Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Bringing Christ's love to the world
Missionary Sisters Eileen Currie (2nd l.) and Christine Marie Baltas (4th l.) and Sr. Roselle Santivasi (our photographer) welcomed Cabrini University CAVS Council and committee volunteers to their home for a springtime wine and cheese gathering. Mother Cabrini shooed away the rainy clouds in time for everyone to gather on the beautiful patio.
Our deepest thanks to the Sisters for their warm and gracious hospitality. Everyone had fun!
Shirley Godoi, Administrative Assistant at CIS DF, led the session and explained how people are receiving text messages and emails requesting money and personal information. She emphasized that no one should share personal or financial information by phone unless they are certain of who is contacting them.
One of the major topics that was discussed was the protection of banking and financial information. Shirley stressed that you should never open any of your banking/financial information while in public places, especially when using public Wi Fi or charging a phone at a public charging station. She explained that these places can expose sensitive information to cybercriminals. It is essential to wait until you are in a secure, private location before opening any financial apps or documents.
Another segment focused on downloading apps safely. Shirley walked participants through checking to make sure an app is safe to download. She also told them to be cautious about any fees that may be added when downloading the app.
Shirley stressed the importance of not answering any calls or opening email if you do not know who is calling or sending the email. She conducted a demonstration on how to block unwanted phone numbers and report spam.
Everyone left feeling more confident when using their phones. They said they learned a great deal and will be extremely cautious when opening apps or responding to texts in the future.
Everyone had a ball at Cabrini Mission Foundation’s Annual Bowling event. Hosted at Lucky Strike in the Chelsea Piers in New York City, attendees got together to showcase their ‘unbowlievable’ skills, while others hung back to cheer on their favorite teams.
The night was full of alley favorites including chips, pizza, cold beer, and the Foundation staple - pigs-in-a-blanket. Bowlers came ready to win; some equipped with matching t-shirts that paired perfectly with their bowling shoes, fully embracing the team spirit.
Even with the competitive flare of the evening, the event created many happy memories, and a few new traditions, all while showing support for a great cause.
Cabrini High School recently hosted an unforgettable Welcome Night for its incoming pre-freshmen and freshmen, the classes of 2031 and 2030. It was an evening that reflected both the strength of the Cabrini community and the excitement surrounding this year’s remarkable recruitment success. In what can only be described as a milestone moment, Cabrini has welcomed a class that is more than double the size of last year’s incoming group, with over 100 young women applying to become the next generation of Cabrini Crescents.
The evening brought together students and their families for a first glimpse into the vibrant life that awaits them on campus. New students had the opportunity to meet their future classmates, beginning to form the friendships that will shape their high school experience. Laughter and conversation filled the cafeteria and arena as connections were made and anticipation grew.
Parents were equally engaged, connecting with members of the Cabrini Dads’ Club and the Parents Association. These conversations highlighted the strong network of support that defines the Cabrini experience, not just for students, but for families as well. Faculty and administrators were also present throughout the evening, offering a warm welcome and sharing their vision for guiding each student’s academic and personal journey.
A highlight of the night was an inspiring welcome video that captured the spirit of Cabrini and previewed the transformative years ahead. From academic excellence to spiritual growth, leadership opportunities, and lifelong friendships, the video painted a compelling picture of what it truly means to be a Crescent ~ story continues on following page
As these young women prepare to begin their Cabrini journey, the energy and enthusiasm of Welcome Night made one thing clear: the future is bright, and these classes are ready to shine.
Watch the welcome video here: https://streamable.com/jdwrhi
The Cabrini Immigration Commission of the Guadalupe Province, and the Cabrini University CAVS and community responded to an urgent need in a local school district in Southeast Pennsylvania. Three immigrant families in that district are in dire straits due to varying circumstances. When contacted by Karol Brewer, Co-Chair of the Cabrini Immigration Commission, Holly Oliver, the district social worker, explained the differing plights of these families. Due to the overwhelming generosity of Cabrini University alumni, faculty and staff and Villanova University staff members over the past year, Cabrini was able to provide support in the form of gift cards to assist these struggling families. Holly Oliver administers the gift cards to ensure that they provide the necessities needed. Abundant thanks to everyone who allows our support to continue.
Be sure to mark your calendars for Mother Cabrini’s 176th Birthday on July 15th from 1 - 4 pm at the Cabrini Cottage when we will once again be giving Mother “birthday gifts” that will enable us to support these families in meaningful ways.
Sr. Lucy brings with her a rich and diverse background in formation, ministry, and leadership within our Institute. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and a Licentiate in Psychology from the Gregorian University in Rome. Her academic preparation has supported a life of service marked by attentiveness to both the human and spiritual dimensions of those entrusted to her care.
Throughout her religious life, Sr. Lucy has served in a variety of ministries across different cultural contexts. Her experience includes school catechesis, teaching Italian to middle school students, and serving as a nurse at Cabrini Hospital in Seattle. She has dedicated many years to formation as a Novice Directress in Latin America and the United States, accompanying young women in their discernment and growth in religious life.
Her international ministry also extends to Africa, where she has accompanied young women discerning their vocation and supported the ongoing formation of young sisters. This experience has deepened her commitment to intercultural formation, attentive listening, and the nurturing of vocations within diverse realities, strengthening connections across provinces and fostering a spirit of shared mission.
At the international level, Sr. Lucy has served as Coordinator of the International Formation Coordinating Team, fostering collaboration and unity in formation processes across provinces. She has also ministered as a Professor of Novices at the Conference of Religious in Guatemala and has offered therapeutic accompaniment to many religious sisters and brothers. Her leadership experience includes serving as Regional Superior in Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Mexico, as well as Provincial Superior in Argentina.
As she begins her service in the Guadalupe Province, Sr. Lucy expresses her desire to walk together in a spirit of synodality, listening deeply to each sister and fostering collaboration with the laity who share in our mission. She hopes to strengthen community life, promote vocations, support ongoing formation, and encourage a renewed missionary zeal rooted in our Cabrinian charism.
With trust in the Sacred Heart of Jesus, she looks forward to embracing the challenges and opportunities of our time with faith, openness, and hope.
We entrust Sr. Lucy’s new mission to the Lord and ask for your prayers, that she may be guided by wisdom, compassion, and courage in her service.
Dear Sisters, CLMs, lay leaders and colleagues, volunteers, benefactors and all who are part of the Cabrini community,
On April 30th, I will complete my term as the Provincial of the Guadalupe Province of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Being a Provincial is perhaps one of the most challenging and yet grace-filled times of my life. During these eight years we have experienced so much as a Province and in our world.
It would be hard to mention all that has happened; suffice it to say, we have experienced many crises and many graces and God was and continues to be with us! Throughout it all, we have sought to help one another and to be witnesses of God’s Love.
The journey continues and in order to respond with generosity and fidelity we need to walk together and exercise creative intelligence. We also need courage to listen to what God is asking of us and not be afraid of change. Jesus says to us, “Arise, go forth and trust that I will lead you.”
Thank you for the privilege to walk the journey with you. Let us pray for each other as we enter this time of transition. May you welcome Sr. Lucy Panettieri, MSC, the new Provincial, with the same warmth and collaboration as you did with me.
Sr. Diane Olmstead, MSC
Thank you, Sr. Diane, for your vision and leadership throughout these eight years. May the next chapter of your life be filled with grace. Blessings.
Cabrini Health, Malvern, Australia
Cabrini in Australia would like to thank Sr. Diane for your leadership, support, and wise counsel over your years as Provincial Superior. Your visits ‘Down Under’ have always been busy and intense. However, there’s always time to try something new for a bit of fun!
~ All staff at Cabrini Health
Cabrini High School, New Orleans, LA
Cabrini High School New Orleans extends its deepest gratitude to you, Sr. Diane, for your unwavering support and dedication. Over the past two years, especially, marked by significant leadership transitions, growth in our student body, and meaningful campus-wide improvements and capital enhancements, your guidance and presence have been invaluable. Your profound interest in the lives and formation of tomorrow’s Cabrinian women has left a lasting impact. The Cabrini community has cherished the time you have spent not only with faculty and staff, but also with students and alumnae, who remain deeply passionate about Mother Cabrini’s enduring legacy. Cabrinian women are truly unmatched: strong, motivated, endlessly curious, and driven by a deep devotion to witnessing God’s glory in action. You embody this spirit wholeheartedly, and Cabrini High School is profoundly grateful for your commitment and contributions. As you move into your new role, the Cabrini community offers its prayers and best wishes for your continued success and faithful service.
~ Administration, Faculty, Staff and Students of Cabrini High School
Cabrini Immigrant Services - Dobbs Ferry and NYC
With deep gratitude, Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC and Dobbs Ferry honor you, Sister Diane, as you complete your term as Provincial. We are grateful for your generous support of our mission and genuine solidarity with the immigrant communities we serve. Living out the charism of Mother Cabrini, you have supported us through seasons of growth and through moments of challenge. Your steady encouragement and wise counsel have made our organization stronger. Thank you, Sister, for everything. We wish you every blessing in the chapter ahead.
~ The Staff of Cabrini Immigrant Services
Cabrini Guatemala
On behalf of Cabrini Guatemala, we express our deepest gratitude to Sr. Diane for your eight years of dedicated and inspiring leadership. Your kindness, constant support, and strong sense of mission have left a meaningful mark across our ministries. Even from a distance, your vision of unity among us, your deep faith, and your encouragement, especially toward communicators, have been truly inspiring.
Your leadership has not only guided our work but has also strengthened our sense of purpose and belonging within the Cabrini family, reminding us that even across distances, we are united in one shared mission. We carry forward your example with gratitude and hope, keeping you always in our prayers.
~ All of us at Cabrini Guatemala
Cabrini Mission Foundation
On behalf of the Cabrini Mission Foundation Board of Trustees and staff, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Sr. Diane as you complete your term as Provincial. We thank you for your faithful leadership, wise guidance, and steadfast support throughout your tenure.
In the spirit of Mother Cabrini, you have led with courage, compassion, and deep trust in God’s providence. Your dedicated service and thoughtful discernment have strengthened the mission and inspired many to continue the work of healing, teaching and caring.
With sincere appreciation, we thank you.
(Everyone will be warmly invited to join the Cabrini Mission Foundation on October 23 for our Annual Gala when we will honor Sr. Diane.)
~ Christopher LaBianco, Executive Director
Guadalupe Province Offices - New York City
Dear Sr. Diane,
You have been a light to those of us who have had the privilege to work with you over the years. You have always made us feel appreciated and supported every step of the way. We wish you abundant blessings as you step into this new chapter of your journey. We pray that your new assignment brings you fulfillment, opportunities to serve others, and continued spiritual growth.
May your faith continue to guide you, your purpose grow stronger, and your work be filled with meaning and grace. May you find strength in every challenge, joy in every success, and peace in knowing you are exactly where you are meant to be. Congratulations, and may God’s presence go before you in all that you do.
~ Josephine Geraci, Dee Campos, Mike Tambasco and James Murphy
Guadalupe Province Offices - Pennsylvania
Dear Sr. Diane,
We want to share our deep gratitude for being such a kind, caring, and deeply considerate leader. Collaborating with you these eight years has been a joy and privilege and we’re thankful for the trust, support, and compassion you have brought to every moment. You have poured incredible heart and dedication into your role as Provincial, and now, we will look forward journeying together in new ways.
May you find time for rest and renewal as you anticipate your future ministries serving God’s people. We wish you love, grace, and every blessing as you continue your selfless service in the world.
~ Karol Brewer and Nancy Costello
Mother Cabrini Shrine, Golden, CO
Dear Sr. Diane,
With deep gratitude and affection, we thank you for your years of faithful leadership as Provincial of the Guadalupe Province. We are especially grateful for the generous support and encouragement you have shown Mother Cabrini Shrine. Please know of our heartfelt prayers for you and our lasting appreciation for all you have given so generously to the province and to us. May the Sacred Heart and St. Frances Cabrini continue to hold you close and bless you in this new season of life.
Gratefully,
JoAnn Seaman and the staff at Mother Cabrini Shrine
National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, Chicago, IL
Sr Diane,
We want to thank you for your eight years of leading the Guadalupe Province. Your leadership and dedication have left a lasting impact with all of us who have worked with you. We are so grateful for your guidance and unwavering professionalism. Our wish for you is to have a well-earned relaxing time to yourself and we look forward to working with you in your new role, whatever that may be.
~ Laurie Halaska and National Shrine staff
St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Shine, New York, NY
The 2026 Cabrini Australia nurses and midwives graduate cohort is the largest in the Program’s history. It also contains more Cabrini DNA than any cohort that’s come before it. Forty-one graduates were blessed before a large crowd of family, friends and colleagues in the Chapel on Monday 27 April, taking the total number of 2026 graduates to 90.
Among Monday’s group were graduate midwife Ashleigh Thomson, daughter of Cabrini Infection Prevention and Control Service Manager Kirsty Thomson, Alana Hadjiloukas, daughter of IT Applications Manager Libby Hadjiloukas, and Joseph Melendres, husband of fellow graduate nurse Andrea Melendres, who started the grad program in February.
Joseph has worked in Medical Imaging at Cabrini Malvern for 12 years, and his wife Andrea has worked here as a PCA and before that in Domestic Services for the past six years, but both had been nurses overseas early in their careers. It’s been a juggle for the new grads, but one they’ve been happy to do.
“Andrea encouraged me to retrain in nursing at the same time that she decided to re-train,” Joseph said. “So, the past couple of years have been very busy for us with us both studying and working and raising our two children.
Monday was a full circle moment for Alana, whose two grandmothers were also nurses. When Libby was pregnant with her, Libby’s Cabrini boss was Viv Niteros, who would later become Alana’s boss when she started work in Cabrini Patient Services five years ago. Despite loving her Cabrini administration role, Alana realised nursing was for her.
“Working in a clerical role here, I’ve had some amazing mentors who’ve given me a huge bible of Cabrini knowledge,” she said. “So rather than choosing somewhere else to do my grad year, I wanted it to be Cabrini because I really feel like Cabrini is home.”
“Cabrini sold itself,” Ashleigh said. “I hadn’t really considered Cabrini, but Mum spoke so highly about it, about the culture and how welcoming everyone is, and so I came to the open day and that completely changed my perspective on what I wanted.
“And now I’m here, Mum was right and my first impression was right. We’ve felt very nurtured and the graduate program team has really emphasized that Cabrini wants to invest in us – that we’re Cabrini’s future.”
Cabrini Immigrant Services -Dobbs Ferry (CIS-DF) was very honored to have Sr. Bridget Zanin, MSC, speak to our Knitting Group about the life of St. Cabrini.
Sr. Bridget spoke about Mother Cabrini’s birthpla ce, her family, her poor health and her desire to be a missionary. She also shared about her wanting to go to China but Pope XIII told her to go to America instead to serve Italian immigrants.
Using technology, Sr. Bridget was able to have us ‘be’ in Sant’Angelo Lodigiano, Codogno, the Shrines in Chicago, Colorado and NYC. We also saw some historic pictures of the novitiate and orphanage in Dobbs Ferry which is the current home of St. Cabrini Nursing Home.
Everyone loved seeing the special places that meant so much to Mother Cabrini. Many were surprised to hear that Mother Cabrini walked the streets of Dobbs Ferry and lived on the property where the Nursing Home is located. Sr. Bridget gave everyone a prayer card of St. Cabrini that had a special prayer for immigrants.
Sr. Bridget has already been asked to return to CIS-DF to share more about the life of St. Cabrini. We are most grateful to Sr. Bridget for sharing so much with us. She brought Mother Cabrini to life!
Volunteers do not necessarily have the time…they just have the heart.”
Sr. Renee Kittelson, MSC attended a Volunteer Appreciation Event at the Gouverneur Skilled Nursing Facility on April 22, 2026. Sr. Renee has been a Catholic Volunteer at the facility for the past three years where the Missionary Sisters have been a presence t for many years.
We thank Sr. Renee for her dedicated volunteer service.