Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Bringing Christ's love to the world
During this time of giving thanks, Cabrini Immigrant Services -Dobbs Ferry, NY (CIS-DF), is thrilled to announce that we have a new US citizen. Dara Mersi Martinez passed her US Citizenship exam! She came to the United States in 2011 from Guatemala. Dara is filled with gratitude for all the help she received from her tutors at CIS-DF.
A special thank you to Peter Ricca, one of her tutors, who helped Dara learn the many questions needed to pass the test. Congratulations Dara!
Nearly twenty years after Hurricane Katrina disrupted their education and scattered the Cabrini High School New Orleans community across the country, a group of former Crescents finally experienced the moment they had long been denied. On Thursday, November 13, 2025, the Feast Day of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, Cabrini High School welcomed back alumnae from the Classes of 2006, 2007, and 2008 for a special honorary commencement ceremony.
The day began with Mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Church where honorees gathered with classmates, families, and faculty members who had supported them through the storm’s aftermath. Afterward, the celebration continued on campus with a reception recognizing the honorees’ perseverance and their place within Cabrini’s lifelong sisterhood. Account continues on following page.
Each woman crossed the stage carrying Cabrini’s signature yellow rose, a symbol of unity, resilience, and the unbroken bond shared by generations of Crescents, the same rose carried at all Cabrini High School graduations. Each Crescent received an honorary diploma, a Mother Cabrini rosary, and an official welcome into the alumnae association, bringing long-awaited closure to a chapter interrupted nearly two decades ago.
“This ceremony was more than a graduation; it was a homecoming,” said Deacon Uriel Durr, President of Cabrini High School. “These women’s perseverance and faith embody what it means to be a Crescent.”
Director of Communications and Alumnae Affairs Anne Argus DiPaola, Class of 1996, reflected on the significance of the day. “Every yellow rose carried down the aisle symbolized not just a true Cabrinian woman, but a bond that was never broken. Cabrini has always been their home.”
The honorees included Dr. Alane J. Anthony ’06, Amber Christine Clay ’06, Lauren Easterling ’08, Angelle Charlet Goodwyne ’08, Jessica Lucas Higginbotham ’06, Monique Hagan ’07, Candice McGee ’06, Stacey Windon Matthews ’07, Bethany Alaina Miles ’07, and Erica Gaines Moore ’06.
The celebration served as a powerful reminder that even twenty years after Katrina, the Cabrini spirit remains strong, rooted in faith, strengthened by friendship, and carried proudly into the future by its alumnae.
On November 14th, Cabrini of Westchester held the annual Employee Service Awards ceremony followed by a luncheon in honor of forty-four outstanding employees who were celebrating five, ten, fifteen, twenty, twenty-five, thirty, thirty-five and even forty-five years of service to the organization.
The ceremony was held in St. Cabrini’s Chapel and Christina Tiesi, Pastoral Care Associate, bestowed blessings on all of the honorees. In her remarks, Bonnie Burke, Chief Executive Officer 
and Administrator, said, “Our mission is rooted in compassion, care, and community, and today we recognize the vital contribution of our staff across all departments. Every member of our team plays a crucial role in enhancing the lives of the residents. Your commitment ensures the residents receive the highest level of care and dignity. A heartfelt thank you to each of you for your years of service, unwavering commitment, professionalism, kindness and love you put into your work throughout the years. I extend full gratitude to all of you and congratulations!”
Each of the awardees received a pin with a precious stone reflective of their years of service to Cabrini of Westchester. Account continues on following page.
Recipients were invited to participate in a luncheon in recognition of the hard work and dedication to the mission accomplished by all Cabrini of Westchester Employees each and every day of the year!
On the Feast Day of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, Patroness of Immigrants, - which is also the birthday of St. Augustine - members of Cabrini University joined the Villanova University community in a Solidarity Walk to show support for migrants. The walk was sponsored by Villanova’s Mission and Ministry Office.
The walk wound its way through the Villanova campus and finished at the Villanova Law School where an immigration panel entitled “Pilgrims of Hope: Augustine, Cabrini and the Journey of the Migrant” took place.
Co-sponsored by the Augustinian Institute and the Mother Cabrini Institute on Immigration with welcoming remarks by Institute faculty director Michele Pistone, Sr. Christine Marie Baltas, MSC, served as one of the panelists sharing insights on Mother Cabrini’s life and her outreach to immigrants.
Additionally, U.S. Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, (D.) of the 5th District of Pennsylvania, provided an update on legislation regarding immigrants, migrants and refugees
As of next academic year, the offices of the Mother Cabrini Institute on Immigration will be based on the Villanova University – Cabrini campus in Radnor, Pennsylvania.
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!
Sandi Schreier, Director of Social Work at Cabrini of Westchester, was presented with the 2026 Professional of the Year Award from LeadingAge New York, part of a national association of 5,500 not-for-profit organizations. Ms. Schreier graciously accepted the award from Kristen Meyers, Chief Operating Officer of LeadingAge New York, on November 13, 2025 at a celebration held in her honor. While presenting the award, Ms. Meyers stated “This award honors a long-term care, housing and services professional for their contributions to the well-being of the elderly or chronically ill in his or her community. It is open to professionals who demonstrate civic involvement as well as professional dedication, accomplishment and field expertise. I’m very pleased to present this award to Sandi on behalf of LeadingAge New York.”
. Meyers shared that the nomination included comments from several of Ms. Schreier’s peers and truly got to the heart of why she is such a deserving recipient of this award. In his nomination letter, Fr. Ronald Galt, Vice President of Mission and Pastoral Care wrote: “she is without a doubt one of the most dedicated, hardworking and accomplished leaders I have had the pleasure to work with in my career. She is deeply respected and admired by her fellow department leaders, her own staff, as well as other interdisciplinary staff, our volunteers and our residents.”
Another peer, David Leyden, Director of Rehabilitation, wrote, “I am blessed to have a colleague who not only supports and encourages me, but also challenges me in a way that makes me see things from a different perspective.”
At the reception, Bonita Burke, Chief Executive Officer and Administrator stated, “Sandi, you are someone who truly knows compassion, integrity and dedication and this award could not have gone to a better person.” Congratulations Sandi!
~ submitted by Susan Herceg, Director of Development and PR, Cabrini of Westchester
The Dispensario San José in Guatemala recently celebrated a meaningful milestone: the closing ceremony of the Centro Chispa Modificado program, 2025 cycle. The event was filled with joy, creativity, and a spirit of hope as the children who participated throughout the year shared how much they have grown—not only in skills, but also in confidence, awareness, and collaboration.
The ceremony began with a warm welcome from our coordinator, Sister Concepción, who reminded everyone that Chispa is a space where children are encouraged to explore, learn, and discover their potential. Her invitation for more families to join the program felt especially significant as we witnessed the enthusiasm and openness of the children.
Throughout the morning, the participants offered moments that touched all of us deeply. Through games, shared laughter, and simple interactions, they created an atmosphere of closeness and unity. Their presence highlighted the importance of community programs that support, guide, and nurture the well-being of children.
One of the most moving moments was the presentation about children’s rights. Through dance and song, the children expressed—gently yet firmly—the importance of respect, protection, and opportunities for every child to grow in a safe and healthy environment.
Their creativity shone once again during the play “The Great Battle Inside Carlitos’ Body.” With imagination and charm, the children portrayed a story that taught the community about the responsible use of antibiotics and the importance of caring for one’s health. It was a memorable performance that combined learning, fun, and community awareness.
To close the event, the children performed a dance inviting everyone to reflect on peace, empathy, and the need to build environments free from violence. Their message, simple yet powerful, reminded us that children carry wisdom and that their voices deserve to be heard.
The ceremony concluded with the awarding of diplomas and special recognition for the children who showed dedication and perseverance throughout the year. With applause, smiles, and a shared snack, we celebrated the end of a cycle that leaves a lasting impact on each child, their families, and our community.
Gracious and loving God,
On this day of gratitude, we gather with thankful hearts.
We give thanks for the richness of our diverse human family –
for immigrants, migrants, and refugees whose journeys, courage, and hope remind us of the resilience of the human spirit.
Their stories deepen our understanding of welcome,
and their presence enriches our communities.
We pray today for peace in our world— for an end to violence, hatred and division.
May Your spirit of compassion guide all nations toward justice, understanding, and harmony.
We lift up those without a place to call home. Grant shelter to the unhoused and strength to those working to provide them with safety and belonging. May every person find warmth, dignity and a genuine welcome.
We give thanks for the blessings before us – for the food that sustains us,
for the hands that prepared it and for the love that surrounds us.
Bless our gatherings, bless those we love near and far, and bless our shared human family and the earth in which we dwell. May gratitude shape our actions and hope light our paths.
Amen.
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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.
Last weekend, the 10th Annual NYC Chili Bowl brought neighbors together for an afternoon of good food and community. All proceeds from the event supported the CIS-NYC Food Pantry, helping us continue to provide fresh, healthy food to families across Upper Manhattan.
We’re so grateful to everyone who made the event possible and to all who came out to support our work. Community efforts like this help ensure that our pantry can keep serving our neighbors during a time of rising food costs and reduced federal assistance.
