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Just the Beginning of their Cabrinian-Inspired Story

May 21, 2025

Cabrini Senior Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement Exercisesr5.17.25rPhoto: Tyler Kaufman

Cabrini Senior Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement Exercisesr5.17.25rPhoto: Tyler Kaufman

Cabrini Senior Baccalaureate Mass and Commencement Exercisesr5.17.25rPhoto: Tyler Kaufman

The Cabrini High School community came together on Saturday, May 17, to honor the Class of 2025—53 extraordinary young women who collectively earned $13.5 million in scholarships; the average scholarship amount per graduate is $350,000. We’ve learned that this is, to date, the highest scholarship average among all girls’ high schools in the city of New Orleans.

This remarkable accomplishment is a testament to the exceptional Cabrinian education provided at the school, the strength of our rigorous curriculum, and the dedication of college counselor Ms. Jessica Coalson, who works tirelessly with each senior to not only find the right college fit, but to secure enough scholarships and grants to give her the freedom to choose where to continue her academic journey.

Several students were recognized with major awards. Student Body President Harmony Addison received both the Principal’s Leadership Award and the Overall Leadership Award. Harmony will be attending Howard University, where she plans to pursue a career in obstetrics.

The day’s highest honor, the coveted Mother Cabrini Award, was presented to Hailey Thibodeaux. This award, voted on by the faculty and staff and approved by the administration, is given to the senior who best embodies the selflessness, faith-driven perseverance, and compassionate heart of Mother Cabrini herself—a senior who lives the core values of respect, excellence, and service. Hailey will be attending Louisiana State University to study pediatric oncology nursing.

As always, the seniors opened and closed the celebration in signature Cabrini fashion, carrying their yellow roses down the aisle and singing the Cabrini High School Alma Mater—hand in hand, heart to heart.
To hear the CHS graduates sign their Alma Mater please click here Thanks to Sr. Yolanda Flores, MSC for sharing her recording.
Here’s to the Class of 2025,
just beginning their Cabrinian-inspired story!

Cabrini’s Class of 2025 Sets a New Standard

May 15, 2025

The Class of 2025 has achieved something truly remarkable. Cabrini High School is proud to announce that this year’s graduating class, 53 strong, has earned an astounding $13.5 million in college scholarships. That’s an average of $350,000 per student—a powerful testament to the academic excellence, leadership, and character fostered within the Cabrinian-educated school community.

This incredible accomplishment sets a new standard in the city and solidifies Cabrini’s role in New Orleans as more than just a high school. It is one of the strongest investments available to families seeking a bright future for their daughter, and this year’s graduates have proven that investment yields life-changing returns. With full scholarships to top-tier institutions across the country—including Baylor, Howard, Rutgers, and Villanova—our Doves are taking flight with confidence, preparation, and purpose.

Yesterday, at the annual Senior Luncheon, we celebrated these young women and their many achievements. Academic awards were presented in abundance, and the graduates were formally welcomed into the Cabrini Alumnae Association by Madeline Lipani Suer ’71—a moment that marked not just an end, but a new beginning in their lifelong connection to Cabrini High School.

The Class of 2025 may be turning the page, but their story is far from over. As they step forward as alumnae, they carry the legacy of Cabrini into every corner of the world, each one ready to make a difference.

We are especially proud to recognize this year’s Valedictorian and Salutatorian, two exceptional students who embody Cabrini’s mission and spirit:

Valedictorian: Grace Williams
Grace will attend Villanova University on a full Mother Cabrini Scholarship, where she plans to study neuroscience.

Salutatorian: Tessa Anderson
Tessa is heading to Baylor University, also on a full scholarship, to pursue studies in pre-med and biology.

From the classrooms of Cabrini to the frontiers of science and medicine, Grace and Tessa exemplify what it means to lead with intellect, integrity, and faith. Their journeys are just beginning, but their impact is already being felt.

The Class of 2025 has raised the bar, and in doing so, they’ve inspired the next generation of Crescents to dream boldly, work tirelessly, and live with purpose. At Cabrini, the future isn’t just imagined—it’s earned.

Shhhhhh…Don’t Tell Anyone…No Le Digas a Nadie

May 15, 2025

Shhhhhh…Don’t Tell Anyone…No Le Digas a Nadie

On Friday, May 9th, the Cabrini Immigration Commission, presented the documentary, ‘Don’t Tell Anyone/No Le Digas A Nadie’ at Cabrini Immigrant Services-Dobbs Ferry, NY. Karol Brewer, from the Cabrini Action & Advocacy Coalition, the Province Formation Office, and a member of the Commission, joined us for the movie.
CIS-DF invited their adult tutors and volunteers to view the movie. The movie is about Angy Rivera, who came to the USA at the age of 4 with her mother. She lived with a secret; she was undocumented. The very moving documentary follows Angy’s life for 3 years. It takes us through the process of her applying for a U-Visa. In time, she became an activist for undocumented youth, created an advice blog, Ask Angy and a YouTube channel.

After the documentary, Angy Rivera joined us via zoom. We were able to ask her so many questions and express our deep admiration for all that she has and continues to do for immigrants.

Advocating for Immigrants

May 15, 2025

Yesterday, Justice for Immigrants (JFI) joined the New York for All and Dignity Not Detention coalitions in Albany for the Stop the Complicity! All Hands for Immigrant Justice action. Together with immigrant leaders, advocates, and allies from across the state, we called on our elected officials to end New York’s complicity with ICE and take action to protect our communities.

We are witnessing unprecedented attacks on immigrant communities: from the handcuffing of children in Sackets Harbor to the disappearance of New Yorkers to CECOT in El Salvador, and the detention of people, both citizens and non-citizens, without due process.

That’s why we’re demanding the passage of two bills this legislative session:
• New York for All Act (S2235/A3506) – to stop local and state agencies from collaborating with ICE.
• Dignity Not Detention Act (S316/A4181) – to end ICE detention expansion in New York and ban private detention centers altogether.

We were proud to stand alongside community members and elected officials, many of whom wore a handmade cape bearing the NY4All message around the Capitol and during the press conference. Because art is resistance, too.

Palliative Care Week at Cabrini Australia

May 15, 2025

This week is National Palliative Care Week, a time to recognise the work of Cabrini’s palliative care teams who bring comfort, peace and healing, and above all compassion.

Here are two wonderful examples of our care:

In our specialist palliative care ward, music and compassion are used every day to support patients and families as they navigate end of life. Wendy Snook, Harp Therapist, is one of 4 South Nurse Unit Manager Nicola Lowrie’s important team members.

“I learned pretty early on when I started playing the harp that there’s something about the sound of the harp that affects our bodies in a positive way for our wellbeing and our healing,” Wendy, a cancer survivor herself, said. “It’s a great privilege to be with patients and families during difficult times.”

Wendy’s presence on the ward is a true gift – one supported by a kind Cabrini
Foundation donor – but she is just one of the many people who contributes to this extraordinary care.

So too is Pastoral Practitioner Alexandra Wilde, who last week gave a patient the “best day” of her life.

“The family of a terminally ill patient requested a living wake for their mother, Evelyn, who was expected to pass away soon,” Alexandra said.

“Within 24 hours, with the support of a number of people from around Cabrini, we were able to get everything organised and had about 40 people turn up to celebrate
Evelyn’s life, which she told me was the best day of her life.

“Evelyn died the next day with her family at her bedside, at peace.”

A Joyful Week at the Shrine: From Papal News to Mother’s Day Blessings

May 15, 2025

A Joyful Week at the Shrine:
From Papal News to Mother’s Day Blessings

This past week was full of meaningful moments at Mother Cabrini Shrine in Golden, Colorado.

Screenshot

On Tuesday, our local CBS affiliate visited the Shrine and interviewed Brother Jude Quinto, O.F.M., Cap., one of our Pastoral Ministers, about the election of Pope Leo XIV—the first American Pope. “Here at the Shrine, things got very electric all of a sudden,” Brother Jude shared. “We were able to ring bells and broadcast the announcement over the outdoor speakers. Everybody was turning on their news. Sister Alice was turning her laptop on. All of a sudden, I was like, oh my gosh, that’s an American! That’s somebody from the United States!”

Brother Jude expressed his hopes that Pope Leo XIV will continue the work of his predecessor, Pope Francis, while bringing his own leadership style to the Church. “We hope for a stronger church, that means a church that is more unified. A church that is welcoming to people of various walks and people, all people, who can find a place in the heart of God.”

On Sunday, the Shrine welcomed an overwhelming number of people and families for our Mother’s Day Masses and brunch. Our liturgies were filled to capacity, with overflow seating needed to accommodate everyone who came to celebrate the special day. After each Mass, the community gathered in the cafeteria for a warm and welcoming brunch prepared by the Shrine’s kitchen staff. The turnout was so strong, not a crumb was left in sight!
We are so grateful to everyone who joined us to celebrate this special week!

Speakers of Hope

May 15, 2025

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/.

A Message from Sr. Diane Olmstead, MSC, Provincial

May 15, 2025

This is a message that Sr. Diane Olmstead, MSC, Provincial, sent last week to the Guadalupe Province community upon the election of Pope Leo XIV.

Dear members of the Guadalupe Province and those in mission with us,

we not all feel the excitement in the air as we celebrate with the Church and the world the discernment and election of Pope Leo XIV? It is not yet 24 hours but already his words speak to us and cause to rise up within us a sense of expectant hope. I would like to share some of his words that have touched my heart and offer the world hope:

From his first speech on May 8th:
“Peace be with you. ... I would like this greeting of peace to enter your hearts, to reach your families and all people, wherever they are; and all the peoples, and all the earth: Peace be with you.”
“God loves us, all of us, evil will not prevail. We are all in the hands of God. Without fear, united, hand in hand with God and among ourselves, we will go forward. We are disciples of Christ, Christ goes before us, and the world needs his light. Humanity needs him like a bridge to reach God and his love. ... working together as women and men, faithful to Jesus Christ ...”
“To all of you, brothers and sisters, ... we want to be a synodal church, walking and always seeking peace, charity, closeness, especially to those who are suffering.”

From His first Mass on May 9th with the Cardinals:
‘We are called to bear witness to our joyful faith in Christ the Saviour...”
Faith “is both a gift of God” and a path to follow in order to allow [ourselves]to be changed by that gift.” ... “A lack of faith is often tragically accompanied by the loss of meaning in life, the neglect of mercy, appalling violations of human dignity, the crisis of the family and so many other wounds that afflict our society. ... This is the world that is entrusted to us, a world in which, as Pope Francis taught us so many times, we are called to bear witness to our joyful faith in Christ the Saviour.”

Finally, when speaking of the commitment and exercise of the ministry of authority Pope Leo XIV prayer to God, through the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church “to move aside so that Christ may remain, to make oneself small so that he may be known and glorified, to spend oneself to the utmost so that all may have the opportunity to know and love Him.”

As the Guadalupe province, let us pray for Pope Leo XIV that God grant him the grace he asks for and that we may be firm in our commitment to walk together as brothers and sisters, missionary disciples, witnesses of faith, hope and love in the world. ~ Sr. Diane Olmstead, MSC on behalf of the Guadalupe Province

Visiting Our School Partners

May 8, 2025

As a part of its outreach, members of the Cabrini Immigration Commission of the Guadalupe Province, with thanks to Commission Chair Karol Brewer and Commission member Dr. Susan Pierson, have established a partnership with three school districts in southern Chester County, PA: Avon Grove, Kennett Square and Oxford that each serves a large population of children from immigrant families.

Thanks to the generosity of Update readers and many generous donors, the Cabrini Immigration Commission has been able to provide multiple copies of colorfully illustrated books on the topic of immigration, written in English and Spanish, and appropriate for grammar school age children in each of the districts.

Additionally, in consultation with the district social workers, the Commission members have ascertained the ongoing needs of their immigrant students. Such necessities as toiletries, underwear, socks, footwear, and school supplies as well as individual packages of healthy snacks were cited as items that these children often lack.

Earlier this year, Immigration Commission members brought gift cards to Target, Walmart, Giant Foods and a variety of these items to the Avon Grove and Oxford districts and this week, they made a return visit bringing summer clothing, sandals, hairbrushes, toiletries and more healthy snacks that will help to see these children through the summer months.

Excellence in Spanish Language and Culture

May 8, 2025

Cabrini High School in New Orleans proudly celebrates the outstanding achievements of Tessa Anderson ’25 was awarded the José Luis Baños Award for Excellence in Spanish by the Sociedad Española. The award was presented by the Honorary Consul of Spain in New Orleans during a special ceremony recognizing exceptional achievement in the study of Spanish language and culture. Anderson was accompanied by Cabrini Assistant Principal and AP Spanish teacher Vivian Deschapelles Coutin, who also serves as President of Sociedad Española. Coutin opened the event with remarks highlighting the global significance of Spanish and encouraging students to continue pursuing linguistic and cultural understanding. Tessa will attend Baylor University this fall on a full tuition scholarship, where she will study pre-med/biology.