Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

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

Mother Cabrini’s Life Near and Far

April 23, 2026

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.

Sr. Bridget spoke about Mother Cabrini’s birthpla ce, her family, her poor health and her desire to be a missionary. She also shared about her wanting to go to China but Pope XIII told her to go to America instead to serve Italian immigrants.

Using technology, Sr. Bridget was able to have us ‘be’ in Sant’Angelo Lodigiano, Codogno, the Shrines in Chicago, Colorado and NYC. We also saw some historic pictures of the novitiate and orphanage in Dobbs Ferry which is the current home of St. Cabrini Nursing Home.

Everyone loved seeing the special places that meant so much to Mother Cabrini. Many were surprised to hear that Mother Cabrini walked the streets of Dobbs Ferry and lived on the property where the Nursing Home is located. Sr. Bridget gave everyone a prayer card of St. Cabrini that had a special prayer for immigrants.

Sr. Bridget has already been asked to return to CIS-DF to share more about the life of St. Cabrini. We are most grateful to Sr. Bridget for sharing so much with us. She brought Mother Cabrini to life!

A Warm Welcome to Our Newest Citizen!

April 22, 2026

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.

We are so proud of Maria and congratulate her on becoming a new American citizen. She is looking forward to her swearing-in ceremony on June 9th.

Celebrating Our Student Authors

April 15, 2026

Tuesday of this week was a ‘picture-perfect day.’ The sun was shining brightly, the temperature was in the high eighties, you didn’t need a winter coat or an umbrella. I thought, could this day get any better? It did!

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.

I was honored to present a copy of the book to the librarian at Springhurst Elementary School in Dobbs Ferry, NY. Many of the authors’ classmates and teachers attended the ceremony that was held in the library. On display in the library was a sign that read, “We’re so proud of our student authors.”

One of the authors read the story to the group. After the reading, I presented the book to the librarian. She then asked each of the authors to sign the book. It was such a proud moment to see our students being recognized in such a unique way. It was beautiful to see all the support and accolades that they received from their teachers and classmates. ~ submitted by Lorraine Campanelli, Director, CIS-DF

Telling the Truth: An Important Lesson Imparted Through Story

April 1, 2026

Cabrini Immigrant Services, Dobbs Ferry, NY held a STARS (StoryTelling, Art, Reading and Socialization) Program for students in Grades Kindergarten – 2. Dr. Wendy Mages, a trained storyteller, told the story, Howard B. Wigglebottom and the Monkey on His Back by Howard Binkow and Rev. Ana.

The children listened intently as they heard about how Howard B. Wigglebottom kept making wrong choices throughout the day. When confronted with a situation, Mr. Wigglebottom would always lie because he didn’t want to get in trouble. After the story was told, the students had a very lively discussion about the importance of being truthful.

The children then made sock puppets and reenacted stories that they created about characters who were either lying or telling the truth. Together, we had to determine whether the person in the story was being truthful or lying. It was such a beautiful time watching the children work together to create stories and help each other with their puppets and making their stages.

They were so happy to receive a copy of the book so they can read it at home to their parents and their siblings.

Helpful Workshops and a Graduation!

March 18, 2026

Towards the end of February, on Sunday the 22nd, the Justice For Immigrants Program held a Bystander Training Workshop at the St. F. X. Cabrini Shrine in New York City. Neighborhood locals gathered to learn how to support and defend their immigrant neighbors by getting some basic Know Your Rights information, tips on identifying federal immigration officers, how to accurately record and report ICE presence, and much more. We are grateful to all those who came with a willingness to learn!
Graduation Day!

On Friday, March 13th, the graduation ceremony for the Cabrini Nutrition Workshop took place. Thirteen participants from various countries, including Honduras, Venezuela, Ecuador, the Dominican Republic, and Mexico, completed nine nutrition workshops in collaboration with Cornell University’s Cooperative Extension. Story continues on following page.
Throughout the program, participants learned to read food labels, teach their children to eat healthier, practice food safety, and take proper care when washing fruits and
vegetables. Each participant received a diploma and a gift from Cabrini and Cornell as a token of appreciation for their dedication and perseverance throughout the program.

The graduation was a joyful event where everyone shared a pleasant time together and prepared healthy recipes such as fruit salad, green salad, rice, and guacamole.

The nutrition group began on January 16, 2026, with an orientation session and concluded on March 13, 2026.

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