Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Continuing the Joy of the Christmas Season

January 16, 2025

Christmas is truly a special time in our lives. The birth of the Christ-child calls us to share the love and the joy of the season. Several of our children and high schoolers from Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS), Dobbs Ferry, shared their Christmas joy with the residents at St. Cabrini Nursing Home.

The students made special cards for the residents wishing them a wonderful Christmas and New Year. As the children arrived, they shared the cards with the residents. Then, our storyteller, Dr. Wendy Mages, told the story, Gingerbread Baby by Jan Brett. The children and the residents enjoyed the story. After the story, the children sang many Christmas songs both in English and Spanish. Following the singing, our high school students put on a skit about ‘The Grinch who Didn’t Like Christmas.’ Everyone did a magnificent job!

What would a Christmas program be without a visit from Santa Claus? The children were so surprised when Santa (a/k/a Kristen McCauley, the Director of Therapeutic Recreation) arrived with gifts for all the children. It was a wonderful afternoon. The sparkle in the children’s eyes matched the joy on the faces of the residents. That is what Christmas is all about. May that wonder and joy carry well into this new year for youngsters and the young at heart

Beloved Traditions of the Advent Season

December 12, 2024

On Wednesday, December 3rd, the residents and staff of Cabrini of Westchester gathered for a brief prayer service to bless the outdoor nativity scene. The prayer service took place in the lobby with resident priest, Fr. Michael Banks, OFM, Cap., sharing the readings and blessing the Baby Jesus.

Afterwards, Fr. Ron Galt, Vice President of Pastoral Care and Mission, and Sr. Isalia Carvahlo, MSC, carried the infant Jesus’ statue outside to the beautiful crèche where Fr. Ron sprinkled the entire scene with holy water. Before the Baby Jesus was brought outside to the manger, Fr. Banks shared, “As we pause to bless this Christmas Manger scene, we are reminded that the practice of erecting such mangers was begun by St. Francis of Assisi as a means to send forth the message of Christmas. When we look upon these figures, the Christmas gospel comes alive and we are moved to rejoice in the mystery of the Incarnation of the son of God.”

Observing the Día de los Muertos

November 7, 2024

November is a time of remembrance for our departed family members, friends and loved ones. There are many ways that we remember those who have gone before us. There are different prayers and rituals that we use when remembering our deceased.

On November 1st, some of the clients from Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS), Dobbs Ferry, shared their celebration of Día de los Muertos, (the Day of the Dead), with the residents at St. Cabrini Nursing Home.

It has become a tradition that the clients from CIS honor this special day with the residents and staff at the nursing home. A beautiful altar was created in the lobby. As our clients built the altar, there was such reverence, love and tears that went into it. Each piece that was added to the altar had great meaning. It is customary in Mexico and many of the countries in South and Central America to build an altar in your home to remember the dead. Our clients were from Mexico, Honduras, El Salvador, Venezuela and Guatemala. Many are not able to return to their homeland and so they celebrate and remember with the Cabrini family.

The program began in the chapel where our clients spoke about the meaning of Día de los Muertos. The residents were then led out to the lobby behind one of the clients who was carrying the Book of the Dead. The names of deceased family, friends, residents, etc. are written in this book. The way to the lobby was lit with candles inside luminaria bags.

The clients spoke about the altar and the meaning of the different items. There were pictures and names of their loved ones on the altar. Special flowers, fruits, bread, sugar skulls and candles were also placed on the altar.

Through tears, many described how being able to share in this moment helped them as they prayed and remembered their loved ones. Everyone present was invited to add the names and pictures of their loved ones to the altar where they would be remembered in prayer.

A Memorable Day!

October 30, 2024

On Wednesday, October 23rd, the residents and staff of Cabrini of Westchester enjoyed a visit from the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart’s General Superior, Sr. Maria Eliane Azevedo da Silva and General Councilor, Sr. Gilda Mercedes Mendoza Argueta. Accompanied by Sr. Diane Olmstead, MSC, Provincial of the Guadalupe Province, Sr. Eliane and Sr. Gilda arrived in time to attend Mass that was celebrated in Cabrini’s chapel followed by lunch with the Sisters who are residents of the home. A veritable feast was enjoyed by those in attendance as well as lively and entertaining conversation.

After lunch, Sr. Eliane, Sr. Gilda and Sr. Diane made their way to visit the Cabrini Immigrant Services program located at a store front in Dobbs Ferry, NY, just a few minutes’ drive from the nursing home. As the Sisters arrived, a group of women fondly known as the “Knitting Group” were gathered around a table to greet and interact with the Sisters. The group meets weekly not only to work on improving their English, but sometimes, they knit various items such as blankets and face cloths which are then donated to local charities.

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After the adults left for the day, it was time for the Children’s Literacy Program! Several young ones from both pre-K and Kindergarten arrived ready to get to work creating a craft that was based on the children’s book, “Bad Apple,” by Edward Hemingway. The literacy program is intended to assist the children with their reading skills improving their English and exposing them to creative arts. Sr. Eliane and Sr. Diane helped the children with the craft project while Sr. Gilda made her own. Lots of fun and laughter were had by all in attendance!

Thank you Sr. Eliane, Sr. Gilda and Sr. Diane for a memorable day!

Our Pets are a Blessing to Us!

October 10, 2024

“Francis of Assisi was a man of humility and because of this, God gave him the grace to communicate with animals,” said resident Father Michael Banks, OFM, Cap, during blessing of animals at Cabrini of Westchester. “There are many stories about St. Francis and his ability to convene with all sorts of animals including preaching to the birds who flocked around him to listen.”

Cabrini of Westchester is the home to several birds including parakeets that live in an aviary on the Short-Term Rehabilitation Unit, and cockatiels and a conure that live in a large aviary in the building’s main hallway. Since October 4th was the Feast of St. Francis and it is customary to bless all animals in his name, Fr. Ron Galt, Vice President of Pastoral Care and Mission, arranged to have the birds blessed by not only Fr. Banks, but also by resident, Fr. Bill Arlia, OFM Cap, on Monday, October 7th.

After sharing the story, “When Francis Met the Wolf of Gubbio,” where St. Francis tamed a wolf from terrorizing the people of Gubbio, Fr. Michael bestowed a blessing of the birds on the Short-Term Rehabilitation Unit. A special visitor named Oshi, a pet dog owned by one of the resident’s family members, was also blessed. The group then processed to the cockatiel and conure aviary where Fr. Arlia blessed them with holy water as well.

Preparing for the Change of Season

October 2, 2024

September brings many changes besides the leaves changing colors. Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS), Dobbs Ferry, wanted to help our clients prepare for the Fall Season so we held two programs.

On September 13th, we held a Women’s Workshop entitled, “Si, Puedo.” (If I can.) Betsy Suarez, a licensed mental health counselor, presented the workshop. Betsy spoke about self-care and building healthy boundaries so that we do not get burned-out. September seems to be a hectic month as children return to school, some return to work, women have to prepare for the upcoming holidays, etc. Betsy shared ways of helping the women reduce stress and to not feel guilty about taking time for themselves.

On September 18th, a STARS (StoryTelling, Art, Reading and Socialization) Program was held for our children in Grades Kindergarten to 1st. Wendy Mages, Ed.D., a professor at Mercy University, Dobbs Ferry, NY and a trained storyteller, presented the book, First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg. The book is about students returning to school for a new school year. We discussed some of the ‘jitters’ that students feel when they go to a new school, like the Kindergarteners or when they return to school but are now in a new class. Some said that they were worried about making friends or if the other students would like them, etc. After the discussion, the students drew self-portraits and then wrote positive statements such as “I will be kind.” They also colored in a picture of a backpack. They wrote and drew their hopes and goals for the school year.

We are looking forward to the Fall season and all the beauty that it brings.

Joining Hearts in Prayer for Peace

July 17, 2024

On Wednesday July 10, residents and staff at Cabrini of Westchester welcomed a number of our local faith leaders and clergy to an Interfaith Prayer Service. Our

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intention was to gather to raise our voices in prayer in response to the divisiveness and lack of civility at times in our country and the lack of peace in our world. Various faith leaders offered prayers, meditations and readings as we responded to the call for us to come together and celebrate our wonderful diversity as well as our unity, as people of faith.

Since we gathered, the attempt on the life of former President Trump is another important reminder for us to do all we can to ensure our words, tone and actions emanate from a place of peace, civility and non-violence. We pray for an end to such terrible violence and for those injured or killed at the hands of violence. May our loving God encourage us and help us in our efforts.

Cabrini Lay Missionaries Renew Commitments

June 13, 2024

The Feast of the Sacred Heart was a very special day for the Cabrini Lay Missionaries (CLMs), in the Guadalupe Province. We started the day with a beautiful Mass at St. Cabrini Nursing Home in Dobbs Ferry, NY. During the Mass, Adela Jarquin, Marianne McGowan and Digna Merchan made their
recommitment to the CLMs for 3 years.

Later in the afternoon, we came together on Zoom for a prayer service and the recommitment of several CLMs. Due to distance, several of our CLMs were not able to join us at the Liturgy. However, via Zoom, Melanie Paccillo, Sheny Hernandez, Susan Pierson, Veronica Hernandez, Victoria Ortiz, Julia Attaway, Angela Campbell and Kaitlyn Franzone all made their commitments for either one or three years.

We were also blessed to welcome Stefany Fuentes Meza to the CLMs. Stefany lives in Nicaragua. Stefany made a one-year commitment as a CLM.

May we follow in the footprints of Mother Cabrini who lived by the words of St. Paul, “I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:14)

Cabrini of Westchester Honors Long-Term Employees

June 13, 2024

On May 29, 2024, Cabrini of Westchester held the annual Employee Service Awards ceremony followed by a luncheon in honor of fifty-eight outstanding employees who were celebrating five, ten, fifteen, twenty, twenty-five, thirty and even thirty-five years of service to the organization.

The ceremony was held in St. Cabrini’s Chapel. Rev. Ron Galt, Vice President of Pastoral Care and Mission, bestowed blessings on all of the honorees. In her remarks, Patricia Krasnausky, President and CEO, shared her experiences of working in a nursing home as a teen and beyond, doing many of the tasks that all the employees take on every day. She shared, “The circumstances and times may have been different, but I know how hard you work. That’s how I can honestly express the great respect and gratitude I have for all that you are and all that you do. Congratulations and thank you for your contributions over the many years and for making Cabrini of Westchester what it is today.”

Each of the awardees received a pin with a precious stone reflective of their years of service to Cabrini of Westchester.

Recipients were invited to participate in a luncheon in recognition of the hard work and dedication to the mission accomplished by all Cabrini of Westchester Employees each and every day of the year! Account continues on following page.

Congratulations to the 2024 Employee Service Award Recipients and thank you for being such a cherished part of the Cabrini family!