Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Bringing Christ's love to the world

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Jubilee Family Day of Hope at St. F.X. Cabrini Shrine

On Saturday, October 18th, an exuberant group of kids and parents gathered at St. Frances Cabrini Shrine in New York to celebrate a Jubilee Family Day of Hope.

Designed as a close-to-home pilgrimage families could take together, the day included talks about hope, Mass, activities (writing postcards to refugee children, making a prayer bracelet, a color-your-own holy card, and creating a saints candle), and finished up with putting together packages for the homeless with the help of the Sant’Egidio Community.

What fun! The 50-voice children’s choir from Good Shepherd School sang beautifully and lifted everyone’s hearts. This is an event we will definitely repeat, so Catholic families have the opportunity to gather and
spend time together.

So Happy Together!

On Saturday, October 25, several Cabrini Lay Missionaries (CLMs) and Missionary Sisters came together to share an afternoon of sunshine, conversation, fun and games and prayer. Sisters Christine Marie Baltas, Eileen Currie and Roselle Santivasi opened their lovely home in Radnor to CLMs Angela Campbell, Susan Pierson, Lorraine Campanelli, Marianne McGowan and Adela Jarquin Soza where they were warmly welcomed with a delicious lunch of pizza and salad.

Sister Christine read a beautiful reflection in which she shared the love she and the other Sisters have for us. I know I speak for all the CLMs in saying that love is returned in huge measure. We are so grateful to have the opportunity to walk in solidarity with the Missionary Sisters as we try to live the Cabrinian charism in the work we do every day, bearing the love of Christ to the world.

Sisters Christine, Roselle and Eileen spoke of some of their experiences in Rome, where they met as a group of 95 for a special Assembly. While speaking of challenges navigating the airport and streets of Rome, they also talked about how wonderful it was to have Sisters who spoke 4 different languages together, not only in spirit, but in the same meeting room! Each of the CLMs had an opportunity to talk about some of the work they are doing and what it means to be part of the Cabrini family.

We had so much fun together, especially outside on the patio, playing silly games Lorraine brought with her from New York. Sister Christine, like the good sport she is, agreed to wear the “Cabrini pants” for a funny game of ball toss. Everyone tried ring toss too.

Later, we were joined by Karol Brewer, of the Cabrini Formation Office, who was just in time for our prayer service at 3. Those CLMs who were unable to join us in Pennsylvania, came to a ZOOM meeting where we shared thoughts about the power of community along with prayers of gratitude for our time together. Despite some technical issues (as always) we were able to use two phones to enable those online and those seated in the Sisters’ living room to hear and see each other.

After a dessert of coffee, cookies and chocolate, the CLMs departed with wonderful memories of the day. Thank you so much to Sisters Christine, Eileen and Roselle for making it possible for all of us to be together. We hope to be back sometime in the future.

Cabrini U. Unites with One Church, One Family

~ a reflection by Jerry Zurek, PhD, former Chair, Communications Department, Cabrini University

Cabrini University alumni and friends joined 100-plus faithful in raising their voices in song and prayer in front of the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Philadelphia field office

This public witness was a part of the nationwide Catholic campaign to call people of faith to publicly demonstrate solidarity with migrant families, asylum seekers, and refugees. The campaign is called One Church, One Family. Information may be found at 1family.us.

The speakers reflected the spirit of Pope Leo’s recent message on the World Day of Migrants and Refugees: “Migrants and refugees stand as messengers of hope. Their courage and tenacity bear heroic testimony to a faith that sees beyond what our eyes can see and gives them the strength to defy death on the various contemporary migration routes.”

“We reject the culture of fear that dehumanizes,” said Sr. Michelle Cimaroli, of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

A second day of prayer is planned for Nov. 13, timed to coincide with the feast of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini.

Personally, I was inspired by the many women religious present. As I mingled with everyone, each person spoke from their rich lives, often of decades of service. One, an IHM Sister from Peru, spoke of how the image of the United States has changed for many in other countries.

I hope that public events like this reveal the true spirit of many Americans and Catholics who understand that we truly are one family and must care for those seeking hope as best we can. Participating in a prayer vigil or a public action gives me greater courage to stand up for what we believe.

Hearts of Service & Faith in Action

What happens when busloads of Cabrini Crescents show up at Second Harvest Food Bank for a service day? Hearts open wide, and the Holy Spirit transforms lives! Service was at the core of Mother Cabrini’s mission to uplift the marginalized, and we are honored to continue that legacy through our Campus Ministry Department.

This fall, our students began a new service and retreat initiative designed to help them live out their faith in tangible ways. Each class is participating in a two-day retreat experience: day one dedicated to service at Second Harvest Food Bank, and day two a class retreat focused on reflection, prayer, and community building. These experiences remind our students that living the Gospel means putting love into action.

At the heart of these efforts is our Campus Ministry Retreat Team, a group of passionate students who are pouring their hearts for Jesus into leading retreats not only for our Cabrini community but also for schools across the Archdiocese. Guided by Campus Minister Mrs. Nicole Jouandot, the team has joyfully hosted retreats for St. Louis King of France Catholic School, during which 5th and 6th graders toured the Cabrini Shrine, Mother Cabrini’s bedroom, chapel, and museum, learning about Mother Cabrini’s courage and deep faith. The team also collaborated with the Brother Martin High School Retreat Team to welcome Saint Dominic School’s 5th graders for a day of spiritual growth, prayer, and connection.

As Mother Cabrini once said, “You, my dearest daughters, are destined to live the life of the apostles.” Our Campus Ministry Department embraces that call with joy, serving others, spreading Christ’s love, and helping students encounter Jesus in both service and spiritual formation. The seeds being planted today promise to bear beautiful fruit for years to come.

Refugees and Migrants in Our Common Home

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From October 1 to 3, Villanova University, through the Mother Cabrini Institute on Immigration, and the Refugees and Migrants in Our Common Home project, held three days of conferences and working groups at the Patristic Institute Augustinianum in Rome, with the aim of “shaping the first drafts of action plans that will guide our collective response to migration in higher education and beyond.”

The invitation came from attorney Michele Pistone of Villanova University, which enabled Javier Ramirez Baron, Executive Director, Sister Pietrina Raccuglia, MSC, and Sister Yolanda Flores, MSC of Cabrini Immigrant Services - New York City (CIS_NYC) to participate, along with our Superior General, Sister Eliane Azevedo da Silva, MSC; General Councilor Sister Patricia Godoy, MSC, Sister Joseane Cabral, MSC and Sister Tatiana Avdokushina, MSC.

An integral part of the program was an audience with Pope Leo XIV, who encouraged us to strive to seek new ideas and forms of service “by placing the dignity of each person at the center of any solution.” When we encounter difficulties, he said, we should not fall into the trap of “globalization of indifference,” but rather nurture a “culture of reconciliation.” The Pope, recognizing that this work is not easy, encouraged us to formulate action plans without forgetting that “it is also important to remember that migrants and refugees can be privileged witnesses of hope through their resilience and trust in God.”

During the conference, Canadian sculptor Timothy Schmalz created a sculpture of Frances X. Cabrini, incorporating figures of migrants considered—in his own words - “angels unawares.” His work reflects what we can offer through our service, hope, and support for each person we serve. This piece of art was blessed on the last day by Fr. Joseph Farrell, OSA, the Prior General of the Augustinian Friars, in the presence of all the participants.

On the 4th and 5th, we actively participated in the Jubilee of Migrants and the Mission.

On the 6th, a group of MSCs, along with a lay person, Javier Ramirez, held a meeting to evaluate our participation in the jubilee and share our different types of services related to migration. This was an opportunity to present to the General Council a proposal to organize a small committee of sisters and lay people (two to three people) to help us find resources, creative ways, and support for the work we do on behalf of migrants and refugees. It can be a small drop into a huge ocean of needs, but a helpful drop maybe needed to complete the ocean.

Feeling Thankful and Blessed

Cabrini Immigrant Services, Dobbs Ferry (CIS-DF), held a STARS (StoryTelling, Art, Reading and Socialization) for Kids Program for students in Grades Kindergarten-. The STARS program has helped our students by increasing their attention span, improving their imagination and creative thinking as well as building confidence in their verbal and artistic expression.

Dr. Wendy Mages, a trained storyteller, told the story, Thankful, by Eileen Spinelli. After listening to the story, the students discussed all that they were thankful for. What a wonderful reminder to know how blessed we all are! The students worked on two art projects. Everyone wrote on a piece of construction paper what they were thankful for. The papers were then linked together to create a ‘I Am Thankful For…” chain. The students were then given jars which they filled with words of thankfulness. Some of the words chosen were Mom, Dad, grandparents, sisters and brothers, school, friends, books, and so many other things. The students can add more papers to their jars as they discover new things they are thankful for.

The students were so happy to receive a copy of the book, Thankful. They were going to read the story at home and ask their family to share what they are thankful for.
~

Healthy Recipes – Healthy You!

Our Nutrition Group, hosted by the CIS-NYC Social Services team, carried out its first recipe session last Friday with 17 participants. During the session, participants prepared healthy salad wraps and learned practical ways to add more fruits and vegetables to their daily meals. This hands-on activity is part of our ongoing effort to promote healthy eating habits and increase access to nutritional education for immigrant families.

At Washington Conference, Attorneys Address an Unsettling New Era on Immigration

At Washington Conference, Attorneys Address an Unsettling New Era on Immigration
~ by Rhina Guidos for National Catholic Reporter/Global Sisters Report
Reprinted with permission from Global Sisters Report

"We gather today in unprecedented times," Anna Gallagher, executive director of the Catholic Legal Immigration Network, Inc., told the crowd. Her organization, known as CLINIC, along with the Migration Policy Institute and Georgetown Law organized the 22nd Annual Immigration Law and Policy Conference. That's where immigration attorneys, paralegals, community advocates, as well as some priests and least one Franciscan sister, gathered on October 9 to hear a range of legal experts, historians and journalists speak. Panelists painted a picture of migrants consumed by fear and a legal community seeking to defend them, but lacking the resources to do so.

Conferences of the past provided a legal bird's-eye view of policy in the country's immigration realm, but scholars and experts like Doris Meissner agreed that this year, it's different.

"We have entered a new era," said Meissner, senior fellow and director of the U.S. Immigration Policy Program at Migration Policy Institute, as she moderated one of the panels.

No one exactly knows how this era will evolve.From the president's public call to end birthright citizenship for children whose parents aren't in the country legally, using information from the Internal Revenue Service to seek out migrants for deportation, and employing military and other law enforcement resources in that effort — those actions raise "profound questions about our society," Meissner added.

A lawyer at the conference addressed the obstacles the government is putting in place to make it difficult for attorneys to contact their clients. An economist voiced worries about the impact of ICE raids at work and said the actions are at odds with economic strategy. A reporter said he had seen the negative impact of immigration enforcement on communities of faith.Immigration, after all, said CLINIC's Gallagher, touches "every aspect of our country."

Cabrini Students Shine at Archdiocesan Respect Life Gathering


Cabrini High School was proudly represented at the annual meeting of archdiocesan high school Respect Life Club Leaders with Archbishop Gregory Raymond. The event brought together two student leaders and one moderator from each high school in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, providing an opportunity for dialogue, reflection, and collaboration on the pro-life mission within Catholic education.

Representing Cabrini for the evening of faith and fellowship were junior Janaé Haynes and senior Makayla Richoux, along with campus minister, Nicole Jouandot. Haynes and Richoux are active on Cabrini’s Campus Ministry Board, Pro-Life Club, CHS retreat team and the new Bible Study Club. Both young women attended the national March for Life in Washington, D.C., and plan to return again this year.

The Cabrini representatives shared their school’s creative initiatives promoting a culture of life on campus. Archbishop Raymond commended them for being innovative and inspiring. The students expressed pride in wearing their signature pink Pro-Life sweaters as a visible symbol of their faith and conviction.

Before departing for the evening, Ms. Jouandot offered the students a tour of the nearby seminary, where she is pursuing a Master’s of Arts degree in pastoral leadership. The evening was filled with meaningful discussion, laughter, and genuine pride as Cabrini’s students spoke with confidence, grace, and conviction. Their strong voices and leadership true examples of what it means to be a Cabrini girl: faithful and courageous in living their values.

CIS-Dobbs Ferry and Crittertown – Where Magic Truly Does Happen

 

On Thursday, October 2nd, the walls at Cabrini Immigrant Services – Dobbs Ferry, NY (CIS-DF) were bursting with excitement and pride. A special celebration was taking place for four of our students who attend our Sharing Stories! Making Movies! Program. We invited the students’ parents, siblings and some other special guests to share in the celebration. Everyone knew what was going to happen except for the four students. We wanted them to be surprised.

This day was a culmination of many things. A few months ago, Anne Marie Santoro, the teacher of our Sharing Stories! Making Movies! Program, brought in a ‘critter’ and asked some of the students to write a story about the critter. The critter, which was made of wood, was created by Patti Kaufman, an author and artist. The children named the critter, Bella and then wrote a special story about her. Anne Marie shared the story with Ms. Kaufman who thought it was so wonderful that she decided to publish it in her new book, Adventures in Crittertown – Where Magic Happens. The book is filled with many stories about the different critters that Ms. Kaufman has created. But ‘Bella the Cow’ is the only story. written by children!

What an honor to have four of our students called authors. Ms. Kaufman was able to join the celebration via Zoom. It was wonderful to have her see the children’s faces when they received their own copy of the book. Each child was also able to speak with Ms. Kaufman and thank her for all she had done for them.

We were thrilled to receive a copy of the book for our office. The book sits on a shelf along with the critter which hangs in our classroom. We are looking forward to presenting Springhurst Elementary School, where the students attend school, with a copy of the book which they can proudly have in the school library.

A very special thank you to Ms. Santoro for all her hard work in the program. She not only teaches the program, but she was instrumental in making this day a reality!

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