AMCM082025
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.
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.
As each child entered the room, they were greeted by resident, Sr. Wilda Asfour, who provided bags in which the children collected their bounty. All of the items were coordinated by category to make the selection process easy.
Knitting Group at Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS) – Dobbs Ferry, NY continues to work on outreach projects that benefit others. The group crocheted sixty octopuses for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) Octopus Project. The octopuses are given to premature babies to provide them with comfort. The babies hold on to the tentacles, which 
resemble an umbilical cord. This helps to calm the baby down. It also distracts them from pulling on their medical equipment. In addition to comfort and security, it has been found that the babies who hold the octopus experience better breathing, more regular heart rates and improved oxygen levels.
the parents who are journeying with their children.
We had 235 people attend our Birthday Celebration for Mother Cabrini this past Sunday at the 10 am Mass.
A Double Celebration at Mother Cabrini Shrine!
Cabrini of Westchester celebrated the 175th birthday of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini in a very special way on July 15, 2025! A Mass, with live music, took place in the St. Cabrini Nursing Home Chapel and was televised throughout the nursing home for the residents to participate from their rooms. Delicious breakfast and lunch menus were prepared by the Food Service Department for the residents including a delightful treat of purple cupcakes in honor of Mother Cabrini.
CHS Shows How Mother Cabrini Still Makes Headlines After 175 Years
Cabrini’s 175th birthday with cake, joy, and a fun social media reel for all Crescents, past, present, and future. Nearly two centuries later, her legacy continues to inspire young women to lead with faith, courage, and compassion.
“Tu Arma Secreta: Convirtiendo el Estres en una Fuerza Positiva.” (“Your Secret Weapon: Turning Stress into a Positive Force”). The workshop was presented by Betsy Suarez, a licensed mental health counselor.
Despite the rain, last Saturday’s fundraiser was a beautiful, joy-filled evening that reminded us of the strength and love in our community. We celebrated 26 years of Cabrini Immigrant Service with this year’s theme of HOPE. Hope is a word that reflects not just what we feel for the future, but what we actively build together. In a time when many in our community face fear and uncertainty, hope is our refusal to give up. We gathered to celebrate our collective work, honor incredible leaders, raise support for immigrant justice, and commit to hope for a more just future for all.
spoke about how stress can lead to anxiety and how it can affect your mental health and other health issues. She explained how understanding and managing stress is essential to your well-being. Betsy shared how turning stress into a positive force can help you. She gave many therapeutic strategies to help create a more positive relationship with stress. She showed how reframing negative thoughts, journaling, walking, etc. can all help create a more positive attitude. Betsy stated that a positive outlook can transform stress from an obstacle into an opportunity.