Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Bringing Christ's love to the world

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Cabrini Campus of Villanova University ~ Dedication

On the afternoon of September 10th, the Villanova University community held the formal dedication ceremony for its 112-acre Cabrini Campus following a two-year revitalization program.

The ceremony was held on what is now known as the Cabrini Arbor - formerly The Commons and Peace Pole Garden. The proceedings featured remarks from Villanova University President Rev. Peter M. Donohue, O.S.A., PhD and Sister Diane Olmstead, MSC, former Guadalupe Province Provincial and Villanova trustee.

Their remarks emphasized preserving the spirit and mission of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini. Sister Diane highlighted Mother Cabrini's philosophy of “the education of the heart” - the whole person—mind, heart, and soul, expressing gratitude that students once again are filling the campus.

Fr. Peter noted that the new campus represents an historic, once-in-a-generation expansion for Villanova.He thanked the Missionary Sisters for entrusting the university to carry forward Mother Cabrini's legacy of service and faith.

Missionary Sisters, Cabrini alumni, former faculty, staff and friends in attendance noted the many thoughtful Cabrinian touches for the reception such violet centerpieces and Italian cookies and gelato.

The newly dedicated campus accommodates more than 2,000 undergraduate and graduate students, offering modernized classrooms, residential halls, study areas, and academic institutions, including the Mother Cabrini Institute on Immigration.

~ excerpts from Villanova University social media and The Villanovan

National Migration Week September 21 – 27, 2026

For over 45 years, the Catholic Church in the United States has celebrated National Migration Week (NMW). This is an opportunity to reflect on our history as an immigrant Church and the ways in which our country has been enriched by generations of immigrants, including the many Catholics who have adopted this land as their own. It is also an occasion to grow in appreciation of the challenges faced by migrants and refugees, both in the United States and beyond, and to express solidarity through prayer, accompaniment, and advocacy.

This year, National Migration Week takes place September 21–27. It will culminate with the Universal Church's annual commemoration of the World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR) on the last Sunday of the month (September 27).

Pope Leo XIV chose "Even just one of these children" for this year's WDMR theme, which is a reference to Matthew 18:5: “Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” When this theme was announced, the Vatican noted, “With this choice, the Holy Father intends to express the Church’s concern for minors directly involved in migration, recalling the duty to welcome each one of them as the Gospel teaches us.”
~ USCCB website

We are Called to Respond
“Whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.”
This quotation challenges each of us to reflect more closely on the often-dire situations that drive children to migrate - often alone - in search of a safe haven.

 What can I/we do to ensure that child migrants are not exploited but receive the care that they deserve?

 What steps can I/we take in our local community to welcome migrants and help them become more fully integration in their new home?

To learn more about the Church teaching on migration, please visit:
www.justiceforimmigrants.org

The Cabrini Pledge
The Cabrini Pledge is both a reminder of our immigrant heritage and a call to deeper engagement with our faith in response to current events. At a time when our culture is dominated by deep political divisions and reasonable disagreements about immigration policy, progress can feel impossible. But by witnessing to the God-given dignity of every person, including the migrants and refugees in our midst, we pave the way for an approach rooted in mercy, justice, and the common good. And together, like Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, we can be keepers of hope.
Explore the call


“Migrants and refugees remind the Church of her pilgrim dimension, perpetually journeying towards her final homeland, sustained by a hope that is a theological virtue.”
—Pope Leo XIV, Message for the 111th World Day of Migrants and Refugees

The history of the U.S. Catholic Church, like the history of the United States itself, is very much intertwined with the phenomenon of migration. The first American citizen to be canonized a saint, Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini, was the embodiment of this. An immigrant from Italy, she adopted this country as her own. While often facing discrimination and seemingly impossible odds, she never succumbed to hopelessness. With relentless faith, she accompanied her fellow immigrants and others living on the margins of society with a great missionary zeal.

But Mother Cabrini’s challenges, and the challenges of those she served, are not unique among the generations of Catholics and immigrants in general who have come to this land. This is not just a matter of history. It is a present reality in the life of our Church and nation.

I PLEDGE:
• To affirm, in word and deed, the inherent dignity of every person, regardless of immigration status or country of origin, seeing each as a child of God before all else.

• To engage with Scripture and the Church’s social teaching, reflecting on the role of migration in salvation history, the history of the United States, and the history of my own family.

• To listen and learn about the circumstances facing migrants and refugees, including those in my community, with an open heart and mind.

• To seek opportunities for encounter, so as to grow in deeper understanding and communion that leads to an authentic solidarity with those in need.

• To consider what it means to be a good neighbor and how I am called to reflect the love and hope of Christ to others.

• To encourage civic dialogue that places the human person and the sanctity of families at the center of policymaking, especially toward the end of meaningful immigration reform.

• To join with Pope Leo in praying for all migrants and refugees as fellow travelers on the journey to our true homeland.

Prayer for Migrants and Refugees
For all bishops in our Church that they may be encouraged by our prayers and support to lead God’s people in building a culture that respects the human dignity of all migrants, we pray to the Lord.
For all Catholics, that God inspire them to take action in their local communities to support and protect migrants and to advocate on their behalf, we pray to the Lord.
For unaccompanied migrant children, that God protect them on their journey and safely reunite them with their families, we pray to the Lord.
For our neighbors, coworkers, friends, fellow Christians, and all people, that they may grow in their awareness of the issue of migration and become a voice in the public square calling for greater protections for these populations, we pray to the Lord.
For migrant workers, refugees, and all other strangers in our midst, that they may find strength in our concern for justice and feel the warmth of our love, we pray to the Lord.
For the bishops, that they will continue in their commitment to refugee resettlement and provide in their communities a place of welcome, we pray to the Lord.
For all refugees who are forced to flee from their homes, that God bring peace to them and their country of origin, we pray to the Lord.
For refugees in Africa, and the Middle East, and elsewhere who are experiencing great suffering that God might bring them to a place of peace and safety, we pray to the Lord.
For the President of the United States and all government leaders: that the Son of God, who became human, will help them understand the great dignity of human persons, and support legislation that better protects vulnerable populations in our midst, we pray to the Lord.
For policy makers in our nation that God grant them the wisdom to enact laws that provide greater protection for all migrant populations, we pray to the Lord.

 

 

 

 

A New Mission Statement and Core Values

On Wednesday, August 19, we had a beautiful Service of Blessing and Presentation of our new Mission Statement and Core Values at the St. Cabrini Nursing Home in Dobbs Ferry, NY.

Beautifully framed statements were presented to every department leader, clinical nurse manager, administration and the volunteer department to be hung in prominent areas of departments, clinical units and throughout our facility. It was a major project and undertaking. It involved having reflective and meaningful conversations with department staff, clinical staff and leadership, residents and volunteers to create a Mission Statement and set of Core Values that truly reflect our heritage, who we are, what is important to us and how we care for each other.

Built by Hands and Hearts

Five years ago, the Cabrini Women’s Mental Health Service started out as nothing more than an idea.

“An ambitious idea,” Chief of Mental Health and Cabrini Outreach, Sharon Sherwood said. “Some might even have called it a slightly crazy idea – the idea that women deserved a dedicated mental health service designed around their needs, their stories, their strengths, and their recovery.”

That idea grew into something incredible. Since opening its doors in 2021, the service has grown substantially, according to Cabrini Clinical Psychologist, Rivkah
Nathanson.

“Over the past five years, the number of clients we have on the ward continues to grow,” Rivkah said. The 30-bed unit has supported an incredible 1371 women via inpatient admissions over the years.
Cabrini Women’s Mental Health also assisted 36 women last year via generous donors to our Access Fund which ensures women can access specialist care regardless of their financial situation.

But behind every admission and every dollar donated is a woman whose life has been changed. “The impact for clients is really meaningful,” Rivkah said.

The impact the Service has made has been recognised by the healthcare industry, too. The Service was named a finalist in a 2025 industry excellence awards program for its exceptional achievements. “Australia’s First Women’s Mental Health Hospital” was published in the journal Australasian Psychiatry celebrating the efficacy of the model of care and its contribution to the growing evidence base for specialist, gender-sensitive mental health care.

“The breadth and scope of the service that we offer has significantly improved over time,” Rivkah said. “We’re constantly improving based on feedback that we get from clients, and at the moment it’s really a nice holistic, trauma-informed program that incorporates various different therapeutic approaches.”

“The most important thing is that women who are struggling have a place to come and get the help that they need and get back on track to living the life that they want to live, and to feel supported in that.”

Supporting women is the goal Sharon had in mind when the idea was conceived years ago, although she’s quick to point out that the Service’s growth was never the work of one person alone.

Reflecting on this five-year milestone, she says the credit belongs to everyone who has helped to build it. “A service is built by lots of hands and hearts,” Sharon said. “It’s built by nurses, psychiatrists, psychologists, occupational therapists, social workers, exercise physiologists, art therapists, music therapists, pastoral care, administrators, hospitality staff, cleaners, volunteers, lived-experience voices, families and, most importantly, the women we care for.”

Starting the Seminary Year with a Pilgrimage!

St. Joseph’s Seminary students begin their school year with a visit to the St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Shrine in NYC.

Continuing a four-year tradition, on Tuesday afternoon the students from St. Joseph’s Seminary began the 2026 school year with a pilgrimage to St. Frances Cabrini Shrine in New York City.

For most of the men it was their first visit to the Shrine. In addition to learning about Mother Cabrini and celebrating Mass, they spent time in prayer, visited Mother Cabrini’s bench, and asked plenty of questions. We love having them here and also love that almost every priest who has been ordained in recent years has subsequently brought his parish to the Shrine on pilgrimage!

Please pray for these fine men as they discern their vocations.

 

 

Creating a Truly Rich Life

On August 21st, Cabrini Immigrant Services – Dobbs Ferry (CIS-DF) held a workshop entitled: “Una Vida Verdaderamente Rica: Estrategias para vivir bien con menos (A Truly Rich Life: Strategies for Living Well on Less). Betsy Suarez, a licensed mental health counselor, presented the workshop.

Betsy spoke about how a fulfilling life is not measured solely by the things we buy or own. Everyone agreed that the cost of living has created significant challenges for individuals and families. Betsy discussed that financial stress affects everyone. It can affect sleep, mood, concentration and relationships. She emphasized the importance of asking for help rather than trying to manage everything alone. Sharing responsibilities with others can help reduce stress and create a healthier lifestyle.

One strategy that she spoke of was cutting back without sacrificing your quality of life. She stated that you need to look at the essentials first, housing food, health care, insurance, etc. before spending on ‘secondary needs.’

Betsy also discussed the importance of self-care and taking time to engage in activities that can help relieve stress. Various behavioral activation strategies and activity-planning techniques were presented. She emphasized that it is okay—and important—to take time for “YOU.” Prioritizing self-care can help a person better manage the demands of everyday life.

Family Fun at Cabrini Immigrant Services NYC

On July 25th, the Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC Social Services Department hosted their second annual Family Field Day, welcoming over 150 families and community members for a day filled with sunshine, laughter, bouncy houses, face painting, tug-of-war, lunch, and so much more!

At Cabrini Immigrant Services -NYC, we have been doing a Mass for the immigrant community on the last Thursday of every month. We always pray for specific intentions that we read during the Mass.

On July 30th we held in prayer many intentions for those in the immigrant community and their needs at this time.

Cabrini High School Student Leaders Inspired by Inaugural Leadership Summit in Colorado

Following an unforgettable week of prayer, service, leadership formation, and fellowship, ten Cabrini High School New Orleans student leaders recently returned from the inaugural Cabrini High School Leadership Summit at the Mother Cabrini Shrine in Golden, Colorado . Representing Student Council and Campus Ministry, the students journeyed to one of the most sacred places in the Cabrinian world, where they immersed themselves in presentations, discussions, and service-learning experiences centered on compassionate leadership, missionary discipleship, and devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Leadership workshops challenged the students to reflect on questions such as What Is the Cabrinian Charism?, What Does It Mean to Be Called to Lead Like Mother Cabrini? and How Can We Lead with Courage, Compassion, and Faith as the Apostles Did? Inspired by these discussions, the students also prayerfully planned the upcoming year for Student Council and Campus Ministry with renewed enthusiasm and a deeper sense of purpose of what their roles as student leaders mean to school’s success.

The summit extended far beyond the classroom. Students hiked Mother Cabrini's mountain, climbed the Stairway of Prayer to the Mount of the Sacred Heart, and visited the miraculous spring that has flowed since Mother Cabrini instructed the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to dig where she trusted God would provide water. Along the way, they witnessed hundreds of pilgrims from across the country making the same climb in search of hope, healing, and renewal. For students who already live the Cabrinian mission each day in New Orleans, seeing the worldwide reach of Mother Cabrini's legacy firsthand was profoundly moving. The experience helped them recognize that they are part of a global family carrying forward the same mission begun by Mother Cabrini more than a century ago.

Throughout the week, shared prayer, meaningful conversations, service, laughter, and moments of quiet reflection strengthened not only the students' faith but also the bonds they share as leaders. The experience opened their hearts even further to faith-filled leadership and inspired them with the same missionary zeal, boldness, and unwavering courage that fueled Mother Cabrini's remarkable work. They returned with a forward-focused commitment to serve their classmates with humility, joy, and Christ-centered leadership throughout the coming school year.

The Leadership Summit is one component of Cabrini High School's expanding commitment to leadership formation. The initiative began this summer with the inaugural Cabrini Leadership Academy for rising seventh-grade girls and will continue throughout the 2026-2027 school year with a monthly leadership speaker series for all Cabrini students. Inspired by Mother Cabrini's conviction that "The world is too small,” these experiences are forming a new generation of Cabrinian women who understand that true leadership begins with faith and finds its purpose in serving othersImages:

We also put together several reels highlighting each day’s activities. Links to social media:
https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1DXwn4qnXD

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1BwU97ZvUu/

Showtime!

Cabrini Immigrant Services-Dobbs Ferry (CIS-DF) offered a Sharing Stories! Making Movies! Summer Program. Children in Grades 3-7 attended the 3-week program. In addition to helping the students with reading and writing skills, the program helps children expand their imagination and creativity.

Parents and siblings were invited to our ‘Movie Premiere’ on the last day of the program. Each child stood up, welcomed everyone and then explained the story that they had written and then filmed. The movies were shown on a ‘large screen’ (Smart Board). After showing their movie, the children answered questions from the audience about their films. Some of the film titles were: Snowy the Penguin, My Friend Ishi, All About Helen Keller and Panky's Pool Day.

The celebration ended with pizza and punch. What a great way to end the program!

A special thank you to our teacher, Anne Marie Santoro, who goes above and beyond to help our students learn and succeed

July Celebrations at the National Shrine of St. Cabrini

At the National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini in Chicago, we had a variety of ways in which to celebrate the 80th Anniversary of the Canonization and the birthday of Mother Cabrini.

We hosted a children's choir from St Mary of the Lake - Our Lady of Lourdes and had a rousing gospel choir from St. Simon of Cyrene Parish.

Fr. Corey Brost, Executive Director of Viator House for Immigrants spoke on the Catholic Church and Immigration.

We had an ethnic food tasting representing Poland, Puerto Rico, Hispanic, Italian and Filipino. And on Sunday, we had a beautiful Mass followed by a dove release in our garden.

What varied and festive ways in which to observe such august occasions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1260 Upper Gulph Road, Wayne, PA 19087
Phone: 484-581-7163   Fax: 484-581-7164
info@mothercabrini.org