Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Bringing Christ's love to the world

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Teens Helping Teens

Following the STARS program, several of our high school students came to CIS-DF to participate in a Giving Back Program. The students made 100 bags filled with toiletries and other items which will be given to teenagers whose families frequent The Pantry, which is located in Verplanck, NY. The Pantry provides groceries for residents in the Town of Cortlandt.

One student created the list of items for the bags. In addition to deodorant, lip balm, toothbrushes and toothpaste, etc., the teenagers will also be receiving socks, scrunchies, stress balls, lollipops, wristbands and keychains with inspirational sayings. We are sure that that these packets will brighten the holidays for these teenagers. A special thank you to our CIS-DF teenagers for taking time on their Veterans Day off from school to help others.

Integrity Always!

Cabrini Immigrant Services – Dobbs Ferry (CIS-DF) held a STARS (StoryTelling, Art, Reading and Socialization) Program for students in Grades 3-5 on November 11th. In addition to being Veterans Day, it was also National Young Readers Day. Dr. Wendy Mages, a trained storyteller, told the story, The Empty Pot, by Demi. A great discussion took place following the story. The students spoke about the importance of having good character. Words such as honesty, compassion, responsibility, etc. were suggested as the ways in which we should act towards one another.

After the discussion, the students created “A Tree of Integrity.” On the trunk, branches and leaves of the tree, the words that were used during the discussion were written on painted leaves. The tree, which hangs in our classroom, is a reminder to always be people with integrity.
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Today is the Feast Day of the Patroness of Immigrants

The Sister with the Suitcase
~ excerpts from an article by Lucetta Scaraffia,

Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, 100 Years of Cabrinian Mission

This fragile, determined woman from the Lombardy region [of Italy] traveled extensively having dedicated her life to helping the Italian immigrants who, filled with hope, made the trip to America [in the late 1880s.] Francesca Cabrini had received this mission from Pope Leo XIII and to serve them, became an immigrant among immigrants. She left Genoa, Italy with seven Missionary Sisters in 1889, unfamiliar with the sea, exactly like most of the women and men packed into third class and during the crossing she began to comprehend the appalling conditions in which immigrants lived. Like them, she thought she would find a warm welcome and assistance when she arrived in New York, but, bitter disappointment was what she found.

The Scalabrini Fathers, who awaited her arrival, told her that they had not expected her so soon and that they had not yet prepared their accommodations. The next day, after having rested in appallingly filthy conditions [overnight] she want to see Archbishop Corrigan, where she discovered that the situation a was even worse. The prelate ordered them to go back on the same ship that brought them.

This experience only confirmed to Francesca Cabrini that the presence of her mission here was a necessity. Like other immigrants, without anyone to protect her and her Sisters and without knowing a word of English, she went to work immediately. Nothing seemed to work out the way it should have and everything seemed to conspire against her projects.

Yet, from every ministry she founded, a network of initiatives emanated towards its neighborhood, from parochial schools to family visits. Immigrants knew the Sisters would assist the unemployed in finding work, rescue orphaned children, and ensure legal assistance to the poor families who needed it. The Sisters also took care of prisoners who were the most shunned group of Italian immigrants.

Mother Cabrini always chose beautiful places to open a school, an orphanage or a hospital destined for immigrants. In this way, she dispelled the negative image that weighed on the Italian community.

The migratory movements at the time of Mother Cabrini involved mainly the poor of Europe, whose destination was the Americas. Today, migration concerns [span the globe.] Immigrants, migrants and refugees have become the pressing issue of our time and precisely for this reason, the Saint who died in Chicago in 1917, is today more relevant and important than ever.

 

 

Cabrini University CAVS to Hold First Annual Day of Service

To commemorate the Feast Day of Mother Cabrini which will be observed on Thursday, November 13th, the Cabrini Alumni Volunteers and Supporters (CAVS) will be hosting their first annual Day of Service on this Saturday, November 8th. No matter where they are located, alumni, faculty, staff, former students, family members and friends are encouraged to do something beneficial in your community inspired by Mother Cabrini’s example of helping immigrants, children, frail elders and the poor.

We, who have been gifted by the “education of the heart”, whether it is volunteering at a soup kitchen, spending time at a senior center or nursing home, or supporting your local school or non-profit, let’s celebrate Mother’s life and ministries by giving back as one Cabrini College/University family.

One day, one volunteer service of your choice, and over 18,000 alumni – we can truly make a difference together! Wherever you choose to serve, wear your Cabrini gear and take photos of your time of service. Photos along with a blurb can be emailed to cabrininews@mothercabrini.org Photos will be shared in an upcoming edition.

 

Ice Should Allow Pastoral Workers to Bring Communion to Detainees

In remarks made on November 4th, Pope Leo XIV told reporters that he “would certainly invite the authorities to allow pastoral workers to attend to the needs” of detained migrants.

recent days in the Chicago area, specifically, at the Broadview Processing Center, for the second time in three weeks, ICE agents barred a group of clergy, religious sisters, and lay people from entering the facility to offer Holy Communion to migrants being detained there.

To read more about Pope Leo’s remarks please click here 

CIS-NYC Trying Its Very Best to Serve Those in Need

An estimated 2.9 million New Yorkers, including 1 million children, did not receive their food benefits on November 1st. While partial SNAP payments have been ordered to resume, it’s still unclear when families will get their full benefits. In the meantime, community food pantries, like ours, across the city are trying filling the gap and feed our communities.

At Cabrini Immigrant Services-NYC (CIS-NYC), our pantry already serves around 400 families every Saturday morning, and we expect that number to grow in the weeks ahead. To meet this need, we’ve extended our distribution hours from 7–9AM to 7–10AM.

This week, our pantry was highlighted in a NYT article about how faith-based and community programs are stepping up to meet this moment, often stretching limited resources to continue serving families. ~ submitted by Amelia Scdoris, Justice for Immigrants Coordinator

You can read the article here: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/03/nyregion/church-pantries-food-aid.html?unlocked_article_code=1.yU8.SFKW.c50lgOcL8tjM&smid=url-share

Domestic Violence – What Can We Do?

On Monday evening, October 27th, in the seventh of a continuing series of Cabrini University CAVS Social Justice Ambassadors webinars, the topic was Domestic Violence, which was presented by Colleen Lelli, Ed.D., former Professor of Education at Cabrini University, and a national expert on domestic violence and child trauma. Here are some highlights from her presentation:

What can we do to assist families suffering from domestic violence?

One in three women and one in four men in the U.S. have faced intimate partner violence in their lifetime. When someone escapes from domestic violence, they often turn to government assistance in the form of Medicaid and SNAP food benefits. Over the summer, these two forms of assistance received drastic cuts, and now, beginning Nov. 1, all SNAP food benefits will be suspended.

These were some of the less-known effects of the U.S. government’s current budget cuts affecting vulnerable Americans.

Colleen gave an overview of the extent of domestic violence, its manifestations, and the complex dynamics of power and control. By discussing scenarios, participants explored how to know the signs [of domestic violence], the importance of listening [to the accounts of others], the need to ensure the victim’s safety, and the importance of supplying good information.

Dr. Lelli provided participants with a copy of her presentation and helpful resources. Readers may access them here. http://bit.ly/4quJcBP

Following her presentation, participants wrote emails to President Trump and Congress to free up emergency money so survivors of domestic violence will not lose SNAP benefits on November 1st. In addition, participants advocated to restore Medicaid benefits. Here is a link to advocate: http://bit.ly/49bZWYr

You may view a video of Dr. Lelli’s presentation here. http://bit.ly/4nNY4J3

Key Takeaways: Supporting a Loved One in a
Domestic Violence Relationship

 Recognize Red Flags of Power & Control
• Isolation from friends and family
• Monitoring phone, social media, whereabouts
• Verbal abuse, intimidation, or humiliation
• Control of money, work, or resources
• Explosive outbursts followed by apologies (“cycle of violence”)

 What You Can Do
• Listen without judgment: Believe them and let them share at their own pace.
• Express care: “I’m worried because I care about you.”
• Validate feelings: Abuse is never their fault.
• Offer information, not ultimatums: Share hotline numbers, shelters, or counseling resources.
• Stay connected: Keep the lines of communication open so they know you’re a safe person.
• Respect autonomy: Remember, only they can decide when and how to leave.

 What Not To Do
• Don’t confront the abusive partner — it can escalate danger.
• Don’t pressure them to “just leave” — leaving is the most dangerous time.
• Don’t shame, criticize, or make them feel guilty for staying.
• Don’t withdraw support if they return to the relationship.
 Ways to Offer Support
• Provide emotional support and a safe space to talk.
• Help brainstorm a safety plan (e.g., safe contacts, documents, emergency exits).
• Offer practical help: childcare, transportation, a safe place to stay — but only if it feels safe.
• Encourage professional help: domestic violence hotlines, shelters, legal services.

 Resources
• National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.): 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or text START to 88788
• If in immediate danger: Call 911

 Remember: You can’t “rescue” someone — but you can be a steady, supportive presence.
Consistent care can help them feel less isolated and more empowered to make safe choices.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month ~ Follow these organizations on social media
• Laurel House
• Victim Services of Montgomery County, Inc.
• Women’s Center of Montgomery County
• Domestic Violence Center of Chester County
• The National Network to End Domestic Violence
• National Domestic Violence Hotline
• Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence
• It’s On Us

 

 

Día de los Muertos

As November approaches, we begin to think about our deceased family, friends and loved ones in a special way. On October 29th, some of the clients from Cabrini Immigrant Services, (CIS) Dobbs Ferry, NY, shared their celebration of Día de los Muertos, (the Day of the Dead), with the residents at St. Cabrini Nursing Home.

A beautiful altar was created with love and reverence in the lobby of the nursing home. Each element had great significance. In Mexico and Latin America, it is customary to build an altar to remember the dead. Our CIS clients are from Mexico, Chile, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Peru and Venezuela. Many of our clients cannot go to their countries to celebrate with their own families therefore they are appreciative to celebrate with the ‘Cabrini Family.’

Our clients prayed and spoke in Spanish and English about what Día de los Muertos means to them. Two beautiful songs were performed. One song, La Llorona, is about a mother who is crying for her children who drowned. The other, Remember Me, from the movie Coco, reminds us that if even if a person is no longer with us, they are always in our hearts.

A CIS client carrying the Book of the Dead led a procession with luminaria bags lighting the way. People shared the meaning of the items gracing the altar. It was an emotional time of remembering deceased family and friends by writing their names on cards and placing them on the altar to be remembered in our prayers.

A special thank you to Bonnie Burke, CEO/Nursing Home Administrator at St. Cabrini Nursing Home and Fr. Ron Galt, Vice President for Mission Integration and Pastoral Care, for inviting us to celebrate such a meaningful time at the nursing home. ~submitted by: Lorraine Campanelli, Director, CIS-DF

 

 

LHSAA Honors Cabrini Athletes for Academic Excellence

The Louisiana High School Athletic Association (LHSAA) has recognized several of our outstanding student-athletes for their excellence both in the classroom and in competition. We are proud to announce that Raimee Collins, Mia Crotwell, and Makayla Richoux have been named to the All-Academic Volleyball Team; Logan Dempsey and Jenna Trabeaux have earned recognition for Cross Country; and Dylan Moisant has been honored in both Swimming and Volleyball.

The LHSAA All-Academic Program celebrates senior student-athletes who have demonstrated an exceptional balance of academic achievement and athletic dedication. To qualify, students must have participated in their sport for at least two years, including their senior season, and maintained a six-semester unweighted grade point average of 3.50 or higher on a 4.0 scale.

This distinction highlights the commitment, discipline, and determination of these students, who exemplify what it means to be leaders both on and off the field. Balancing academics and athletics is no small feat, and these honorees have set an outstanding example for their peers by striving for excellence in every arena. We congratulate Raimee, Mia, Logan, Dylan, Makayla, and Jenna for their remarkable accomplishments and for representing our school community with pride and integrity.

National Vocation Awareness Week – November 2 – 8

National Vocation Awareness Week November 2 - 8

National Vocation Awareness Week 2025 will be held from Sunday, November 2 to Saturday, November 8, 2025. This annual Catholic observance is dedicated to promoting vocations to the priesthood, diaconate, and consecrated life through prayer and education. It is also a time to support and encourage those who are discerning a call to these vocations.

To learn more and to access resources:

Please visit: USCCB website
National Religious Vocations Conference website

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