Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Bringing Christ's love to the world

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CIS-NYC Staff Attends Center for Migration Studies Conference

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Last week, members of our CIS-NYC team attended the Center for Migration Studies Conference on Immigration Integration. On Sunday, we were honored to welcome a group of conference participants to our office. Visitors toured the St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Shrine, joined us for a presentation on our work, and participated in a thoughtful Q&A.

Attendees came from across the country, including as far away as Seattle, Washington. It was an opportunity to connect in a small group, share strategies, and discuss how to move forward together in support of immigrant communities.

On Monday and Tuesday, we joined the rest of the conference at Fordham University, where we listened to compelling panels on immigration, integration, and Catholic teachings, and engaged in regional discussions. Especially in times like these, knowing we are unified in our work and faith brings hope for a way forward where everyone in this country can live with dignity, care, and respect.

School Bells are Ringing!

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.

The collection was made possible by a school supplies drive that was held in the nursing home to benefit the Cabrini Kids at the Cabrini Immigrant Services Program. Throughout the month of August, residents, staff, family members, volunteers and other visitors donated various necessities to assist these children in preparing for a new school year. The response to the supplies drive was overwhelming and each child was able to take several trips around the table to collect items such as pens, pencils, binders, notebooks, crayons and so much more!

Thank you to all those who contributed to this Mission in Action event and best of luck to the Cabrini Kids as they embark on the new school year!

Creating Comfort for God’s Littlest Ones

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.

Before donating the octopuses to the Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital in Valhalla, NY, everyone prayed over the octopuses and asked God to bless and heal all the babies who will be receiving them. We also prayed for strength for the parents who are journeying with their children.

We are so proud of our Knitting Group. They live the Cabrinian mission of bringing the love of God to others.

Birthday Celebrations

Mother Cabrini’s 175th in New York City

St. Frances Cabrini Shrine celebrated Mother Cabrini’s birthday in an abundance of ways! Our celebration kicked off on Friday, June 11 with an Immigration Action & Advocacy event to educate our neighbors about what’s happening, how they can speak up, and where they can learn more. The event was hosted by Cabrini Immigrant Services-NYC and Altagracia Faith Justice.

Cabrini Immigrant Services-NYC (CIS-NYC) joined the St. Frances X. Cabrini Shrine for an early celebration of Mother Cabrini’s birthday with an outdoor screening of the movie Cabrini on the Shrine lawn.

Before the movie, neighbors gathered for a community conversation on immigration, the work we do at CIS-NYC, and how we can give back. The discussion was led by our community organizer, Amelia, alongside partners from Altagracia Faith Works.
Afterwards there was birthday cake for all, including the 150+ neighbors who filled our lawn for a free screening of the CABRINI movie. Account continues on following page.
Saturday dawned bright and early with a Director’s Talk to over 60 people, followed by a joyous Mass in English for a nearly full house. “They sang like Protestants!” the music director exclaimed afterwards.

Two more birthday cakes were consumed before our visitors headed outside to purchase grilled hot dogs and hamburgers. Then it was time for the Spanish Mass, also exuberant and full of life. Sr. Antonina Avitabile, MSC and Sr. Sharon Casey, MSC were on hand at both Masses to pray with pilgrims with the first-class relic of St. Frances Cabrini. ~ submitted by Julia Attaway, Executive Director, St. F.X. Cabrini Shrine, NYC

Friendship and Generosity Mark Mother Cabrini’s Birthday

Cabrinian entities have long been noted for their collaborative spirit. Celebrating birthdays are no exception. For the 175th birthday, the Cabrini Immigration Commission in concert with the Cabrini University Cabrini Alumni Volunteers and Supporters (CAVS) united to host a party for Mother Cabrini at the MSC Cottage in Wayne, PA.

All were welcome to honor Mother Cabrini by bringing “gifts” such as school supplies, toiletries, underwear, shoes and socks that will be given to immigrant children in four local school districts in southeastern Pennsylvania. Gift cards to stores such as Target and Walmart were also requested so that the social workers in these districts could share them with immigrant families in need.

Many who came for the celebration had not seen each other in months or years, but, were united in their concern for immigrant children especially during these uncertain times. We were especially delighted that faculty and staff members from Villanova University joined in the festivities.

The outpouring of support was overwhelming! Guests arrived with bags and boxes overflowing with items. A reoccurring comment from people was that they were grateful for the opportunity “to do something positive to be of assistance to our immigrant brothers and sisters.”

The Cabrini Immigration Commission and the CAVS are grateful to Dr. Susan Pierson, CLM, an Immigration Commission member and former education faculty member at Cabrini University, for being the catalyst for this initiative.

Deliveries of these items to the school districts will be made prior to the start of the new academic year.

Heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us and who gave so generously to the immigrant children Mother Cabrini served and loved so dearly.

A Birthday Mass at the National Shrine

We had 235 people attend our Birthday Celebration for Mother Cabrini this past Sunday at the 10 am Mass.

We also publicly announced our new Rector, Bishop Dan Turley, O.S.A!!!!!

 

 

 

 

 

A Double Celebration at Mother Cabrini Shrine!

Mother Cabrini Shrine in Golden, CO, was full of life, love, and laughter on Sunday, July 13, as we celebrated the 79th anniversary of the canonization, and the 175th birthday of our dear Mother Cabrini. With a full to packed chapel at all three liturgies, it was a special day from start to finish.

Children from all over the metro area joined in the celebration at every Mass. They walked in procession, offered carnations to Mother Cabrini, and sang a heartwarming version of “This Little Light of Mine” that included a special new verse: “Just like Mother Cabrini, I’m gonna let it shine.” Their joy lit up the chapel!

At the start of the 2 p.m. Mass, our Spanish community brought even more beauty and tradition with a special dance down the center aisle in honor of Mother Cabrini. Afterward, they hosted a festive fiesta on the Shrine grounds—complete with food, music, and great company.

In addition to our Denver-missioned Sisters, we were also honored to welcome Sr. Bernadette Anello, MSC and Sr. Yolanda Flores, MSC to the Shrine for the celebrations. Their presence made the day even more meaningful.

It was a joyful and faith-filled celebration, and we’re so grateful to everyone who came to honor Mother Cabrini’s life and legacy. Here’s to continuing to let our light shine—just like she did.

On Tuesday evening July 15, the Sisters and staff at the Shrine welcomed over 100 of our faithful volunteers and donors for an evening of appreciation. The evening began with a prayer service in the chapel including a reflection on Mother Cabrini from Sr. Bernadette Anello. The evening concluded with a wonderful barbecue style dinner in the cafeteria prepared by the kitchen staff.

Happy Birthday, Mother Cabrini!

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.

Following Mass, all were invited to participate in a blessing ceremony of the beautiful Sacred Heart Shrine that was newly constructed in the front of the nursing home and dedicated to the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. As residents, family members, staff, Missionary Sisters and representatives from the Carmelite System gathered in front of the shrine, Bonnie Burke, Chief Executive Officer and Nursing Home Administrator addressed all by saying: “It is with deep gratitude and joy that we gather here to celebrate the birthday of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini. Today, we honor her legacy, not only in prayer, but with a special and sacred symbol, the blessing of the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Sacred Heart of Jesus has always held a central importance to Mother Cabrini and the Missionary Sisters both as a spiritual foundation of the ministry and as the personal source of strength and serenity in their lives. This statue stands not only as a devotion to the Sacred Heart, but as a reflection of Mother Cabrini’s life. A life poured in service, hospitality and unwavering trust in the Divine.”

This gorgeous shrine was made possible through the generosity of Patricia Krasnausky, former President and CEO of Cabrini of Westchester, who recently retired after 27 years of devoted service to the home. We are grateful to Pat for the many years of leadership, guidance and dedication to Cabrini and wish her well in her retirement.

During the blessing, Fr. Ron Galt, Vice President of Pastoral Care and Mission gave a reflection on the meaning of the Sacred Heart and Fr. Michael Banks, OFM, Cap., resident priest, shared the formal blessing. Afterwards, resident priest, Fr. Bill Arlia, OFM, Cap., blessed the statue with holy water and a closing song was sang by all. A reception was held in the nursing home lobby directly following the festivities.

Thank you to all that participated and contributed to this happy day!

 

CHS Shows How Mother Cabrini Still Makes Headlines After 175 Years

It’s been an exciting week for Cabrini High School as the school’s community continues to shine across New Orleans.
Juniors Lizbeth Garcia-Cruz and Mia Reyes kicked things off with an inspiring appearance on Fox 8’s NOLA Now, where they spoke about the impact of women’s sports and how competing in soccer has shaped their confidence, leadership, and sense of purpose. Their passion was evident and a proud moment for the Cabrini Crescent community.

Cabrini High was also thrilled to announce that it has been named one of the Top Five Favorite Private High Schools in NOLA Family Magazine! Voting is open daily through August 15, and the school encourages everyone to keep the momentum going and help name Cabrini the NOLA Family Favorite for 2025. (Daily voting can take place here under the “schooled” category.) In addition to this honor, Cabrini was also named a “Place to Watch” for 2025 by NOLA Family–the only private high school in the city to earn this recognition. The magazine even visited campus this week for a professional photo shoot featuring Principal Ashley Evers and a group of camera-ready, smiling Crescents.

And finally, the highlight of this midsummer week on Bayou St. John: a birthday celebration for Mother Cabrini herself! In true Cabrini spirit, summer staff and a handful of students gathered in the school’s mid-renovation front lobby to honor 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.

Transforming Stress into Positive Outcomes

Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS), Dobbs Ferry, held a workshop entitled, “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.

Betsy 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.

It is no secret that everyone is dealing with elevated levels of stress. This workshop left everyone feeling empowered and ready to try the new strategies that they learned.

A special thank you to Betsy Suarez. We look forward to her next workshop.

Hope! A Cause for Celebration!

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.
The energy throughout the night was vibrant and warm. Guests shared Mexican and Dominican food prepared by the incredible Street Vendor Project — “a membership-based organization of over 2,900 members who champion the rights of street vendors as small businesses to earn a living and contribute to the culture and life of New York City.” We danced to live music by La Cumbiamba NYE and Foreign Affair and listened to powerful speeches from several members of our staff.

We were proud to honor Lorraine Campanelli and Father Scott Leet OFM Cap., two individuals whose service and leadership have left a lasting impact on our community. Their words and work were reminders of what it means to show up every day with love and commitment to building a legacy of hope, just as Mother Cabrini did.Photos from the night can be found on our website: https://cis-nyc.org/celebrate-2025-photos

Transforming Stress into Positive Outcomes

Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS), Dobbs Ferry, held a workshop entitled,  “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.

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.

It is no secret that everyone is dealing with elevated levels of stress. This workshop left everyone feeling empowered and ready to try the new strategies that they learned.

A special thank you to Betsy Suarez. We look forward to her next workshop.

The 22nd Annual Migrant Trail Walk

Embracing the spirit of Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini, Ivonne Moreno-Rodriguez, Social Work Supervisor from Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC (CIS-NYC), joined the 22nd Annual Migrant Trail Walk that ended on June 1st. Ivonne and 43 humanitarian workers completed the 75-mile, seven-day pilgrimage from Sasabe, Mexico to Tucson Arizona to honor the over 8,000 migrants who have died at the border since the 1990s, to denounce decades of inhumane border polices, and this year with the current administration, to oppose the weaponization of the immigration laws.

With temperatures up to 100 degrees during the day, the group walked through the Sonora Desert carrying crosses, some bearing the names of migrants who died in the desert and others bearing the word “desconocido/a” — Spanish for “unknown”. Ivonne carried the crosses of two migrants that were found in 2009 and were not identified. For her, “It was such a humbling experience because I was thinking about the dreams that these migrants had coming to the US, their horrible death, and the pain of their families that are probably still looking for them.”

Every few miles during the walk, an organizer would conduct a roll call. Each walker would read the name of the person in their cross and when a name was called out, the group would respond with a loud “present” symbolizing that these deaths are not forgotten. The group also carried the indigenous prayer ties with 154 satchels containing tobacco that represents each of the remains found in the Arizona desert since June 2024 (according to figures from Humane Borders).

As part of a community of faith and having Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini as the Patron Saint of Immigrants, Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC deepens its
commitment to migrants in the NYC area and continues opposing the inhumane immigration “deterrence” polices that intentionally divert migrants fleeing violence and uncertainty in their countries into the most remote and deadly terrain.

Shhhhhh…Don’t Tell Anyone…No Le Digas a Nadie

Shhhhhh…Don’t Tell Anyone…No Le Digas a Nadie

On Friday, May 9th, the Cabrini Immigration Commission, presented the documentary, ‘Don’t Tell Anyone/No Le Digas A Nadie’ at Cabrini Immigrant Services-Dobbs Ferry, NY. Karol Brewer, from the Cabrini Action & Advocacy Coalition, the Province Formation Office, and a member of the Commission, joined us for the movie.
CIS-DF invited their adult tutors and volunteers to view the movie. The movie is about Angy Rivera, who came to the USA at the age of 4 with her mother. She lived with a secret; she was undocumented. The very moving documentary follows Angy’s life for 3 years. It takes us through the process of her applying for a U-Visa. In time, she became an activist for undocumented youth, created an advice blog, Ask Angy and a YouTube channel.

After the documentary, Angy Rivera joined us via zoom. We were able to ask her so many questions and express our deep admiration for all that she has and continues to do for immigrants.

1260 Upper Gulph Road, Wayne, PA 19087
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info@mothercabrini.org