucas.
Our time in Guatemala would not have been complete without visiting the kind Missionary Sisters at Dispensario Madre Cabrini in Barcenas.
Over the course of my life I have had the great pleasure and honor of knowing and loving many Missionary Sisters. I have very fond memories of the Sisters and all the good they have done and continue to do for many – including for my family and me. For this reason, I hold the Missionary Sisters very close to my heart.
As soon as I stepped out of the van in Barcenas and saw the words “Madre Cabrini” painted on the building, I knew that I would be among friends.
Our group had the great pleasure of spending the day with Sr. Maria Elena Plata, MSC, a new amiga of the Cabrini College Cavaliers.
Sr. Maria Elena was kind enough to show us the different departments in the Dispensary; introduce us to many of the employees; lead us to a breathtaking view of Barcenas on the roof, as well as, provide a very tasty and satisfying lunch.
I was truly in awe of the incredible work that the sisters do with the people of Barcenas. The Dispensario contains a hospital, psychological services, a children’s program, a pharmacy, as well as other resources for the people of Guatemala.
The Dispensario embodies the spirit of Mother Cabrini and welcomes all to its services. Our group had the great opportunity of witnessing the sisters in action as they greeted all of the patients and employees by name, offering kind words and a hug to everyone they passed.
The cross that the Missionary Sisters wear around their neck is an immediate sign of peace and safety for me. Although Guatemala is thousands of miles away from the United States, Barcenas and the Dispensario instantly became our home away from home.
Gracias to the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart for showing us so much love during our journey and for carrying out the work and mission of Mother Cabrini every single day.
A Visit to Guatemala – An Alumna’s Perspective – Jean Findlay ’85
Last week I had the privilege of joining Cabrini College professors Dr. Jerry Zurek and Dr. Raquel Green and their class on their spring break trip to San Lucas, Guatemala. This is part of a semester-long course they teach called ECG 200 (Engagements with the Common Good). There were 10 students and 4 Cabrini College alumnae on this immersion trip to the San Lucas Mission. This was a powerful week in so many ways as we interacted with volunteers at the Mission and met the people of San Lucas Toliman through our work. Each day seemed to reveal a new level of purpose about why this group of 16 was meant to be on this journey together.
In the middle of the week we were able to visit the Missionary Sisters in Bárcenas who graciously welcomed us and gave us a full tour of the Madre Cabrini Dispensario. As Sr. Maria Elena Plata, MSC led us through the clinic and explained the services offered, I had the overwhelming feeling that I had been there before. This was my first trip to Guatemala so this familiar feeling was something else. Over the years I have been fortuntate to visit other MSC communities in the United States and one thing is always true when we are in the presence of Cabrini Sisters in a Cabrinian institituion. You are always made to feel welcomed and hospitality flows from everyone you meet. It’s as though you are meeting up with friends you have not seen in some time.
A special thank you to Sr. Maria Elena Plata, Sr. Laudir Crocolli, and Sr. Xochilt Calero for extending such a warm welcome to all of us. I was so pleased that these students and recent graduates of Cabrini College were able to meet the sisters and hear about their work in the first person and better understand that Cabrini is not just a school in the Philadelphia suburbs – but it is indeed part of a global organization.
Justice for Immigrants Rallies against deportation
On Tuesday, February 23, members of the Justice for Immigrants campaign at Cabrini Immigrant Services participated in an action asking President Obama to stop the raids of Central American refugees. Right after Christmas, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began a spree of arresting and deporting refugees from Central America who came to the United States fleeing violence. Of all the people who have been deported since 2014, we know at least 83 have been killed in their home countries.
The February action asked President Obama and the Department of Homeland Security to treat these people like the refugees they are. At the action, several people, including our member Dennisse, spoke about the challenges facing undocumented immigrants and their fear about being sent back to violence. After they spoke, we participated in a “die-in”, despite the rain, to recognize and mourn the 83 people who have been killed.
You can read about the action here: http://nydn.us/1OyqZYR
Cabrini Action and Advocacy Coalition Hosts Sale to Benefit Victims
When we hear the words human trafficking we think of the horrors foreign women and children go through in their countries. From rape, to torture, to prostitution, and even death. But what not many people are aware of is that human trafficking is a practice common not just in poorer countries but in wealthy countries like the U.S. Human trafficking is not just the dark and dingy picture portrayed in films. American children and young adults being forced into prostitution and into working for someone else’s profit is human trafficking. The King of Prussia Mall, located in suburban Philadelphia, and many other malls, and concerts and sporting events in the U.S. are playgrounds for traffickers. They target runaways and vulnerable young people.
Cabrini freshman, Christian Vazquez, had a basic understanding of human trafficking from learning about it at his high school, but he admits that he was not aware of how close to home this occurrence is. Because of the assumed “…tough laws…” that the U.S. has, many Americans like Christian have no idea that human trafficking is an international occurrence and not just another misfortune third world citizens have to endure.
Thankfully, the Cabrinian community continues spreading awareness on social justice issues and providing for those in need. The Cabrini Action and Advocacy Coalition is an MSC ministry that promulgates the MSC’s two corporate stances: to SUPPORT the rights and dignity of all immigrants and STOP human trafficking once and for all.
“The coalition was formed to do whatever we [could] to stop human trafficking,” current chairman, Karol Brewer explains. Karol began her work with the Cabrini Action and Advocacy Coalition many years ago, and because of her dedication to helping the most vulnerable, the MSCs asked her to chair this initiative.
Karol is also the founder of The Cabrini Closet, “a trendy Goodwill” — as I call it — which specializes in providing human trafficking victims with new and contemporary attire to better accommodate them in their transition into society once again. She began this work after forming a friendship with an FBI agent who worked solely with trafficking victims and hearing the stories of what these people go through. “We have to do something — we can do something!” Karol recalled telling herself. So she took matters into her own hands and thought: “Why not do this on our own?” And so, The Closet was created!
To further spread the word on The Closet and promote awareness as well as support for Human Trafficking and its victims, the Cabrini Action and Advocacy Coalition will be hosting a sale to raise funds for the cause. The sale will take place on Wednesday, March 16th in the College’s Grace Hall Atrium from 10:00 am-3:00 pm. (See flyer on page 6.) They will be selling designer purses, shoes, belts, and many more items, which were donated to The Closet by generous people from all over the country. These items will be sold at reasonable prices.
Karol has reached out to top designers to ask them to donate at least one of their bags. She has sent out about 15 requests to designers ranging from Michael Kors to Ralph Lauren and even Coach. She is still waiting for replies but is hoping at least one agrees. Being as though this is the first fundraiser the coalition has hosted, she expressed her nervousness for the turnout of the sale. But she was enthused about the Cabrini community and their support of the cause. Though she admits that it is a lot of work, Karol finds it all to be exceptionally “gratifying…[and] wonderful that [we] get to do this.”
All proceeds will go directly towards the Coalition to provide funds and gift cards for trafficking victims, and to Dawn’s Place, a shelter in Southeastern Pennsylvania for women who are victims of human trafficking and sexual abuse.
Cabrini High School Names 2016 Alumna of the Year
2016 Alumna of the Year
Cabrini High School (CHS) selected Michelle Bertram Douglas ’85 as the school’s 2016 Alumna of the Year.
Cabrini’s President, Ardley Hanemann, Jr., announced Douglas’ selection at the National Honor Society Induction ceremony. Alumna of the year is an honor given annually to an alumna who has distinguished herself through achievements benefitting Cabrini and the community at large in her personal and professional life.
“It means so much to be honored by my school, a place near and dear to my heart,” stated Douglas. “Cabrini is more than an education of the mind; it is an education of the heart.” Douglas’ life mirrors that of Mother Cabrini’s. She is a lifelong educator with a Master’s Degree in Elementary Curriculum and Instruction and certified in Administration who presently serves as the CEO and Principal of Edward Hynes Charter School.
A resident of Lakeview, Michelle and her husband, Chuck, were instrumental in the rebuilding of the area after the devastation of Katrina in 2005. In addition to rebuilding her own home, Douglas worked with teachers, administrators, students, and volunteers to reestablish Hynes in temporary buildings, the only public school in Lakeview.
In 2006, the Orleans Parish School Board named Douglas Principal/CEO of Hynes Charter School Corporation. While operating the temporary campus, Douglas worked diligently to restore the school’s permanent campus. In January of 2012, Hynes Charter School re-opened its new campus at the old location on Harrison Avenue, a new campus that is both modern and safe, providing an exceedingly high level of education for its students.
Douglas’ professional and personal achievements are many. In 2013, she was named Principal of the Year in Orleans Parish. She has also earned the honor of being named as one of University of New Orleans’s Outstanding Alumni. Douglas serves on Cabrini High School’s Board of Trustees.
Douglas embodies Cabrini’s core principles of Excellence, Respect and Service. She is a lifelong learner who has sought to impart this gift in so many children. Douglas is well known in the city for her love of learning, outstanding teaching skills, and leadership. She is a role model as a woman of strong faith and great
character. She is an ideal representative of a Cabrini education – one of mind and heart.
Patrick F. Taylor Scholarship Recipients
Patrick F. Taylor Foundation Scholars
Cabrini High School President Ardley R. Hanemann, Jr., hosted a luncheon for Mrs. Phyllis Taylor and Cabrini’s Patrick F. Taylor Foundation Scholars.
This special event, held in the Cabrini Board Room, allowed Cabrini students who have earned Taylor Scholarships to personally thank Mrs. Taylor for the Foundation’s generosity. Mrs. Taylor continues her late husband Patrick F. Taylor’s legacy by organizing and generously funding several scholarships at Cabrini for deserving
Cabrini Health Announces an Asylum Seeker and Refugee Health Hub
Cabrini Health has announced the development of an asylum seeker and refugee health hub, a much needed service in Melbourne’s inner-north. The new service, will provide healthcare services for asylum seekers and refugees.
“Cabrini is committed to making a difference to the disadvantage faced by asylum seekers and refugees,” says Dr. Michael Walsh, Chief Executive of Cabrini. “We believe that working collaboratively is the most effective way to address disadvantage and will lead to the best health outcomes for the people we want to serve.”
[The state of] Victoria has one of the highest asylum seeker and refugee settlement numbers in Australia. Many asylum seekers in our community have neither work rights nor access to government benefits such as Medicare, Centrelink, housing or emergency relief.
“Our approach is based on strong partnerships with public and private hospitals, community health agencies, asylum seeker/refugee services and others who want to make a difference to the plight of asylum seekers and refugees,” said Dr Walsh. “We are grateful to the many agencies who have supported the concept and look forward to others joining with us over time to enhance our capacity.”
Initial services will begin by the end of May 2016 with GP clinics and specialist mental health services to be offered first. Chronic disease management, maternal and child health and infectious disease management, as well as social, emotional and spiritual support services, will follow.
“Clustering these services in one location will enhance access and facilitate a person-centred, integrated approach to primary and specialist care for this vulnerable group,” said Dr. Walsh.
The Cabrini Asylum Seeker and Refugee Health Hub will complement health services offered by the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre in Melbourne’s west and Monash Health in the southern suburbs. Medicare-ineligible asylum seekers will be given priority access to our services, at no cost.
Special MSC Jubilee Celebration
Sr. Regina Palamara, MSC celebrated her 60th Jubilee on February 14th, Valentine’s Day.
Sr. Regina was honored at St. Finbar’s Catholic Parish in Burbank, California exactly 60 years to the day of her entrance into the Institute of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
St. Finbar is a multi-ethnic parish community where Sr. Regina ministers. Along with her family, Missionary Sisters, former MSCs, Cabrini Companions, a Cabrini Lay Missionary, alumnae and friends (VCAAF) from the former Villa Cabrini High School in Burbank and Cabrini Literary Guild joined in the celebration replete with a jubilant choir and liturgical dancers.
Sr. Regina renewed her sacred vows and shared a reflection with all those gathered. In turn, she received blessings from the St. Finbar Parish and the surrounding community. Sr. Regina received a standing ovation at the conclusion of the liturgy.
A luncheon followed in the parish hall with beautiful decorations including heart messages from the children with whom she volunteers. Parish volunteers prepared delicious Italian and Asian foods and her favorite cake!
The celebration was filled with tributes from Sr. Regina’s nephew, Christopher DiMatteo; St. Finbar School principal Michael Marasco; Channel 5’s evening anchor Cher Calvin, who was a former student of Sr. Regina; Sr. Eileen Currie, MSC, and Marsha Ramos, a Cabrini Companion. Friends from the public and political sectors shared their tributes and the day concluded with thanks, humorous comments and a blessing for all from Sr. Regina.
Cabrini College Founder’s Day Honors Those Who Give Back
Every year Cabrini College honors the College’s founder, Sr. Ursula Infante, MSC (1897-2001), through a day-long ceremony called ‘Founder’s Day.’ During this ceremony, the College recognizes students who have demonstrated dedication to their community through service and volunteerism – an essential dimension of the Cabrini College experience.
This year, thirteen Cabrini College students and the three Cabrini Mission Corps missioners – Ashley Block, Vanessa Miranda and Morgan Perry – were honored with the Presidential Service Award for their commitment to civic engagement and volunteerism through community service.
The Student Disability Service Award was given to student Francis X. Cornely ’16 who has dedicated his time to focus on issues related to disabilities.
Also conferred were the Pierce Fellow awards, which were given to five students who spent time working alongside other community groups to address issues of hunger and food insecurity.
In addition to this annual recognition of Cabrini College students, each Founder’s Day, Cabrini invites an accomplished individual who has demonstrated the vision of Sr. Ursula to deliver a keynote address. This year, the keynote was given by current Director of Development for Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Chandreyee Banerjee.
Ms. Banerjee has served as the Director of Tsunami Response following the devastating Indian Ocean earthquake in 2004, and most recently was the Country Representative for Turkey and Syria, overseeing programming in response to the refugee crisis in the region. During her presentation, Ms. Banerjee shared her experiences on working with Syrian refugees and her efforts to provide them with the essential necessities to ensure their well-being.
The Cabrini College community is grateful to Ms. Banerjee for her inspirational message and to the students for their enthusiastic engagement in changing the world for the better. The College remains especially thankful for their founder, Mother Ursula, for her vision, perseverance and dedication in founding a College so rooted in service to others.
Today is Ash Wednesday
Today begins the holy season of Lent. Today’s focus is on our mortality, that we are dust and to dust we shall return, beautifully balanced by the promise of resurrection that we know awaits us in the aftermath of Calvary.
Our God is “gracious and merciful” “slow to anger, rich in kindness.”
Merciful God, we stand before you today, fully aware of our human frailty, but hopeful in your love. ew offer you our hearts and all our plans for this Lenten season. You know what we need most to grow closer to you in the days and weeks ahead. Give us eyes to see your path and ears to hear your voice amid the chaos of the world around us.
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 104
- 105
- 106
- 107
- 108
- …
- 117
- Next Page »