Cabrini Mission Foundation Celebrates 25th Anniversary at 2023 Annual Gala
It was a night full of cheers and laughter, as attendees joined Cabrini Mission Foundation in celebrating 25 years of service at its 2023 annual Gala on October 13th at the Metropolitan Club in Manhattan, NY. The Foundation recognized two special and deserving honorees for the Cabrini Legacy Award: Patricia Krasnausky and William J. O’Connor
Sr. Diane Omstead, MSC, Provincial, William J. O’Connor, Patricia Krasnausky, Sr. Pietrina Raccuglia, MSC
The Cabrini Legacy Award recognizes altruistic, charitable, and generous individuals who embrace the spirit of the charism in every aspect of their life. Their enthusiasm and ability to meet the unmet needs of others parallels the work Mother Cabrini accomplished during her years of service.
Bill O’Connor embarked on his educational journey at Manhattan College in New York, where he pursued his Bachelor’s and Master of Science degrees in Civil Engineering. For two decades, O’Connor committed himself to the Building Commission of the Archdiocese of New York. At the Archdiocese, Bill managed and maintained over 2,000 religious buildings spanning across 500 locations. His efforts, not only ensured the structural integrity of these sacred spaces, but also fostered an environment of efficient facilities management. In December 2003, O’Connor founded Parish Property management to offer professional counsel to institutions with large building portfolios, including properties for the Missionary Sisters.
O’Connor was first introduced to the Missionary Sisters in 1985 and was elected to the Cabrini Mission Foundation Board in November of 2014, demonstrating his passion and commitment to Mother Cabrini’s legacy through his facility work as well as being an active Board member.
Pat Krasnausky has provided steadfast and proven leadership of Cabrini Eldercare Services in New York since she began her career in 1991. Pat came to work at the Cabrini Medical Center on East 19th Street in Manhattan where the Medical Center was taking over a financially distressed nursing home on 5th Street and she would be in charge of the transition. Krasnausky would be named President and CEO of Cabrini Nursing Home in Dobbs Ferry, NY, as well, just seven years later.
For 14 years, Pat oversaw the operations of both nursing homes – that encompasses 544 patient beds and split her time between the two locations. Krasnausky’s embrace of the Cabrini charism goes well beyond eldercare. During her tenure, Pat also served for 12 years as the Director of the Cabrini Lay Missionaries (CLMs); a group of women and men who desire to live out their Christian baptismal commitment as a special call from God. A knowledgeable executive and icon in the New York health community, Krasnausky has had an enduring impact on the lives of so many families that have entrusted their care at Cabrini of Westchester.
The Sisters and staff would like to send a sincere thank you to everyone who attended the gathering, and for the continued support of the mission.
We are Pilgrims on a Journey…
“We are Pilgrims on a Journey…”
Staff members from Cabrini Health in Australia led by Julie Fleming, the Director of Mission Services, are currently on a pilgrimage to Codogno, Italy to walk in the footsteps of Mother Cabrini. They are being joined by Cabrini Mission Foundation (CMF) Board Member Dave DeCerbo and his wife, Linda, and CMF Executive Director Christopher LaBianco.
Sr. Therese Merandi, MSC and Sr. Maria Barbargallo, MSC have been accompanying the group during their stay in Codogno.
In their own words:
Julie Fleming, Cabrini Health shares:
“How many people are blessed enough to literally walk in the footsteps of a saint?
“The whole pilgrim experience has been deeply moving; learning details of Mother Cabrini’s life and her faith in the Sacred Heart of Jesus plus the passionate storytelling by Sr. Therese Merandi, MSC has been inspiring and has brought to life the Cabrini charism in a vibrant way.
Meeting the senior Missionary Sisters who have given so much of their life to service of others is so humbling. We feel a deeper and more familial connection with Saint Frances Cabrini and know that we will become better torchbearers of her charism in our ministries.
Jenny Nicholson, Cabrini Health, Australia:
I did not expect to be overcome by the profound impact this immersion experience would have on me.
To walk on the very floorboards, St. Frances Cabrini walked on in her home; to be in the rooms where she listened to the stories told by her father; where she slept, ate and prayed. All these things I had only read of.
The passion of those who continue the work of St. Frances, living their life through her, in her spirit, living out the gift of our charism. The incredible stories of Sr. Maria Barbagallo, the passion, fervour and spirit of Sr. Therese and Allesandra Bergamaschi. To receive the blessings of the many Sisters of the Codogno Spirituality Centre every day…we are blessed in God’s love to be here.
Miranda Coombs, Cabrini Health, Australia
I have been moved by the stories of the sisters and mother Cabrini, delivered with so much illumination and conviction. But above all else, I have been moved by their openness to love. I have been moved with love, to be open to love and more giving of love. I have felt so much love for my family, for my friends and fellow pilgrims who are also on this journey.
“It has been a profound experience to walk in the footsteps of Mother Cabrini as part of a Codogno pilgrimage with my fellow Guadalupe Province lay leaders from Australia. I have had the opportunity to bear witness to Mother Cabrini’s birthplace, schools she attended and taught at, places of worship, and missionary institutions she opened. Mother Cabrini’s story has always inspired me — her resilience, perseverance, business acumen. Today, history has taught me so much more about her suffering, her love, her leadership, and her strategic approach and mission focus. I am grateful to have participated, and look forward to the opportunity to further the mission in my daily life.”
Cabrini Mission Foundation Second Baseball Event
Cabrini Mission Foundation Gala
For reservations and event details contact:
Ellen Cunningham
212.228.8608
and/or ecunningham@cabrinifdn.org
Cabrini Mission Foundation – Spirit of Christmas
Celebrate the Christmas spirit, the birth of Jesus Christ, and sing a few yuletide carols with our Sisters this holiday season!
Please join the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Cabrini Mission Foundation Board of Trustees for the Spirit of Christmas party on Thursday, December 15th at Fine & Rare in New York City. Enjoy food, drinks, Christmas music, and more with our dedicated Sisters and lay collaborators.
Please see below for more details, and a PDF version of the full invitation can be downloaded here. Visit our website to purchase your ticket/sponsorships or click here to be redirected to the page. If you have any additional questions, please contact Ellen Cunningham: ecunningham@cabrinifdn.org or 212-228-8608.
We look forward to seeing you there!
2022 Cabrini Mission Foundation Gala
Joel Zazyczny, Sr. Diane Omstead
Eustace Wolfington
Catherine Bullock, Sr. Pietrina Raccuglia
It was a night full of smiles, laughter, and a few tears, as attendees came together to celebrate Cabrini Mission Foundation’s annual 2022 Gala, hosted on Oct. 13th at the Metropolitan Club. The theme at this year’s event, “Education of the Heart,” embodied Mother Cabrini’s education principle – teachers or advocates for Cabrini, need to “Educate the Hearts” of those they teach, which links intellectual competence with moral development and instills a special concern for those persons who are in need.
The heart of every guest was full as each honoree reflected on his/her commitment to education and his/her contribution to continuing the mission. Four honorees were awarded the Cabrini Angel Award which recognizes individuals who have helped several generations to flourish and prosper. No person, place, or global pandemic, could stop these driven educators from assisting students in finding their purpose, guiding them through important life events, and fostering the dreams of the world’s incoming leaders.
Catherine Costa Bullock attended the Cabrini school in Brooklyn until the 3rd grade, then transferred to “Sacred Heart Villa” the Cabrini School in Dobbs Ferry, New York, later becoming a beloved teacher and educator.
Sr. Catherine Garry, Yvonne Hrapmann
Hrapmann, a dedicated principal at Cabrini High School in New Orleans, always works diligently to guarantee her students a comprehensive, faith-filled education, especially during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina where she was able to continue classes even after losing her home to the disaster. Helena and Francis Ottaviano educated the hearts of their children to live lives of service and love. Francis was a doctor at Cabrini Medical Center, and saved countless lives during his career, while Helena touched many with her loving, generous heart. Joel Zazyczny is a graduate of Cabrini University, and went on to become a scientist, innovator, and business leader with over 30 years of experience in chemicals and industrial minerals.
Receiving the Son of Cabrini Award, Eustace Wolfington is a devoted Catholic, family man, and proud father of 10 children. For the last several years Eustace has committed his time, energy, and financial resources to producing a movie which will make Mother Cabrini more known to the world, and believes her legacy represents a story worth telling and will resonate with the young women of today, tomorrow and into the future.
The Sisters, and staff, would like to send a sincere thank you to everyone who attended the gathering, and for the continued support of the mission.
Play Ball!
It was a day to remember as Sisters, supporters and friends braved a record-breaking heat wave for a day full of laughter at the Cabrini Mission Foundation’s first-ever charity baseball event. Held just over the Hudson River at the Staten Island FerryHawks Stadium, the event raised money in order to further the Foundation’s mission and come together to share a light-hearted day full of excitement.
Attendees enjoyed the game in comfort from a private box suite and all the stadium staples including hot dogs, popcorn, and more importantly, ice cold beer to beat the heat. Sisters and baseball enthusiasts cheered at each inning – even a fly ball was caught and cherished as a keepsake. All in all, the event was a ‘Home Run’!
To learn more about the Cabrini Mission Foundation click here
Cabrini Mission Foundation Gala – Education of the Heart
Cabrini Mission Foundation Provides Flood Relief
In a continued effort to respond with urgency to the individuals affected by natural disasters, Cabrini Mission Foundation, in collaboration with the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Guadalupe Providence, has partnered with Water With Blessings, a faith-based nonprofit dedicated to providing clean drinking water, to assist those affected by the Appalachian floods in Perry County, Kentucky. The 100 filters donated will provide desperate mountain families and the elderly with access to safe, clean drinking water where the entire water system has been destroyed and offer financial relief from paying for bottled water, which may not be accessible.
To learn more about the Cabrini Mission Foundation click here
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