Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

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Cabrini HS Commemorates 80th Anniversary of Mother Cabrini’s Canonization

On July 7, the Cabrini High School community gathered in the historic Sacred Heart Chapel to commemorate the 80th Anniversary of the Canonization of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini. The celebration was especially meaningful as Mass was celebrated in the chapel on campus where Mother Cabrini spent hours in prayer while expanding her mission in New Orleans and beyond. Praying in the very place where she once worshipped offered alumnae, students, and friends a profound opportunity to reflect on the enduring legacy of Mother Cabrini, whose faith, courage, and example of leadership continue to shape the Cabrinian mission in New Orleans today.

One of the most moving moments of the liturgy came as Cabrini's Spanish students sang "Gloria, Gloria, Madre Cabrini," filling the chapel with a hymn honoring the school's patroness, and also when alumnae gathered during communion to sing another Spanish hymn.

Each attendee was given a commemorative prayer card modeled after the pamphlets that were showered over the crowds from airplanes in Rome on July 7, 1946. Featuring the same inscription that appeared on those original cards—"Work, my daughters, for you have an eternity in which to rest."—the keepsake served as a tangible connection to that historic day eight decades ago and to Mother Cabrini's enduring call to lives of tenacious service.

In keeping with Mother Cabrini's lifelong devotion to orphaned and vulnerable children, attendees generously donated new, unwrapped toys that will be sent to orphaned children in Honduras. The service project transformed the anniversary celebration into an opportunity to continue Mother Cabrini's mission of bringing hope and compassion to those most in need.
~ Account continues on following page.
As the Cabrini community marked 80 years since Mother Cabrini's canonization, the celebration served as a reminder that her legacy is not confined to history. It lives on each day through the faith, leadership, and service of all who carry forward her mission.

Birthday Celebration at the Cabrini Cottage

Asking ‘what would Mother Cabrini do during these uncertain and perilous times for immigrants and migrants?’, the CAVS Alumni Association, in collaboration with the Guadalupe Province Immigration Commission, hosted a birthday party for Mother Cabrini at the Cabrini Cottage in Wayne, PA, for members of the Cabrini University and Villanova University communities.

Guests were invited to honor Mother Cabrini by donating gift cards to Walmart, Target and Giant Foods which will be donated to nearby school districts that serve large populations of immigrant students.

The Immigration Commission collaborates with the school district social workers who intimately know the students and their families who are in dire need - many of whom suffer from inadequate housing and food insecurity.

Providing the families with gift cards enables them to purchase food, clothing, and other necessities on their own which confers a sense of dignity and autonomy, especially during such stressful periods in their lives.

Deepest thanks to all who joined in celebrating Mother Cabrini in such a meaningful and impactful way. Once again, this year, we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of generosity of the Cabrini and Villanova communities.

We trust Mother Cabrini would have been smiling…and is very grateful.

Cabrini University Alumni on Pilgrimage to the Mother Cabrini Shrine

Mother Cabrini, in passing through Colorado, described this region:

“At every moment, the landscape changes: austere mountains whose peaks are white with glittering snow; hills all verdant with pines and roseate by reason of the color of the rocks and the soil; sharp peaks that seem to touch the sky where only the eagle nests…”

Thus, it was here, at the Mother Cabrini Shrine, nestled in Golden, at the foothills of the Rockies, that Cabrini University alums embarked upon a pilgrimage.  It was the first time that such a trip had been organized by the CAVS Alumni Association, and we were delighted that ten alums - spanning many years of graduation - embarked on  travels to Colorado to walk in the footsteps of Mother Cabrini.

Warmly welcomed by JoAnn Seaman, Executive Director of the Shrine, and her wonderful staff and volunteers, our group stayed in the Stone House which was originally designed by Mother Cabrini and which served as a summer residence for the orphans cared for by the Missionary Sisters. The alums were awestruck by the commanding views of Denver and the surrounding area that could be seen from the Stone House.

Our visit commenced with an orientation presented by Sr. Alice Zanon, MSC, which provided an historical context for our visit.  Then, it was off to explore all the wonders of the Shrine property: the beautifully curated museum, the grotto, the Cabrini Gardens and the spring where Mother Cabrini first discovered water on the property that formerly had been dry.  (The spring has never stopped flowing.)

The big challenge was to climb the 373 steps to the top of the mountain to visit the statue of the Sacred Heart and to view the stone heart first created by the orphans during the time of Mother Cabrini. Mission accomplished!

The weekend provided time for group reflection along with celebrations of the 80th Anniversary of St. Cabrini’s canonization and her birthday.  A festive dinner with the Shrine staff and volunteers, a liturgical concert and an uplifting Sunday morning liturgy were highlights.  Much too soon, our visit ended with the intention to return again.  Our sincere gratitude to everyone at the Shrine for making us feel so welcome.

 

A Joyful Celebration of Mother Cabrini’s Enduring Mission

Mother Cabrini Shrine was filled with joy as we celebrated the 80th anniversary of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini's canonization. We were especially delighted to welcome members of the Cabrini University alumni community, who spent the weekend on pilgrimage, retracing Mother Cabrini's footsteps and deepening the bond we share in her mission.

Our celebrations included an inspiring musicians' workshop and concert with renowned Catholic artists Steve Angrisano and Sarah Hart, whose music invited all of us to encounter the Sacred Heart of Jesus with renewed faith and hope. Steve and Sarah also joined our Shrine choirs for both English Masses on Sunday, enriching our liturgies with prayerful music and joyful worship.

The weekend concluded with a moving evening featuring Fr. Greg Boyle, S.J., founder of Homeboy Industries, whose message of mercy, compassion, and human dignity beautifully echoed Mother Cabrini's own commitment to those on the margins.

We were also grateful for the presence of our Missionary Sisters, who joined pilgrims, staff, volunteers, and friends in celebrating the mission we are all called to share.

Throughout the weekend, we were reminded that Mother Cabrini's legacy continues to unite people of all backgrounds in faith, service, and hope. It was a joyful celebration of her enduring mission and of all those who continue to carry it forward together.

Happy 176th Birthday, Mother Cabrini!

This year, on the occasion of Mother Cabrini’s birthday, it seems fitting to reflect upon the remarks delivered by Pope Leo XIV when he recently visited Sant’Angelo Lodigiano, Mother Cabrini’s birthplace. ~ excerpts from Vatican News and www.cabriniworld.org

“I am here to pay tribute to Mother Cabrini, Patroness of Migrants and the first Saint of the United States of America, who was born here in Sant’Angelo Lodigiano in 1850 and died in Chicago - my hometown - in 1917.

When the time came to make the decisive choice regarding the “direction” her religious institute’s mission should take, she wanted the Pope to be the one to point the way.  And Pope Leo XIII was clear: “Not to the East, but to the West,” in service to the thousands of Italian emigrants in America.

Through these words, Mother Cabrini interpreted the signs of the times and understood that her dream of going to China, following in the footsteps of St. Francis Xavier, was to be realized wherever the need was greatest at that moment.

But dear sisters and brothers, when we look at the world today, what are we to say?  That “sign” - that is the phenomenon of migration - has entered a different phase, one that is certainly more complex, yet no less capable of challenging the Church.

Let us ask ourselves: if Mother Francesca were alive today, what would her missionary spirit tell her?  Or rather, what would the Heart of Christ say to her heart - that of a woman consecrated to Him and to the service of His kingdom?  And what would a Pope like Francis - who, as the son of Italian immigrants, had made service to migrants one of the key priorities of his pontificate - ask of her?

Brothers and sisters, what could be more relevant today than this charism?  I say this here before the relic of Mother Cabrini’s heart, brought from the Motherhouse in Codogno.  I say this as I greet and thank with affection her spiritual daughters, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred heart of Jesus.  What could be more relevant today than a missionary charism dedicated to serving migrants?

I therefore take this opportunity to make an appeal, especially to young people: get to know Saint Frances Cabrini! Read her writings, filled with passion for Jesus and for the mission: her letters, her travel journals, and the notes from her retreats.  Anyone who gets to know Mother Cabrini is captivated by her.

May Saint Cabrini help you to be in love with Christ, and witnesses to his Gospel with a dynamic and generous spirit, in service to the poorest.

Finally, I pray to the Lord for the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in all their communities: May God bless them and renew them in their fidelity to Mother Cabrini’s charism.”    ~ www.cabriniworld.org

 

To read the full text of the remarks of Pope Leo XIV and to view the video of his visit to Sant’ Angelo Lodigiano, please click here

 

Our Mission Finds Life here…

Cabrini Immigrant Services - Dobbs Ferry, NY (CIS-DF) has been focusing on Mission. As we welcome our clients, we want them, both adults and children, to know who St. Cabrini is and why we are called Cabrini Immigrant Services. With the theme, ‘Our Mission Finds Life…’ we wanted to highlight how in our current times, we continue to walk in the footsteps of Mother Cabrini.

In addition to showing the movie, CABRINI, we had Sr. Bridget Zanin, MSC speak to our clients about the life of St. Cabrini.  Several of our clients have created their own timelines using their personal stories and have shown how they are part of the Cabrini Mission. We had a recent visit with some Carmelite Sisters, as well. Our clients shared with them their personal stories and explained how they, too, are part of the Cabrini mission.  ~ submitted by Lorraine Campanelli, Director, CIS-DF

We would like to share some pictures of our Mission Project:

Canonization Celebrations in Golden, CO

On Tuesday morning, we joyfully began our weeklong celebration of the 80th Anniversary of the canonization of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini with a beautiful Mass celebrated alongside the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, our staff, volunteers, and members of the Mother Cabrini Shrine community.

Following Mass, we gathered for breakfast in a spirit of gratitude, giving thanks for Mother Cabrini's enduring legacy and the mission that continues through all who serve in her name. With the Shrine grounds beautifully decorated for this historic occasion, we look forward to a week filled with prayer, celebration, and opportunities to deepen our commitment to carrying Mother Cabrini's mission of love, hope, and service into the world.

National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini

Yesterday, on the 80th anniversary of Mother Cabrini’s canonization, the National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini in Chicago premiered their new video filled with testimonials of Mother's impact here in Chicago and around the world.
To view the video, please click here 

MSC General Superior Sr. Eliane shares 80th Canonization Anniversary Message

We share excerpts from her letter.

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

May the Peace of Christ reign in your hearts!

In the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Mother Cabrini’s canonization, we thank God for the wonders of His Love for us, as heirs to a legacy that was born with the spirituality of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Thus, the words of Pope Pius XII in the canonization holy on July 7, 1946 are very relevant:
“This wonder, which frequently occurs by the disposition of Divine Providence
in the annals of the Church, today especially proves comforting at a time when men are in greater need than even of the splendor and fruit of holiness. Not only the Sisters, but, everyone has reason to observe and imitate the virtues of Frances Xavier Cabrini.”

With canonization, everything changes. Mother Cabrini belongs to the Church, to all the faithful and becomes a model of life sanctified by God.

Saint Cabrini, with her heart without borders, is a model of virtue and missionary spirit.

Declared ‘Universal Patroness of Immigrants’ by Pope Pius XII in 1950 and recognized by him in a pontifical audience as a “heroine of modern times.”
On the occasion of the centenary year of St. Cabrini - 2017 - Pope Francis emphasized her prophetic character. She had the intuition, in her time, that the modern era would be marked by enormous migratory flows and by men, women and children fleeing for a better future and for peace.

And, crowning this year 2026, Pope Leo XIV visited the city of Sant’ Angelo and in his speech, he expressed his affection and admiration for Mother Cabrini:
“I am here to pay tribute to Mother Cabrini, Patroness of Immigrants, the first Saint of the United States of American, born here in Sant’ Angelo Lodigiano and died in Chicago, my hometown.

Brothers and Sisters what is more current than this charism? I say it here, before the relic of Mother Cabrini’s heart. I say it while greeting and thanking with affection her spiritual daughters, Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. What is more current than a missionary charism that places itself at the service of migrants?

I take this occasion to launch an appeal, especially to young people: get to know St. Frances Cabrini. Read her writings, full of passion for Jesus and for the mission; her letters, her travel diaries, the notes from her retreats. Whoever knows Mother Cabrini is captivated by her.”

I believe that these words are an encouragement to be faithful to the legacy of Saint Cabrini for humanity in these current times.

And may our whole being and acting be for the Greater Glory of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, as it was for our dear Mother Cabrini.

With love,
Sr. Maria Eliane Azevedo da Silva, MSC
General Superior

To view a video of the Pope’s visit to Sant’ Angelo Lodigiano please click here

 

Cabrini Mission Foundation and the Guadalupe Province Respond to Earthquake Crisis in Venezuela

In the wake of the devastating earthquakes that struck Venezuela on June 24, the Cabrini Mission Foundation, together with the Guadalupe Province of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, has committed $5,000 in emergency relief to support those affected by this humanitarian crisis.

At 6:04 p.m. local time, a powerful 7.2 magnitude foreshock struck north-central Venezuela, followed less than a minute later by a catastrophic 7.5 magnitude earthquake—the most destructive seismic event the country has experienced in more than a century. Authorities immediately declared a state of emergency as communities were left reeling from widespread destruction.

Early reports indicate that more than 1,700 people have lost their lives, with over thousands still missing. Thousands of families have been forced to spend nights outdoors, fearful of aftershocks and unable to return to damaged homes.

Among those hardest hit are the educational and social service communities served by Jesuit partners, including Fe y Alegría Venezuela, a network of 39 schools reaching more than 21,200 children and young people through education, school meal programs, and other vital services. Supported by more than 3,000 staff members—including nearly 1,000 teachers—these centers are now facing enormous challenges as buildings have been damaged and operations disrupted.

In these critical first days, Jesuit schools, parishes, social centers, and community partners are conducting rapid assessments and mobilizing emergency assistance, including temporary shelter, food, clean water, healthcare, and protection for vulnerable families.

Through collaboration with local partners on the ground, aid is being directed where it is needed most to help families recover and rebuild. The Cabrini Mission Foundation’s contribution reflects our ongoing commitment to stand with those in crisis and to answer Mother Cabrini’s call to serve the most vulnerable.

As this tragedy continues to unfold, we ask for prayers for the people of Venezuela and for all those working tirelessly to bring hope and healing in the midst of devastation.

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