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
Elders Push for Immigrant Rights
Throughout this year, retirees and senior citizens in their 60s, 70s, and 80s have teamed up with consecrated religious of many congregations to rally for the rights and dignity of immigrants. They have conducted rallies and prayer vigils outside ICE offices as well as the offices of elected congressional representatives. This is particularly so in Philadelphia, the City of Brotherly Love.
Journalist Meir Rinde of Billy Penn at WHYY, the local news outlet for National Public Radio (NPR), recently did a feature on these social justice-minded senior individuals.
The activists included Jerry Zurek, PhD, a retired Cabrini University Communications Professor who co-leads a regional chapter of the NETWORK Lobby for Catholic Social Justice. Zurek said, “I believe we should welcome all people of good will. They enrich our country. I’m a former teacher, and I had so many students who were immigrants themselves, some of them undocumented. I want to do whatever I can to help them.”
Zurek, who is in his 80s, was one of many older people at [a recent] protest. He said he wanted to be there, despite the cold.
“I’m trying to do everything I can to support our immigrant community to make America better,” her said. “We just had twin granddaughters born, and we want to make the world OK for our grandchildren.”
Dr. Zurek was joined by alumni of Cabrini College/University who share his deep concern about the current treatment of immigrants.
To read the entire account, please click here
To learn about a prayer vigil for immigrants, please click here
Cookies, Mulled Cider and Mittens!
In collaboration with the Cabrini Immigration Commission of the Guadalupe Province, the Cabrini University CAVS Alumni Association held a drive to collect winter hats, gloves, and scarves for the immigrant children of the Norristown and southern Chester County, PA school districts. Alumni, faculty and staff were invited to stop by the MSC Cottage in Wayne, PA, for an Open House where the warm aroma of mulled cider and Christmas cookies greeted guests as they dropped off their donations. Cabrini friends reunited for a time of relaxed conversation and camaraderie united in a meaningful cause.
Thumbs Up for Cabrini U. CAVS Service Day
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.
Cabrini University First Annual Day of Service
To commemorate the Feast Day of Mother Cabrini which will be observed on Thursday, November 13th, the Cabrini Alumni Volunteers and Supporters (CAVS) will be hosting their first annual Day of Service on this Saturday, November 8th. No matter where they are located, alumni, faculty, staff, former students, family members and friends are encouraged to do something beneficial in your community inspired by Mother Cabrini’s example of helping immigrants, children, frail elders and the poor.
We, who have been gifted by the “education of the heart”, whether it is volunteering at a soup kitchen, spending time at a senior center or nursing home, or supporting your local school or non-profit, let’s celebrate Mother’s life and ministries by giving back as one Cabrini College/University family.
One day, one volunteer service of your choice, and over 18,000 alumni – we can truly make a difference together! Wherever you choose to serve, wear your Cabrini gear and take photos of your time of service. Photos along with a blurb can be emailed to cabrininews@mothercabrini.org Photos will be shared in an upcoming edition.
Domestic Violence – What Can We Do?
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
Key Takeaways: Supporting a Loved One in a
Domestic Violence Relationship
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
Cabrini U. Unites with One Church, One Family
~ a reflection by Jerry Zurek, PhD, former Chair, Communications Department, Cabrini University
Cabrini University alumni and friends joined 100-plus faithful in raising their voices in song and prayer in front of the Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Philadelphia field office
This public witness was a part of the nationwide Catholic campaign to call people of faith to publicly demonstrate solidarity with migrant families, asylum seekers, and refugees. The campaign is called One Church, One Family. Information may be found at 1family.us.
The speakers reflected the spirit of Pope Leo’s recent message on the World Day of Migrants and Refugees: “Migrants and refugees stand as messengers of hope. Their courage and tenacity bear heroic testimony to a faith that sees beyond what our eyes can see and gives them the strength to defy death on the various contemporary migration routes.”
“We reject the culture of fear that dehumanizes,” said Sr. Michelle Cimaroli, of the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.
A second day of prayer is planned for Nov. 13, timed to coincide with the feast of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini.
Personally, I was inspired by the many women religious present. As I mingled with everyone, each person spoke from their rich lives, often of decades of service. One, an IHM Sister from Peru, spoke of how the image of the United States has changed for many in other countries.
I hope that public events like this reveal the true spirit of many Americans and Catholics who understand that we truly are one family and must care for those seeking hope as best we can. Participating in a prayer vigil or a public action gives me greater courage to stand up for what we believe.
CAVS Social Justice Ambassadors host CIS on Zoom
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.
Cabrini Tradition of Service ~ Alive and Well
On Saturday, September 20th, two of Cabrini College/University alumni volunteered alongside Villanova University students for the 20th Annual St. Thomas of Villanova Day of Service.
Each year on this day, Villanova students and alumni travel to hundreds of different service sites throughout the Philadelphia area to garden, paint, make food packets, and send letters to schools about service opportunities.
Many thanks to Faith Pitsikoulis ’22 and Hollie Havens ’98 for joining in this special day!
The CAVS look to grow this collaborative service day with Villanova in years to come.
Cabrini University Alums Learn Stark Reality Facing Many Immigrants
What would you do if you were undocumented now? What would you do if you were a mother of two children, one of them one month old, and your husband is detained and sent to a detention center? You had been seeking asylum because of threats of violence in your home country and when you go to your immigration check-in and are told that your asylum petition has been denied and you have exactly one month to come back with tickets to return to the danger in your home country. Your husband is definitely being deported. Should you pay $10,000 to appeal? What should you do with your children who are US citizens?
These are the kind of decisions that thousands of immigrants must make every day as Homeland Security is going after many people who have lived and worked in the US for many years in New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey, but are undocumented or on Temporary Protected Status or seeking asylum or on a particular visa that is revoked.
Two Cabrini University graduates, who have spent much of their careers working with communities of immigrants, shared stories of the anxiety and fear and stress that these communities face every day.
Cabrini University alumni and friends meet each month to learn about and discuss social justice issues. The June meeting was led by Robin Larkins, Class of 1985, and Meghan Hurley, Class of 2007.
Robin has had a long career with various Cabrini ministries and is currently the co-founder and executive director of Spring Community Partners in Dobbs Ferry, NY – a suburban community just north of New York City. The organization particularly focuses on serving the growing local immigrant community and assisting parents in navigating the complex systems to help their families succeed and to advocate for their children.
Meghan works for CATA, the Farmworker Support Committee in South Jersey and southern Chester County. She is currently the Policy and Advocacy Organizer. She also served as a volunteer after college with the Holy Child Sisters in Peru.
Following the discussion, the 50 alumni participants wrote or called their U.S. Senators who are now debating the “One Big Beautiful Bill.” This budget reconciliation bill will increase funding for immigration enforcement from the current $34 billion to a proposed $200 billion. Funding would come from many sources, but especially by cutting social services such as many funded by Medicaid and SNAP.
If you are interested in learning about future discussions, please let the Cabrini University CAVS Mission and Service Committee know by adding your name here: https://bit.ly/cavs-ambassadors.
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