Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Feast Day Good Wishes from Cabrini Health

November 15, 2023

Those of us at Cabrini Health Australia would like to wish you all a Happy Feast Day and share with you a wonderful article that was posted on the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne website today.
To access the article please click here

Bishop Tony Ireland, Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne, and Episcopal Vicar of Health, Aged and Disability Care, celebrated the Mass and spoke endearingly of Mother Cabrini and what an impact Cabrini Australia has had on his life as he grew up in the suburb of Malvern. It was an inspired celebration which was beautifully accompanied by our Cabrini choir.

Sue Williams, CEO, gave the welcoming address and Sylvia Falzon, our Board Chair, provided a beautiful closing. We were blessed to be able to share some refreshments after the Mass, something we have missed for the last few years.

We are Pilgrims on a Journey…

September 13, 2023

“We are Pilgrims on a Journey…”

Staff members from Cabrini Health in Australia led by Julie Fleming, the Director of Mission Services, are currently on a pilgrimage to Codogno, Italy to walk in the footsteps of Mother Cabrini. They are being joined by Cabrini Mission Foundation (CMF) Board Member Dave DeCerbo and his wife, Linda, and CMF Executive Director Christopher LaBianco.

Sr. Therese Merandi, MSC and Sr. Maria Barbargallo, MSC have been accompanying the group during their stay in Codogno.

In their own words:

Julie Fleming, Cabrini Health shares:
“How many people are blessed enough to literally walk in the footsteps of a saint?

“The whole pilgrim experience has been deeply moving; learning details of Mother Cabrini’s life and her faith in the Sacred Heart of Jesus plus the passionate storytelling by Sr. Therese Merandi, MSC has been inspiring and has brought to life the Cabrini charism in a vibrant way.

Meeting the senior Missionary Sisters who have given so much of their life to service of others is so humbling. We feel a deeper and more familial connection with Saint Frances Cabrini and know that we will become better torchbearers of her charism in our ministries.

Jenny Nicholson, Cabrini Health, Australia:
I did not expect to be overcome by the profound impact this immersion experience would have on me.
To walk on the very floorboards, St. Frances Cabrini walked on in her home; to be in the rooms where she listened to the stories told by her father; where she slept, ate and prayed. All these things I had only read of.

The passion of those who continue the work of St. Frances, living their life through her, in her spirit, living out the gift of our charism. The incredible stories of Sr. Maria Barbagallo, the passion, fervour and spirit of Sr. Therese and Allesandra Bergamaschi. To receive the blessings of the many Sisters of the Codogno Spirituality Centre every day…we are blessed in God’s love to be here.

Miranda Coombs, Cabrini Health, Australia
I have been moved by the stories of the sisters and mother Cabrini, delivered with so much illumination and conviction. But above all else, I have been moved by their openness to love. I have been moved with love, to be open to love and more giving of love. I have felt so much love for my family, for my friends and fellow pilgrims who are also on this journey.

“It has been a profound experience to walk in the footsteps of Mother Cabrini as part of a Codogno pilgrimage with my fellow Guadalupe Province lay leaders from Australia. I have had the opportunity to bear witness to Mother Cabrini’s birthplace, schools she attended and taught at, places of worship, and missionary institutions she opened. Mother Cabrini’s story has always inspired me — her resilience, perseverance, business acumen. Today, history has taught me so much more about her suffering, her love, her leadership, and her strategic approach and mission focus. I am grateful to have participated, and look forward to the opportunity to further the mission in my daily life.”

Cabrini Health Observes the Feast Day with Joy

June 20, 2023

Cabrini Health Mass celebrating the special Feast of the Sacred Heart was a moving testament to the power of the love of God which called the Cabrini Sisters to join Mother Cabrini’s Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Sr. Therese Cervasio, MSC and Sr. Beatriz Santos, MSC renewed their vows as all Missionary Sisters around the world do each year on this day, with Sylvia Falzon, Chair of the Board, and Sue Williams, Chief Executive, and staff present.

There was a real sense of community that had been diminished since COVID. In telling the story of our 75 years of building a greater Cabrini, Fr. Terry Kean reminded us of the resilience, faith, and companionship needed to do our work and to grow to meet increasing demand for our services.

The superb Cabrini Choir under the direction of musician Leesa Horrigan created beautiful musical arrangements and staff joined in with joyful full voice.

the spirit of feasting, staff enjoyed the gift of Chef JoJo’s special heart shaped biscuits and chocolate hearts box on the day!

Cabrini Health Celebrates 75 Years!

January 19, 2023

The Blessing of Graduate Nurses

February 23, 2022

A group of 2022 Graduate Nurses were welcomed and blessed as they began their work at Cabrini Health Australia as newly Registered Nurses.

Julie Fleming, Director of Mission and Identity, spoke of Cabrini’s ethic of care to ensure that all who come to Cabrini felt loved. The new nurses were told of the vision of Mother Cabrini and the legacy they are entrusted with.

In a moving Blessing of Hands ceremony Sr Beatriz Santos MSC and Anne Zandegu, Director of Nursing anointed the graduate’s palms with the words ‘May God bless your hands and all you touch.’

In the presence of Chief Executive Sue Williams and the clinical nurse educators, last year’s graduates Julia and Vince addressed the new nurses with advice on how exciting, rewarding and challenging starting work was. They also encouraged the nurses to take care of themselves and rely on the support of their colleagues.

To the 65 graduates nurses starting work with Cabrini Australia, congratulations and welcome to the Cabrini family!

Cabrini Health Outreach Wins Award

December 15, 2021

We are thrilled to announce the Cabrini Asylum Seeker and Refugee Hub in Malvern, Australia has won the Victorian Multicultural Commission Awards for Excellence in the Health category.

The judges noted the Hub addresses a “pressing unfunded gap in primary healthcare and specialist mental health services for people of all cultures, faiths and ethnicities seeking asylum”.

They also made mention that our services were free, and included culturally and linguistically sensitive primary nurse-led care, specialized mental health support and engagement to access welfare and supports.

Celebrating Cabrini Weeks in Australia

November 12, 2020

At Cabrini Australia we are proud to celebrate our heritage with two weeks of honouring the life and legacy of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini and the ten founding Cabrini Sisters who came to Australia in 1948 to run and grow Cabrini Hospital.

In only our second Mass of the year due to the pandemic, Archbishop Peter D. Comensoli will declare 13th November a day of Observance for St Frances Cabrini in the Archdiocese of Melbourne.

A foyer display in our four campuses presents Mother Cabrini’s belongings with a beautiful quote from a staff members about how they draw inspiration from holding Mother’s belongings which were kindly donated to us from the Chicago Museum.

Every day for 15 days we place a reflection card on the breakfast tray of all our patients and residents, with Mother Cabrini’s words and comments from staff on [the ways in which] our mission and heritage inspires them today.

Sr. Sharon Casey MSC, who has been on mission in Australia for 12 years, delivered a personal and inspiring video reminding us to be rooted in Mother Cabrini’s love for Jesus expressed through our Cabrini ethic of care.

To view Sr. Sharon’s video, click here

The video message from Chief Executive Sue Williams was inspired by the book we commissioned “St Frances Cabrini: A Passionate Life.” Sue said Mother Cabrini was a true visionary who was well ahead of her time and we have a responsibility to carry on her legacy, and Sue likened our response to the COVID pandemic to that of the Sisters in New Orleans during the yellow fever pandemic.
To view Ms. Williams’ Feast Celebration message, click here

Cabrini Australia mission is to spread Mother Cabrini’s love for all expressed through our commitment to care about, not just to care for, those in our hospitals, nursing home and in the community.

Wildfires in Australia

January 9, 2020

The Guadalupe Province is deeply saddened by the terrible bushfires that continue to impact many communities across Australia. The Missionary Sisters have a large health care system in Malvern, Australia. Sue Williams, the CEO of Cabrini Health, described how they are responding to this situation:

“We have all been shocked and saddened by the terrible bushfires that continue to impact many communities across Australia.

“Cabrini is keen to support and assist bushfire victims as they grapple with the ongoing disaster and start to rebuild.

“Initially, we are supporting the Victorian Bushfire Disaster Appeal, will offer our Tooronga Road apartments to families affected by the fire and will provide hospital services free of charge if required. We are also considering what we can do to support communities affected by the bushfires over the medium to long-term.” A Mass was also offered for all those who have been affected by this disaster.”

We join Australia in our prayers for so many people who have been impacted.

If you wish to help, please send any monetary donations to: Cabrini Mission Foundation 222 E. 19th St. Suite 5E New York, N.Y. 10003 and be sure to indicate that it is for the Australia Bushfires. The money will be sent to Cabrini Health to support the relief effort.

If you wish to send a donation directly to the Victorian Bushfire Disaster Appeal go to: Online – visit the Victorian Bushfire Disaster Appeal website <https://www.communityenterprisefoundation.com.au/make-a-donation/bushfire-disaster-appeal

We thank you for your prayers and support.
Sr. Diane Olmstead, MSC
Provincial, Guadalupe Province
Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Cabrini Palliative and Supportive Care Celebrates 20 Years

December 11, 2019

It takes a special kind of person to care for someone with a life-limiting illness but Louise Taylor and the palliative and supportive care team at Cabrini wouldn’t have it any other way.

The Nurse Unit Manager of Palliative Home Care and Nurse Consult has been working at Cabrini for 27 years and was part of the original development of the palliative and supportive care service.

This month marks the 20th anniversary of the service, which has grown to a large integrated service across all Cabrini sites and in the local community, providing more than 800 admissions to Cabrini Prahran, 7000 community visits and more than 1400 visits and appointments across the other Cabrini sites a year.

Ms. Taylor said palliative care provided invaluable care and support for patients with a life-limiting illness.

“Palliative care is about allowing people to have the best quality of life they can have for as long as possible,” she said.

“There aren’t many jobs where you get to come in at that time in a person’s life and help them. We assist patients to live well and to die comfortably and peacefully, as well as supporting their families through that process.”

Cabrini Palliative and Supportive Care Director of Nursing Janine Stockley said there were benefits in referring patients early to palliative care.

“This allows patients to access support for complex pain and symptoms, obtain advice on financial and social matters and prepare children and families for the future,” Ms. Stockley said.

“Palliative care is about teamwork and keeping the patient and family at the centre of care. This is integral to the mission of Cabrini,” she said.

Cabrini Chief Executive Michael Walsh said the anniversary was a testament to the staff who operated the service.

“Our Palliative and Supportive Care service has a wonderful reputation in the community and that is because of the staff behind it,” Dr. Walsh said.

“Patient-centred care is at the heart of everything we do and this service epitomizes our commitment to putting patients first and tailoring care to the individual’s needs. I am incredibly proud that we have reached this milestone and I am sure the service will continue for another 20 years to come and hopefully many more.”

Cabrini Health: Herb Garden Inspires Childhood Memories

September 26, 2019

Cabrini Brighton patients can now cultivate and enjoy a sensory herb garden at the hospital.
Resident chef Daryl Morris is on a newly formed committee, focused on projects to enhance the hospital stay for patients with dementia.

Pics for Look Good Feel Better.
Picture : Nicki Connolly

The garden opened in May and is the committee’s first completed project. It was designed to encourage patients to reflect on their childhood.

“Reminiscing is a great thing for dementia patients. The older-style herbs help them think back to their childhood and many of those memories put them in a good place. The smells can help trigger those memories as well,” Mr Morris said.

He added that many dementia patients wanted to feel useful, rather than sitting in bed.

“Once the garden is a little more established, patients will have the opportunity to go out and do some weeding, watering or pruning. It will also provide a nice place for them to spend time with family, friends and other patients.”

Mr Morris said the garden would serve many purposes.

“The garden is a great initiative by the hospital and we’ll be able to utilise the herbs in the kitchen as well,” he said.

With more than 40 years’ experience in the restaurant industry, Mr Morris now demonstrates his love of cooking through the delicious and nutritious meals he prepares for patients at Cabrini Brighton.

“This is my first experience working in a hospital and I love it. To be serving appetising, nutritious food to people who need it is incredibly rewarding.”

For information about Cabrini’s community dementia nursing service visit: www.cabrini.com.au/chronicdisease

Pics for Look Good Feel Better.
Picture : Nicki Connolly