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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cabrini Immigrant Services -Dobbs Ferry, NY (CIS-DF), is thrilled to announce that we have a new US citizen! Maria Cordon passed her US Citizenship exam! She came to the United States in 2016 from Guatemala. Maria worked very hard with her tutor, Anne Zucker, to improve her English, her reading and writing skills and to also learn the civic questions.
The children wrote a story about one of Ms. Kaufman’s critters, whom they named Bella. Anne Marie Santoro, the teacher of our Sharing Stories! Making Movies! Program, shared the story with Ms. Kaufman who thought it was so wonderful that she published it in her new book.