Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Bringing Christ's love to the world
Missionary Sisters Eileen Currie (2nd l.) and Christine Marie Baltas (4th l.) and Sr. Roselle Santivasi (our photographer) welcomed Cabrini University CAVS Council and committee volunteers to their home for a springtime wine and cheese gathering. Mother Cabrini shooed away the rainy clouds in time for everyone to gather on the beautiful patio.
Our deepest thanks to the Sisters for their warm and gracious hospitality. Everyone had fun!
The Cabrini Immigration Commission of the Guadalupe Province, and the Cabrini University CAVS and community responded to an urgent need in a local school district in Southeast Pennsylvania. Three immigrant families in that district are in dire straits due to varying circumstances. When contacted by Karol Brewer, Co-Chair of the Cabrini Immigration Commission, Holly Oliver, the district social worker, explained the differing plights of these families. Due to the overwhelming generosity of Cabrini University alumni, faculty and staff and Villanova University staff members over the past year, Cabrini was able to provide support in the form of gift cards to assist these struggling families. Holly Oliver administers the gift cards to ensure that they provide the necessities needed. Abundant thanks to everyone who allows our support to continue.
Be sure to mark your calendars for Mother Cabrini’s 176th Birthday on July 15th from 1 – 4 pm at the Cabrini Cottage when we will once again be giving Mother “birthday gifts” that will enable us to support these families in meaningful ways.
Cabrini University alumni and friends, in collaboration with the MSC Cabrini Immigration Commission, rallied before Christmas to donate winter clothing essentials – hats, gloves, scarves – for children in need in our partner school districts in Southeast Pennsylvania. These items were delivered just in the nick of time before Christmas to bring smiles and warmth.
Then, just after the new year, the Immigration Commission received an urgent request for coats for high school students in the Norristown School District. (Many of the earlier donated items were sized for elementary school children.) Our contact in Norristown shared that some high school students were coming to school without coats on the coldest days!
Again, due to the generosity of the Cabrini alumni and friends of the Missionary Sisters, last week, it was possible to purchase and deliver 30 brand new winter coats for high school students. The coats were distributed to students that very afternoon bringing much needed comfort to these young people.
The Cabrini University (CAVS) Social Justice Ambassadors, under the leadership of Dr. Jerry Zurek, former Chair of the Communications Department, welcomed former Cabrini University faculty member Vonya Womack to speak on refugees and the power of story and community as tools of seeking justice and freedom.
Ms. Womack shared that it is more difficult to look away from a person or an issue when you hear the story, the narrative. Data can dominate a conversation, sometimes overshadowing events, however, story can be riveting, humanizing and can change perspectives. We need people to speak out against injustice, she said. Story can arc into resistance. Words matter.
When people ask, ‘what can I do?’ she said, “your heart will tell you what to do. Your past will point you in your own direction, your niche.”
The webinar ended with participants contacting their congressional representatives about the upcoming funding legislation.
Missing their beloved Radnor campus, the Cabrini University community members take every opportunity to gather whenever and wherever they can…especially to celebrate the good cheer of Christmas
The Cabrini University CAVS held their first annual Day of Service on Saturday, November 8th in honor of Mother Cabrini’s Feast Day on November 13th.
The Cabrini University community was invited to engage in an act of service wherever they may be located. Alumni, faculty, staff and their families and friends were encouraged to follow in Mother Cabrini’s footsteps and help an elderly neighbor or volunteer at a food pantry, whatever was particularly meaningful.
Two sites were offered for those who wished to serve those serving the poor, immigrants and those experiencing homelessness: the Mitzvah Circle in Lansdale, PA and The Blessing Shop in Norris
We had an enthusiastic turnout and look forward to growing this event in years to come.
On Monday evening, October 27th, in the seventh of a continuing series of Cabrini University CAVS Social Justice Ambassadors webinars, the topic was Domestic Violence, which was presented by Colleen Lelli, Ed.D., former Professor of Education at Cabrini University, and a national expert on domestic violence and child trauma. Here are some highlights from her presentation:
What can we do to assist families suffering from domestic violence?
One in three women and one in four men in the U.S. have faced intimate partner violence in their lifetime. When someone escapes from domestic violence, they often turn to government assistance in the form of Medicaid and SNAP food benefits. Over the summer, these two forms of assistance received drastic cuts, and now, beginning Nov. 1, all SNAP food benefits will be suspended.
These were some of the less-known effects of the U.S. government’s current budget cuts affecting vulnerable Americans.
Colleen gave an overview of the extent of domestic violence, its manifestations, and the complex dynamics of power and control. By discussing scenarios, participants explored how to know the signs [of domestic violence], the importance of listening [to the accounts of others], the need to ensure the victim’s safety, and the importance of supplying good information.
Dr. Lelli provided participants with a copy of her presentation and helpful resources. Readers may access them here. http://bit.ly/4quJcBP
Following her presentation, participants wrote emails to President Trump and Congress to free up emergency money so survivors of domestic violence will not lose SNAP benefits on November 1st. In addition, participants advocated to restore Medicaid benefits. Here is a link to advocate: http://bit.ly/49bZWYr
You may view a video of Dr. Lelli’s presentation here. http://bit.ly/4nNY4J3
Recognize Red Flags of Power & Control
• Isolation from friends and family
• Monitoring phone, social media, whereabouts
• Verbal abuse, intimidation, or humiliation
• Control of money, work, or resources
• Explosive outbursts followed by apologies (“cycle of violence”)
What You Can Do
• Listen without judgment: Believe them and let them share at their own pace.
• Express care: “I’m worried because I care about you.”
• Validate feelings: Abuse is never their fault.
• Offer information, not ultimatums: Share hotline numbers, shelters, or counseling resources.
• Stay connected: Keep the lines of communication open so they know you’re a safe person.
• Respect autonomy: Remember, only they can decide when and how to leave.
What Not To Do
• Don’t confront the abusive partner — it can escalate danger.
• Don’t pressure them to “just leave” — leaving is the most dangerous time.
• Don’t shame, criticize, or make them feel guilty for staying.
• Don’t withdraw support if they return to the relationship.
Ways to Offer Support
• Provide emotional support and a safe space to talk.
• Help brainstorm a safety plan (e.g., safe contacts, documents, emergency exits).
• Offer practical help: childcare, transportation, a safe place to stay — but only if it feels safe.
• Encourage professional help: domestic violence hotlines, shelters, legal services.
Resources
• National Domestic Violence Hotline (U.S.): 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE) or text START to 88788
• If in immediate danger: Call 911
Remember: You can’t “rescue” someone — but you can be a steady, supportive presence.
Consistent care can help them feel less isolated and more empowered to make safe choices.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month ~ Follow these organizations on social media
• Laurel House
• Victim Services of Montgomery County, Inc.
• Women’s Center of Montgomery County
• Domestic Violence Center of Chester County
• The National Network to End Domestic Violence
• National Domestic Violence Hotline
• Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence
• It’s On Us
The Cabrini Social Justice Ambassadors of the Cabrini University CAVS (Cabrini Alumni, Volunteers and Supporters) under the direction of Dr. Jerry Zurek, former Chair of the Communications Department, hosted a Zoom with Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS) leaders Lorraine Campanelli, Director of Cabrini Immigrant Services, Dobbs Ferry, NY and Amelia Scdoris, Justice for Immigrants Coordinator, at Cabrini Immigrant Services-NYC.
With small-but-mighty staffs, Lorraine and Amelia shared the many services and outreaches that CIS-Dobbs Ferry, NY and CIS-NYC provide for immigrants ranging from reading programs for children, to nutrition classes, to food pantries, to field trips for families, to help with citizenship test preparation, to assistance with visas.
The Cabrini Immigrant Services staff members also provide educational programs on knowing your rights as well as active engagement in rallies and advocacy with legislators.
This was the sixth in a series of social justice webinars sponsored by the CAVS Social Justice Ambassadors.