News & Publications

Preparing for the Lenten Season

February 12, 2026

Ash Wednesday, this year is on February 18th, which marks the beginning of the sacred season of Lent in the Catholic Church, a forty-day period of prayer, fasting, and almsgiving that prepares the faithful for the celebration of Easter. It is a solemn and reflective day that invites Catholics to turn their hearts back to God through repentance and renewal.

On Ash Wednesday, Catholics receive ashes on their foreheads in the shape of a cross. The priest or minister says either, “Remember that you are dust, and to dust you shall return,” or “Repent, and believe in the Gospel.” The ashes, made from the burned palm branches of the previous year’s Palm Sunday, symbolize human mortality, humility, and sorrow for sin. They are an outward sign of an inward desire for conversion.

From a Catholic perspective, Ash Wednesday signifies several important spiritual realities:
• Repentance: It is a call to examine one’s life, acknowledge sin, and seek God’s mercy through sincere contrition and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.
• Mortality: The ashes remind believers of the brevity of earthly life and the hope of eternal life in Christ.
• Conversion: Lent is a journey of ongoing conversion — turning away from sin and turning toward God more fully.
• Spiritual Discipline: Catholics begin practices of fasting and abstinence on this day. Those who are eligible fast (one full meal and two smaller meals that do not equal a full meal) and abstain from meat as a sign of sacrifice and solidarity with Christ’s suffering.

Ash Wednesday is not a Holy Day of Obligation, yet it is one of the most widely attended liturgies of the year because of its powerful symbolism. It sets a tone of quiet reflection and hope. Though penitential, it is ultimately a day rooted in grace — a reminder that God’s mercy is always available and that the journey toward Easter begins with humility and trust in His love.

CIS-NYC Advocating in Multiple Dimensions

February 5, 2026

At Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC, our staff, through the program Justice for Immigrants (JFI), has participated in a number of mobilizations in the city and in our state’s capital to show our support for protecting immigrant rights!

We joined the New York Immigration Coalition’s Annual Member Congress in Albany, lobbying our assembly members for the New York for All Act, which would prohibit state and local collusion with federal immigration enforcement; as well as the Access to Representation Act, which would establish a right to universal representation, meaning anyone at risk of deportation who cannot afford a lawyer will be provided one; and finally, demanding that the budget for immigration legal services be increased to at least $175 million.

We also paid our respects at the vigil for Alex Pretti, who was murdered by ICE officers in Minnesota, as well as attended the ICE Out of NYC rally on the designated nationwide shutdown against ICE.

At our office on Friday, January 30th, our Social Services team hosted a Nutrition Workshop for clients, where they learned how to incorporate more vegetables and fruits into their meals. The participants also completed ten minutes of exercise and prepared a healthy recipe—a salad. We hope to continue our work serving the immigrant community whether it be in our office, in the state capital, or in the streets!

Blood Pressure: Learning to Watch for the Signs

February 4, 2026

Cabrini Immigrant Services – Dobbs Ferry (CIS-DF), held a workshop entitled: “Hipertensión: ¿Qué la causa? ¿Cómo se trata?” (Hypertension: What causes it/How to treat it). Amy Della Rocca, a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, and Sarah Townley, a Family Nurse Practitioner, presented the workshop.

The workshop began with an explanation of what high blood pressure is and how it affects the body. They highlighted the serious health risks associated with hypertension, including stroke, kidney disease, and loss of vision.

Amy and Sarah spoke about ways to reduce stress, which affects blood pressure. Everyone participated in a meditation that showed one way of helping to calm yourself. Additional stress reduction ideas were practicing yoga, engaging in regular physical activity, and speaking with someone you trust.

The workshop concluded with everyone having her blood pressure checked. In addition, participants received information about local resources that are av ailable to them. Our presentors also offered their availability to our clients.

Cabrini Women’s Mental Health Model: Successful and Reproducible

February 4, 2026

It took three hours for Pat to find the courage to get out of her son’s car on Hopetoun Street and make it through the doors of our Women’s Mental Health Centre late last year.

Crippled with anxiety, her mind racing, and severely sleep deprived, the mum-of-four couldn’t see how we could be of help until one of our psychiatrists sat her down and convinced her that this – Australia’s first women-only mental health hospital – was exactly where she needed to be.

I eventually made it through the doors,” Pat said. “I was very ill, and even though there was nothing appealing to me about the thought of staying in a mental health hospital, I realised it was the right thing to do. I had to hold onto something, so I thought if they're going to send me to a facility, at least I knew that being in a women’s-only place I would be safe.”

In January, research published in the journal Australasian Psychiatry found that the specialised, trauma-focussed, holistic model of care that Cabrini developed for women’s mental health is not only effective but it can feasibly be reproduced.

“We’ve had a number of other centres from around the world visit our hospital to learn from us and use our model as a template.

“The whole program is built on dealing with and helping people through trauma in a women-only setting… and the biological aspects that are different for women – the hormone-related issues,” Centre founder Professor Jayashri Kulkarni said.

“The idea of women’s mental health needing a separate understanding and attention paid to safety and privacy is catching on.”

Cabrini Chief of Mental Health, Sharon Sherwood, said the published data collected from the hospital’s first three years testifies to the Program’s success.

“Our guiding principle is that women experiencing significant mental illness will have a better response to treatment and better outcomes when they receive treatment in a safe, women-only facility, and that treatments and programs are targeted to meet the needs of women and tailored for their specific illness, with true recognition of violence and trauma in all its forms, and with consideration of the biological factors that affect women’s mental health,” Sharon said.

That 95 per cent of the almost 1000 patients who we surveyed said they felt safe in our hospital’s care, and that 93 per cent of those surveyed said the quality of care was excellent and they would refer someone who needed psychiatric care, shows that this model really does work.”

For Pat, who has experienced multiple traumas throughout her life, her 14-day stay was challenging but life-changing and she’s now “feeling much better at being able to deal with the world”.

“I don't have the words for what it did, so I’ll just call it an absolute miracle,” Pat said. “From where I was to where I am now, it’s given me back my life in every respect.

“My daughter convinced me to come here by saying that this place would give us a bit of hope that I could be well again, but I think we've got a bit more than that. My son Josh said we didn’t just get our mum back; we got a better version of our mum.

The Feast Day of St. Josephine Bakhita is February 8

February 4, 2026

St. Josephine Bakhita

Known as the patron saint of human trafficking victims, St. Josephine Bakhita’s journey from slavery to sainthood inspires Catholics and many others worldwide. Born in Sudan, sold into slavery, and later becoming a Canossian sister, her legacy reminds us of God’s power to bring good out of any suffering. (2 Cor. 12:8-10; Rom. 8:28).

From the Homily of Pope St. John Paul II on Josephine Bakhita:
Sunday October 1, 2000
Abducted and sold into slavery at the tender age of seven, she suffered much at the hands of cruel masters. But she came to understand the profound truth that God, and not man, is the true Master of every human being, of every human life. This experience became a source of great wisdom for this humble daughter of Africa.

In today’s world, countless women continue to be victimized, even in developed modern societies. In St Josephine Bakhita we find a shining advocate of genuine emancipation. The history of her life inspires not passive acceptance but the firm resolve to work effectively to free girls and women from oppression and violence, and to return them to their dignity in the full exercise of their rights.

International Day of Prayer and Awareness against Human Trafficking Sunday, February 8

February 4, 2026

Remember events like the Super Bowl offer a great opportunity to raise awareness on human trafficking and on February 8, that opportunity will once again arise as Super Bowl LX takes place in Santa Clara, California. Yet, as we inch near this large sporting event, it is important to remember that it isn’t the only occasion that requires us to direct our attention to the victims of human trafficking – just one of the more well-known.

Talk to your friends, neighbors and family members during Super Bowl parties to raise awareness about human trafficking. Make sure they know that human trafficking is taking place during this event.

Inform them of the following:
A few ways that we can help victims and raise awareness are as follows:
• Learn the signs. How can we “say something” if we don’t know what we’re looking for? Shared Hope International offers excellent resources that explain these signs. Their resource section also includes an “On the Road Warning Signs” document that explains in detail what to look for while traveling. Some of these signs include the suspected victim having someone watch over their every move, having branding on them, being afraid, not speaking freely, showing signs of injuries, not having access to their ID, etc.
• Be bold. If you see something, say something. Never take matters into your own hands. There are trained individuals ready to act in these situations, but by noticing these signs and calling the proper personnel, you are giving help to those in need.
• TO REPORT A TIP OR CONNECT WITH ANTI-TRAFFICKING SERVICES IN YOUR AREA, CONTACT:
• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children 1-800-843-5678 If you have information about a missing child or suspected child sexual exploitation, call to report it or visit their website. cybertipline.com
• IN AN EMERGENCY: Dial 911
• National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888 - A national, toll-free hotline, available from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year.

The most important thing we can do for those trapped in this lifestyle is to pray. Those who have experienced this life are carrying more trauma than many of us can imagine, and their recovery needs afterward are extensive. Oftentimes, even if rescued, the weight of this trauma can be challenging for these victims to process. Pray specifically that these victims are found and that someone shows them the love of Jesus.

Prayer to End Human Trafficking

Eternal God,
Source of justice, mercy, and unending love,
we come before You with heavy hearts,
grieving for the countless lives stolen,
their dignity stripped away,
and the hope dimmed by the darkness of human trafficking.
Lord, You see every hidden place,
every locked room,
every shadow where exploitation thrives.
You know the names, the faces, the stories
of each person trapped in fear and oppression.
We lift them to You now—
those who are missing,
those who are silenced,
those who are crying out in the quiet of their souls.
Break the chains, O God.
Shatter the systems of greed, corruption, and violence
that allow this evil to persist.
Expose the traffickers,
disrupt their networks,
and bring them swiftly to justice.
Pour out courage upon survivors—
that they may find safety, healing, and restoration.
Surround them with people who will protect,
listen, and walk with them toward freedom.
Heal the wounds that no one else can see—
the deep scars of fear, shame, and betrayal.
Strengthen those on the front lines—
rescue workers, law enforcement, advocates, and counselors.
Give them wisdom, endurance, and compassion
to persevere in this fight.
Let their work be fruitful,
and let their hearts be guarded from despair.
Lord, stir our own hearts to action.
Do not let us turn away in comfort or indifference.
Teach us to speak for the voiceless,
to notice the signs of exploitation,
and to use our resources, influence, and prayers
to bring light into the darkest places.
Amen.

Moving Forward Together at the Start of an Exciting New Year

January 28, 2026

Whoever said January was dreary clearly hasn’t spent time at Cabrini High School. This month has been filled with celebration, faith, and momentum as our community moves through one of the busiest and most meaningful seasons of the school year.

Excitement continues to build around the progress of our gym renovations with the completion of the first phase now unveiled. That renewed space made an immediate impact as our basketball team opened play in the gym with a big home victory, an energizing moment for players, students, and Crescent fans alike.
Our soccer program has also given our community much to celebrate. The team’s remarkable season has featured high-scoring offensive performances along with impressive shutout victories, reflecting strong preparation, discipline, and t teamwork.

School spirit will be on full display this weekend as our cheer and dance teams take the national stage together for the first time. The teams will travel to Orlando to compete at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, a venue used by collegiate programs from across the country. Their hard work, unity, and commitment have brought them to this milestone, and we are proud to see them represent Cabrini on such a prominent stage.

Meanwhile, faith remains at the heart of life at Cabrini. We were blessed to celebrate a beautiful Right to Life Mass during which our Right to Life Club members were pinned and recognized. These students have since returned from Washington, D.C., where they joined thousands of young people at the March for Life in support of the dignity of the lives of both mothers and babies. These experiences remind us that faith at Cabrini is lived daily and carried well beyond school grounds.

That same spirit has been evident throughout Catholic Schools Week. Our liturgical choir was honored to be asked to sing at the Archdiocesan Catholic Schools Week Mass at the St. Louis Cathedral, and student artwork is proudly displayed at Lakeside Mall as part of the Archdiocese of New Orleans Catholic Schools Week celebration.
Together, these moments reflect a community rooted in faith, alive with talent, and moving forward with the joy of Jesus in our hearts.

NETWORK Launches Institute to Help People Organize

January 28, 2026

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the news, you're far from alone. There are also millions of people who want to do something, but just don't know what.

NETWORK, the Catholic social justice lobby, has an answer: Get organized.
The lobbying group started by, and still largely run by, Catholic sisters is launching its Organizing Institute, a four-month program designed to strengthen your ability to recruit new people into the movement against the rise of authoritarianism and unaffordability of daily living, build powerful teams and communicate an inspirational message.

The sessions are virtual and are Thursdays, every other week, from 1-2:30 p.m. Eastern, starting March 5 and ending June 25. The deadline to apply is Feb. 11, but officials advise applying as soon as possible. ~ from Global Sisters Report

MSCs, CAVS & Friends Unite to Provide Warmth in Winter

January 28, 2026

Cabrini University alumni and friends, in collaboration with the MSC Cabrini Immigration Commission, rallied before Christmas to donate winter clothing essentials – hats, gloves, scarves - for children in need in our partner school districts in Southeast Pennsylvania. These items were delivered just in the nick of time before Christmas to bring smiles and warmth.

Then, just after the new year, the Immigration Commission received an urgent request for coats for high school students in the Norristown School District. (Many of the earlier donated items were sized for elementary school children.) Our contact in Norristown shared that some high school students were coming to school without coats on the coldest days!

Again, due to the generosity of the Cabrini alumni and friends of the Missionary Sisters, last week, it was possible to purchase and deliver 30 brand new winter coats for high school students. The coats were distributed to students that very afternoon bringing much needed comfort to these young people.