Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Our Mission Finds Life here…

July 8, 2026

Cabrini Immigrant Services – Dobbs Ferry, NY (CIS-DF) has been focusing on Mission. As we welcome our clients, we want them, both adults and children, to know who St. Cabrini is and why we are called Cabrini Immigrant Services. With the theme, ‘Our Mission Finds Life…’ we wanted to highlight how in our current times, we continue to walk in the footsteps of Mother Cabrini.

In addition to showing the movie, CABRINI, we had Sr. Bridget Zanin, MSC speak to our clients about the life of St. Cabrini. Several of our clients have created their own timelines using their personal stories and have shown how they are part of the Cabrini Mission. We had a recent visit with some Carmelite Sisters, as well. Our clients shared with them their personal stories and explained how they, too, are part of the Cabrini mission. ~ submitted by Lorraine Campanelli, Director, CIS-DF

We would like to share some pictures of our Mission Project:

MSC General Superior Sr. Eliane shares 80th Canonization Anniversary Message

July 8, 2026

We share excerpts from her letter.

Dear Sisters and Brothers,

May the Peace of Christ reign in your hearts!

In the celebration of the 80th anniversary of Mother Cabrini’s canonization, we thank God for the wonders of His Love for us, as heirs to a legacy that was born with the spirituality of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Thus, the words of Pope Pius XII in the canonization holy on July 7, 1946 are very relevant:
“This wonder, which frequently occurs by the disposition of Divine Providence
in the annals of the Church, today especially proves comforting at a time when men are in greater need than even of the splendor and fruit of holiness. Not only the Sisters, but, everyone has reason to observe and imitate the virtues of Frances Xavier Cabrini.”

With canonization, everything changes. Mother Cabrini belongs to the Church, to all the faithful and becomes a model of life sanctified by God.

Saint Cabrini, with her heart without borders, is a model of virtue and missionary spirit.

Declared ‘Universal Patroness of Immigrants’ by Pope Pius XII in 1950 and recognized by him in a pontifical audience as a “heroine of modern times.”
On the occasion of the centenary year of St. Cabrini – 2017 – Pope Francis emphasized her prophetic character. She had the intuition, in her time, that the modern era would be marked by enormous migratory flows and by men, women and children fleeing for a better future and for peace.

And, crowning this year 2026, Pope Leo XIV visited the city of Sant’ Angelo and in his speech, he expressed his affection and admiration for Mother Cabrini:
“I am here to pay tribute to Mother Cabrini, Patroness of Immigrants, the first Saint of the United States of American, born here in Sant’ Angelo Lodigiano and died in Chicago, my hometown.

Brothers and Sisters what is more current than this charism? I say it here, before the relic of Mother Cabrini’s heart. I say it while greeting and thanking with affection her spiritual daughters, Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. What is more current than a missionary charism that places itself at the service of migrants?

I take this occasion to launch an appeal, especially to young people: get to know St. Frances Cabrini. Read her writings, full of passion for Jesus and for the mission; her letters, her travel diaries, the notes from her retreats. Whoever knows Mother Cabrini is captivated by her.”

I believe that these words are an encouragement to be faithful to the legacy of Saint Cabrini for humanity in these current times.

And may our whole being and acting be for the Greater Glory of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, as it was for our dear Mother Cabrini.

With love,
Sr. Maria Eliane Azevedo da Silva, MSC
General Superior

To view a video of the Pope’s visit to Sant’ Angelo Lodigiano please click here

Honoring Immigrant Heritage Month

July 1, 2026

In celebration of Immigrant Heritage Month, Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC (CIS-NYC) welcomed 20 participants for a wonderful community potluck. Clients brought traditional dishes from their home countries, giving everyone the opportunity to share and enjoy a variety of cultural foods.

The afternoon was filled with great conversation, music, and a delicious multi-cultural meal. We ended the celebration with an energetic salsa dance class led by a professional instructor, Ximena Salgado, creating a fun and memorable experience that honored the rich cultures and traditions of our community.

Carrying the Cross of the Unknown

June 18, 2026

In May, Ivonne Moreno-Rodriguez, Social Work Supervisor at Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC, joined humanitarian workers, faith leaders, and advocates in the 23rd – Annual Migrant Trail Walk through the Sonoran Desert. The seven-day, 75-mile pilgrimage honors migrants who have lost their lives while seeking safety, reunification with loved ones, and opportunities for a better future in the United States.

Despite increasingly restrictive immigration policies intended to deter migration, people continue to flee violence, persecution, poverty, and instability in search of safety and hope. Between May 2025 and May 2026, the remains of 109 migrants were recovered in the Sonoran Desert alone. Of those, only 17 have been identified.

Ivonne carried a cross bearing the word Desconocido (“Unknown”), representing one of the many individuals whose identity remains unknown and whose family members—a spouse, mother, father, children, or siblings—may still be searching for answers.

During the walk, Ivonne became ill and required medical attention. The experience led her to reflect deeply on the migrant whose cross she carried. “When I became sick, there were people around me who cared for me and made sure I received help,” she shared. “I couldn’t stop thinking about the migrant I was carrying. He may have also become sick in that same desert, but there was no one there to help him.”

After being discharged from the hospital, Ivonne was welcomed into the home of a local family who offered her a warm meal, a comfortable bed, and a place to recover. “I experienced the nurturing power of community,” Ivonne noted. “I couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if we welcomed every migrant with kindness, compassion, and respect for their dignity, rather than responding with persecution and discrimination.”

As a ministry of faith inspired by Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini, the patron saint of immigrants, Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC remains committed to serving immigrant families with compassion while advocating for the humanity, inherent worth, and rights of every person. We honor the lives of those lost and affirm the dignity of those who continue their journey today.

Each of Us Can Shine!

June 11, 2026

Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS), Dobbs Ferry, NY held a STARS (StoryTelling, Art, Reading and Socialization) Program for students in grades Kindergarten – 2. Dr. Wendy Mages, our trained s toryteller, told the story, The Way You Shine by Marielle E. Sabellico. The children loved the story and discussed how they shine in their community. Some children shine by helping at home, some recycle, some water plants and there were so many other ways.

CIS-DF has been working on Mission. Using the theme, “Our Mission Finds Life…,” our clients have been showing how they are part of the Mission of St. Cabrini. With that in mind, our children learned more about St. Cabrini and about what mission means. Our two high school interns explained how Mother Cabrini shined throughout her life and how her mission demonstrated how God’s goodness was transcendent through her faithfulness.

The interns explained how each of us is part of the Cabrini Mission. They created two art projects for the children to complete based on the book. Using paint, each child had their handprints put on a paper. Then, they received a star, and they illustrated how they help their community and how they shine brightly.

For the second project, the children learned about the journeys by boat that Mother Cabrini took throughout her life. Each child received a paper boat which they decorated. Inside each boat was a violet (made of purple ribbon). The children were proud that their hands, stars and boats would be included on our mission wall.

The children were so happy to get a copy of the book. They are going to share the story with their families and tell them about how they are part of the Cabrini Mission.

Believe in Miracles

June 11, 2026

Back by popular request, Sr. Bridget Zanin, MSC, returned to Cabrini Immigrant Services -Dobbs Ferry (CIS-DF) to speak with our Knitting Group. She spoke about the miracles that have been attributed to St. Cabrini.

Sr. Bridget spoke about three miracles attributed to Mother Cabrini. One miracle took place in 1921 when a newborn infant was accidentally given the wrong medication for his eyes and became blind and severely burned. A piece of Mother Cabrini’s habit was placed on the child. The baby’s mother and the hospital Sisters prayed all night for a miracle. The next morning, the child’s sight was restored and the burns on his face were completely healed.

Another miracle involved a Missionary Sister of the Sacred Heart, Sr. Delfina Grazioli, MSC. She had worked at Columbus Hospital in Seattle. She suffered from stomach cancer. According to Sr. Delfina’s account, Mother Cabrini appeared to her in a vision. Mother Cabrini told her that she wanted her to work but Sr. Delfina asked how she could since she was so weak. Mother Cabrini told her to eat, which she began to do. Healing took place and Sr Delfina recovered. She regained her strength, returned to work and lived for many more years.

The third miracle involved a man in Italy who suffered with tumors. His condition was grave. The man and his family prayed for Mother Cabrini’s intercession. Shortly afterward, the man recovered and the tumors shrank and many even disappeared. Once again, the recovery could not be explained medically. Truly these are miracles! Everyone was so interested in hearing about the miracles. There were so many questions that they asked Sr. Bridget as they were intrigued to learn about how people prayed to Mother Cabrini and how she interceded for them.

Sr. Bridget also spoke about Our Lady of Guadalupe, the Patroness of our Province. Sister gave everyone a copy of Our Lady to color. They enjoyed coloring the picture and talking about the miracles that they learned about.

Thank you, Sr. Bridget, for your willingness to return to CIS-DF. You continue to inspire us to learn more about St. Cabrini. We look forward to your next visit!

SHOWTIME!

May 14, 2026

On May 13th, excitement filled the air at Cabrini Immigrant Services-Dobbs Ferry (CIS-DF) as students in the Making Movies! Sharing Stories! Program prepared for their much-anticipated “Movie Premiere.” Throughout the year, our young filmmakers wrote stories, illustrated them, and then filmed their movies. In addition to producing and editing the films, the students also added sound effects. This year, the students designed their own logo for their ‘movie production company.’

Under the guidance of their teacher, Anne Marie Santoro, the students proudly presented two of their movies to an audience of classmates, parents, grandparents and siblings. Before each movie, the students welcomed everyone, thanked them for attending the premiere and then introduced their film. Following the presentation, the students fielded questions from the audience. The parents and grandparents were beaming with pride.

At the conclusion of the program, Ms. Santoro presented each student with a certificate in recognition of their achievements. The students were eager to display their certificates at home. In gratitude for all that Ms. Santoro has done throughout the year, the students presented her with a beautiful bouquet of flowers along with heartfelt words of thanks for her dedication and encouragement throughout the year.

The students had a wonderful time enjoying some refreshments following their premiere. Although relieved that they had done a superb job, the excitement lingered. The students are already looking ahead to a special three-week summer program being held in July.

Be Aware! Cell Phone Tips

May 7, 2026

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.

A Heartfelt Message from Sr. Diane Olmstead, MSC and greetings from the Guadalupe Province

April 30, 2026

A Heartfelt Message from Sr. Diane Olmstead, MSC

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.

Well-wishes from your lay collaborators…

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

Rooted in Dignity – Cabrini Immigrant Services – NYC

April 30, 2026

Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC invites you to our annual fundraiser on Saturday, June 13th! Join us for evening uplifting the courage of immigrants in our community, celebrating those who walk alongside them, and reaffirming the roots of our mission. We will honor the many contributions of our “Heart of Cabrini” award recipients, Rev. Donald C. Baker and Brigid K. Sullivan (in loving memory), and enjoy live performances by the Ivalas Quartet and La Cumbiamba eNeYe! Tickets are now available at www.cis-nyc.org/celebrate-2026