On Tuesday, February 27, Angel Studios held their “media junket” for the upcoming movie CABRINI at St. Frances Cabrini Shrine in NYC. They filmed interviews with Alejandro Monteverdi (the movie’s director), Rod Barr (scriptwriter), Leo Severino (producer), David Morse (Archbishop Corrigan) and Cristina Dell’Anna (Mother Cabrini). The film will debut in theatres on Friday, March 8, International Women’s Day.
Cabrini University Students Travel to Guatemala
Once again, this year, Cabrini University students, alumni, faculty and staff have traveled to Guatemala for an immersion experience. Dr. Ray Ward, Director of Cabrini University’s Wolfington Center and Dr. Jerry Zurek, faculty member, are heading up the trip.
Sr. Eileen Currie, MSC Honored with Cor Jesu Award
Alumni, friends, faculty and staff members past and present, gathered in the Grace Hall atrium of Cabrini University for the Mother Ursula Infante Memorial Lecture on Thursday, February 22nd. The annual event is sponsored by the University’s Wolfington Center for Civic Engagement. Sr. Eileen Currie, MSC, who served as the Cabrini College President from 1982 – 1992, was the keynote speaker and the recipient of the University’s Cor Jesu Award.
Sr. Eileen, Cabrini College Class of 1966 and HON ’17, addressed the group speaking of the living Cabrini legacy. Noting that Cabrini University will indeed be closing this June, she reminded those gathered that the legacy of Mother Cabrini is not confined to a particular place or time, it resides within the hearts of each of those who have been gifted with the Cabrinian charism and the education of the heart. It is ours to bring forth into the world.
Dr. Raymond Ward, Director of the Wolfington Center for Civic Engagement, welcomed everyone to campus and Sr. Christine Marie Baltas, MSC, Campus Ministry Associate, offered the opening reflection. Ms. Helen Drinan, interim University President introduced Sr. Eileen.
Dr. Angela Campbell, Vice-President of Mission, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, offered a reflection on Sr. Eileen’s insights on Mother Cabrini and Sacred Heart spirituality, and engaged in an informative dialogue with Sr. Eileen for the benefit of all those in attendance.A reception preceded the event and the evening concluded with a hearty toast to Cabrini College Founding President Sister Ursula Infante, MSC. It was an evening marked by Cabrinian camaraderie, nostalgia, conversation, and friendship.
Pope Francis Sets Dates for October Synod
~ by Gerard O’Connell for AMERICA
Pope Francis has decided that the second session of the Synod of Bishops on Synodality will open on October 2 and end on October 27, the General Secretariat of the synod announced on February 17. It will be preceded by a two-date retreat on September 30 – October 1.
Contrary to expectations, the synod will in fact be more or less the same length as the first session. As already known, almost all the synod’s 365 members (including women and men who are not bishops) participated in last October’s synod. They will continue to focus on the theme: “For a synodal church: communion, participation and mission.”
Accompanying this news, Pope Francis also issued a chirograph – that is a document directly written and signed by the pope – in which he announced the establishment of study groups to delve into some of the themes that had emerged last October in the first session of the synod. Francis did not specify which of the many themes that emerged from the first session will be subjected to the study.
A rapid glance at the 81 proposals made in the synthesis report issued at the end of last October’s synod suggests that the following themes are likely to be among those discussed and researched in the study groups: the role and place of women in the church, including the question of the diaconate in general and the diaconate for women; structures of synodality at the diocesan and parish level; the updating of the Code of Canon Law. These and other issues mentioned in the document released by the synod secretariat on December 11 entitled “Towards October 2024,” may require theological, canonical or pastoral input.
The latter document emphasized that next October’s synod will focus on how to live synodality at all levels in the church. To read the entire account, please click here
Sr. Barbara Staley, MSC Begins Term on RFC Board of Directors
The RFC is delighted to announce three new members of the Board of Directors who began terms in January: Fr. Carlos Medina, OSA, Sr. Michelle Stachowiak, CSSF, and Sr. Barbara Staley, MSC. The RFC is grateful that these leaders have stepped forward and agreed to serve the Conference at this important time.
Sister Barbara Staley, MSC served as the General Superior of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Cabrini Sisters) from 2014 until July 2022. During her tenure a major focus was strengthening formation for formators and establishing international coordination programs for intial formation. She has a Master’s degree in Social Work from NYU and her undergraduate degree is in Special Education. She also has extensive studies in theology and administration.
Prior to Sr. Barbara’s term as General Superior her apostolic ministries include founding Cabrini Ministries Swaziland. This organization was established to serve persons infected and affected by the HIV pandemic. Her primary responsibilities included establishing a comprehensive holistic orphan care program and a family service unit. Sr. Barbara also worked for ten years in Chicago, delivering care to undocumented immigrants helping them to access healthcare and social services as well as providing direct mental healthcare. Sr. Barbara worked for three years in Barcenas, Guatemala providing programs of Human Protection and Christian Formation.
Before entering the MSCs in 1988 Sr. Barbara was the administrator of a residential care facility for adults with developmental disabilities. She also was a member of the Covenant House Faith community and served as a childcare worker with homeless street children in New York City, and later served as a paraprofessional in Covenant House’s legal department.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Documentary to Run in Theatres across the US
Not only will the CABRINI movie make its debut on March 8th, International Women’s Day, this week, a new documentary about the Virgin of Guadalupe, (the Patroness of our province) — the vision of Mary, the mother of Jesus, seen by a 16th-century Mexican peasant — premiered Tuesday, February 13 at an event in Los Angeles attended by the city’s archbishop.
“Guadalupe: Madre de la Humanidad” (“Guadalupe: Mother of Humanity”), in Spanish with English subtitles, will run in more than 100 Regal and Cinemark theaters across the U.S. from Feb. 22 to Feb. 28.
The film, by the Spanish company Goya Producciones, features dramatized scenes of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s apparitions and interviews with those impacted by her, including LA Archbishop José Gomez. The film will also be released in hundreds of theaters in Latin America and Spain.
Narrated by Pepe Alonso, a presenter on the Eternal Word Television Network, the documentary stars Mexican actors Karyme Lozano, known for lead roles in many telenovelas, as the hostess, Angelica Chong as the Virgin of Guadalupe and Mario Alberto Hernandez as the man who saw the virgin, Juan Diego.
The filmmakers collected testimonies about the Virgin of Guadalupe’s miracles in the U.S. and Mexico, as well as Germany, a nod to the documentary’s title acknowledging Our Lady of Guadalupe’s impact far from Tepeyac Hill in Mexico, where the apparition occurred.
Our Lady of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico, appeared to St. Juan Diego, an Indigenous convert to Catholicism, in December of 1531.
When the bishop did not believe Juan Diego’s account that Mary had requested a shrine be built on Tepeyac Hill, she appeared a second time to Juan Diego and ordered him to collect roses. As Juan Diego opened his cloak in the bishop’s presence to reveal the roses, the now-famous brown-skinned image of Our Lady of Guadalupe was displayed on his cloak.
Andrés Garrigó, a former journalist, was inspired to found the Spanish company Goya Producciones more than two decades ago.
Because there were already many documentaries telling the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Garrigó never expected Goya Producciones to make one, he said, but he finally responded to the many requests he got, including from Mexicans.
To read the entire account, please click here
Sr. Evarlyne Ndeti, MSC makes her First Profession of Vows
On February 2nd on the World Day for Consecrated Life, with many Missionary Sisters and friends in attendance, Sr. Evarlyne Ndeti, MSC made her First Profession of Vows at a beautiful Mass at the Sacred Heart Convent in New York City with Fr. James Mayzik, SJ as celebrant.
A celebratory luncheon at Sacred Heart followed the Mass.
Following her First Profession, and a visit with her family in Kenya, Sr. Evarlyne will be missioned in Eswatini, Africa. During the ceremony, when asked by Sr. Barbara Staley, MSC, Regional Superior of the Holy Spirit Region, if she accepts her mission, Sr. Evarlyne responded with a smile that she accepts her mission “with joy”.
Sr. Evarlyne Ndunge Ndeti to make First Profession of Vows
Sr. Evarlyne Ndunge Ndeti to make
First Profession of Vows
On Friday, February 2nd, on the World Day for Consecrated Life,
Sr. Evarlyne Ndeti will make her first profession of vows at the
Sacred Heart Convent in New York City.
Sr. Evarlyne shares her reflection on the eve of this blessed day:
“She becomes even more familiar with His life, His mission to all, and his very person. This period marks her formal introduction to religious life.”
~ MSC Constitutions pg. 77
In these two years of my novitiate, I have become well-versed in the life of a Missionary Sister of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (MSC). Spending time with the holy scriptures, Church documents, our Constitutions and statutes, the writings of Mother Cabrini, and different spiritual books which I found meaningful has broadened my knowledge of Jesus’s life, mission, and his very person.
Engaging in both internal and external classes/workshops has exposed me to a better understanding of the MSCs’ charism, and spirituality of our Foundress; the evangelical vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience; community living; and the mission of loving God and His people. Journeying with other novices through the inter-congregational formation workshops has made it possible to learn from them. I have gained wisdom and created friends that I can talk with, pray for, and pray with as I continue embracing this beautiful life. I am forever grateful to Sister Genet Henok, MSC and the Formation Team for creating these meaningful opportunities.
The useful resources within the novitiate have brought the broader perspective of God and what it means to be His servant. This newly acquired knowledge has brought the fuller contemplation of how the Holy Spirit works in us all the time uniquely through our charism of bearing the Love of Christ in the World. Mother Cabrini’s letters to her daughters, particularly the individual ones, have been useful. I have enjoyed reading them and I must admit that despite them being more than 100 years old, I still found some of them relevant today.
Living in the novitiate community has taught me to appreciate, respect, and love my community members. This lived experience has brought me a fuller awareness of the importance of having a good relationship with God and others. This has taken place within and outside of the novitiate. Following my prayer life fervently, both personal and communal prayers, have changed my way of self-surrendering to God and letting His will be done. I have benefited from the personal space which the novitiate offered to let God speak to me and let me grow in all dimensions. This has contributed to letting go of the unnecessary things and letting God in my life. All the quiet evenings, monthly recollection, and annual retreats have meant a lot to me, and I am looking forward to continuing to enjoy these special moments.
Interacting with the young adults at the Church of Epiphany through the Alpha program has allowed me to share and become friends with all the participants. Sharing my own faith journey and listening to other people’s stories has supported my spiritual growth. Praying for and with others both at the Epiphany and at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Shrine has helped me to understand how important it is to be in union with others through prayer.
Cabrini’s writings, especially To the Ends of the Earth, have broadened my knowledge about the diverse ways of being a true missionary. I am eternally grateful for the mission experiences I had in both Dobbs Ferry, NY and in Cabrini Guatemala. These two wonderful missions brought the significance of understanding the mission with an open mind and heart of learning, loving, and enjoying what I am called to do. Through my mission experiences, I found these attributes, and that of being willing to learn from others. These three elements helped me in my two missions and in my novitiate journey as well. May God bless you, Sr. Evarlyne.
Leadership Training for Advocacy
In recent months, Cabrini Immigrant Services-NYC (CIS-NYC’s) Justice for Immigrants Program (JFI) has been actively engaged in advocacy and community-building initiatives.
Six JFI members successfully completed a four-part leadership training program, where they worked to develop skills, such as sharing personal narratives for media engagement. Following the first workshop, our members went to a rally where three members were interviewed by local press and PBS on the topic of right-to-shelter laws.
The second workshop focused on government structures and legislative influence, ending with a trip to Albany for the New York Immigration Coalition’s member congress, where JFI members spoke with state senators and assembly members on issues like language access and housing vouchers. One of our members spoke at the press conference, giving her testimony on the importance of passing the Working Families Tax Credit.
This month JFI also took part in national advocacy, visiting Washington DC to support asylum laws with twelve of our members.
JFI members have shown their commitment to community involvement through their participation in membership meetings and workshops, including a writing workshop with Uptown Stories where members shared immigration stories with their children. Looking forward, JFI has plans for two visits to Albany this month to advocate for campaigns that are important to our membership. We are excited to share more of our experiences and photos!
CIS Hosts Parenting Workshop
Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS), Dobbs Ferry, NY, offered a workshop for parents of toddlers. Betsy Suarez, LMHC, presented: “Effective Strategies: How to Get Your Children to Listen to You More Consistently.”
Our clients from CIS as well as some of the asylum seekers from neighboring towns joined us for the workshop. They discussed achievable goals when raising young children and different ways of achieving the goals. As a group, they discussed what worked with their child and what needed improvement. Betsy assured them to be patient with themselves. She reminded them that no one is an expert.
While the parents were attending the workshop, our social work intern kept the toddlers entertained with puzzles, coloring and different toys. It was very evident that toddlers have an enormous amount of energy!
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