Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Cabrini University Holds Breakfast Conversation on Immigration

February 8, 2017

To commemorate the feast day of St. Josephine Bakhita on February 8^th members of the Cabrini University community gathered for “Cabrinian Responses to Immigration Issues: A Breakfast Conversation.” Tom Southard, Executive Director of the Wolfington Center, welcomed students, faculty and staff to the event with a brief story about the life of Sr. Bakhita, and Sr. Christine Marie Baltas, MSC, offered a reflection on the work of Sr. Bakhita in light of our Catholic and Cabrinian mission as a University.

President Donald Taylor offered further reflections on the statements of solidarity with immigrants that he has signed on behalf of the University, reading aloud two letters, from a current student and an alumna, which offered contrasting views on whether the University should take a public stand on these issues. While maintaining the vital importance of honest discussion and diverse perspectives on these matters, President Taylor explained the rationale for his decision to make such strong public statements—rooted in the Cabrinian corporate stance on immigration, Mother Cabrini’s identity as the Patroness of Immigrants, and Pope Francis’ teachings on these matters.

Fr. Augustine Puleo, PhD

The event featured a talk by Fr. Augustine Puleo, PhD, who offered a first-hand perspective on the realities of life in the predominantly Mexican-immigrant parish of St. Patrick’s in Norristown, PA. Fr. Gus began his talk with two prayers: the Prayer of St. Francis, and the Novena to Mother Cabrini. Through a series of stories involving the highs and lows of life in St. Pat’s, Fr. Gus emphasized the vibrant faith of his congregants, the massive obstacles they face in raising their families, and the continuous work done by the church to offer hope and assistance to the most poor and vulnerable. The great Catholic call to respect the life and dignity of all, he reminded us, extends from conception to natural death—and includes prenatal care, assistance for at-risk children, and a viable path to higher education. In the end, Fr. Gus reminded us, none of the migrants in his parish live en las sombras (in the shadows), because they live in the light of Christ, and for all of us our true citizenship is in Heaven. These are concerns that would be close to the heart of Mother Cabrini, as we prayed at the outset: “Inspire me with your love of the Heart of Jesus; then, at my end, guide this my migrant soul and bring me safe to God.”

~submitted by Raymond E. Ward, PhD, Associate Director for Peace and Justice, Wolfington Center, Cabrini University

No Ban! No Wall! Cabrini Immigrant Services, Dobbs Ferry, NY Resistance

February 8, 2017

“On Saturday, February 4^th, Cabrini Immigrant Services of Dobbs Ferry partnered with a diverse coalition of community organizations to host the Westchester Resistance Rally in White Plains.

The protest, at the Elisabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University, was organized by State Senator Andrea Stewart-Cousins who represents Dobbs Ferry among other Westchester towns and villages, and also included New York State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. The event was organized in opposition to policies issued via executive order by President Donald J. Trump.

Senator Stewart-Cousins convened local leaders, elected officials and Westchester community members who came together in support of human rights and in opposition to policies banning immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries and the construction of a multi-billion dollar wall between the United States and Mexico.

“As President Woodrow Wilson once said, ‘The history of liberty is a history of resistance,’ ” said Stewart-Cousins. “The organic demonstrations of people all over the world underscore the importance of American ideals and values.”

The event followed weeks of protests and rallies since the Presidential Inauguration.

Meanwhile, on February 4^th, while other Cabrini staff members were protesting in White Plains, Lorraine Campanelli, Director of CIS, was a panelist on the “Forum on Immigration” at the Yonkers Public Library, presented by The Legal Aid Society of Westchester County, The Westchester Black Bar Association and The Regional Immigration Assistance Center. Lorraine spoke about the many services available at CIS-DF. “It was an honor to hear from attendees that Cabrini is well respected and is highly recommended by so many other agencies,” said Lorraine Campanelli who has been asked to join “the team” as they travel to different regions of Westchester County.

Previously, on January 28^th, Concerned Families of Westchester rallied in Hastings-on-Hudson, NY to protest President Trump’s Anti-Immigrant Agenda. The staff from Cabrini Immigrant Services, Dobbs Ferry, along with several tutors and their spouses were in attendance

LCWR Releases Statement on Executive Orders on Immigration

February 3, 2017

The Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) is deeply disturbed by many of President Trump’s recent executive orders. His misplaced priorities and denigration of the values that form the bedrock of this nation, threaten us all.

We are deeply concerned about the administration’s executive orders on immigration and refugee resettlement which serve only to threaten border communities, force our immigrant community members further into the shadows, and endanger those fleeing violence. These misguided executive orders do nothing to make anyone more secure and may well have the opposite effect.

Spending billions of dollars on an unnecessary and ineffective wall and further militarizing the border will divert funding from health, education, and social programs and will not make America safe again. In fact, such action threatens the health and well-being of border communities, the environment, and those seeking refuge in our country. President Trump’s orders, if enacted, will tear families apart, challenge our already stressed immigration courts, and deny those fleeing persecution and violence their right to asylum; all at enormous cost to our treasure and our souls.

The president’s attempt to enhance public safety in the interior by cutting federal funding to sanctuary cities and counties will have the opposite effect. It challenges local authority and threatens to destroy the hard won trust of the immigrant community. The order eviscerates prosecutorial discretion and places every undocumented person in the country in danger of immediate deportation.

Finally, we are appalled by President Trump’s order which bans residents of seven Muslim majority countries from entering the U.S. for 90 days, suspends refugee resettlement entirely for four months, and bars resettlement of Syrian refugees indefinitely. This is unconscionable in the face of the unprecedented global refugee crisis. More than 61 million people have been displaced from their homes, more than at any time since World War II. Some 21 million are refugees; most are children who have been forced from their homes by unthinkable violence. The Trump administration has forced all of us to turn our backs on families who are literally running for their lives.

This nation has a long history of welcoming immigrants and sheltering refugees. Women religious have been blessed to be able to accompany and serve immigrant and refugee communities across this country for a very long time. Catholic sisters remain committed to welcoming refugees who come to this country after passing through the U.S. government’s already rigorous screening processes. Halting or undermining the U.S. refugee resettlement program leaves vulnerable refugees, including women and children fleeing violence, in extreme danger and diminishes us all.

We strongly object to President Trump’s attempts to limit our ability to heed God’s call to welcome the stranger (Mt. 25:35) and to care for those most in need (Mt 25:40) and we are particularly concerned about rules and regulations that deny access to refugees because of their religion, race, or nationality. It is a violation of our faith and every norm of humanity.

We vow to continue to welcome refugees and minister to immigrants. LCWR and its members will continue to press for restoration of refugee resettlement, relief for families, an end to needless deportations, and the closure of all family detention centers. We will continue to advocate for compassionate, bipartisan legislation that fixes our broken immigration system. We will continue to stand in solidarity with families, regardless of immigration status, who labor daily to provide safety and security for their children.

LCWR is an association of leaders of congregations of Catholic women religious in the United States. The conference has nearly 1300 members, who represent more than 38,800 women religious in the United States. Founded in 1956, LCWR assists its members to collaboratively carry out their service of leadership to further the mission of the Gospel in today’s world.

To learn more please visit the LCWR website: https://lcwr.org

Also, learn more at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops website: http://www.usccb.org

Cabrini University Releases Statement on Executive Order on Immigration

February 3, 2017

Dear Cabrini University Community,

As you are aware, President Trump issued an executive order on Friday, January 27, that bans entry into the United States for individuals from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen, and bans refugee entry from all nations. This executive order has prompted swift opposition, including large demonstrations and legal challenges.

Cabrini University applauds the opposition of this executive order and stands in solidarity with those who are protesting the injustice of this order. Cabrini too has taken steps to stand with our immigrant brothers and sisters, including, among other actions, signing a letter from the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities promising not to voluntarily identify undocumented students.

Cabrini has always been a University that welcomes immigrants, refugees, and undocumented students. We will continue to do so, and we will continue to protect all of our students—each and every one.

We are not alone in this, as we stand in solidarity with colleges and universities around that nation, both faith-based and secular, who oppose this executive order. Catholic colleges and universities in particular have been strong opponents, heeding the words of Pope Francis who said that “authentic hospitality is our greatest security against hateful acts of terrorism.” You can read a statement by the Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities, of which Cabrini is a member, by following this link: ACCU Statement on Recent Executive Order by the President

Some students may be wondering how this executive order will affect their spring break travel plans. There is no one answer to this question, so I suggest that students who have concerns reach out to Cabrini’s faculty and staff for assistance. We’re here to help and will provide whatever assistance and information we can.

Let us never forget that Cabrini University is named for the universal Patron Saint of Immigrants—Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini—an immigrant to this country who eventually became an American citizen. She and her Missionary Sisters ministered to the marginalized immigrants from all walks of life, many of whom faced discrimination and outright harassment. From her example and that of her Missionary Sisters, we have, and will continue, to stand in solidarity with immigrants and refugees from anywhere in the world.

In the spirit of the Patron Saint of Immigrants,

Don Taylor

Donald B. Taylor, PhD

President, Cabrini University

Cabrini Immigrant Services, NYC Hosts Community Coat Drive

December 9, 2016

On Friday, November 18, 2016 Cabrini Immigrant Services, NYC held its second annual coat drive at St. Teresa’s Church. It was a successful event that was led by staff and volunteers. Cabrini Immigrant Services provided over 130 families with new and gently used warm coats and jackets resulting in the distribution of 238 coats and jackets but also clothing, shoes, socks, hats and scarves to the immigrant community in preparation of the cold winter that is to come.

The event was filled with joy and excitement as many families and children expressed their gratitude to staff and volunteers for caring for the immigrant community and surrounding neighborhoods. Thank you to the donors, community groups, volunteers and parishes for making this amazing event happen and giving us the opportunity to show that we care for New York City. We look forward to the next coat drive!

Cabrini Health Australia Marks World Refugee Day

June 27, 2016

Photo of Suresh Sundram taken on August 15, 2014. Cabrini Australia marked World Refugee Day on Monday 20 June in a most tangible way: the Cabrini Asylum Seeker and Refugee Health Hub received its first client, a Medicare-ineligible asylum seeker from the Middle East. He was seen by Professor Suresh Sundram, who has begun weekly psychiatry clinics at the health hub.

Centre Manager Tracey Cabrie, who has been onboard almost two months, is pleased with progress underway at the new Cabrini Asylum Seeker and Refugee Health Hub. “Credentialling of general practitioners, psychiatrists and psychiatry registrars is underway and we are receiving a great deal of interest from other healthcare professionals who want to volunteer their services, for example endocrinologists, nurses, physiotherapists and other allied health professionals,” she said. “Many referral agencies have been in touch and we have patients ready to access our services. We are currently working to finalise our roster of clinicians, as well as the policies, procedures and systems necessary to make the hub operational.”

The small team at the Cabrini Asylum Seeker and Refugee Health Hub now includes two nurses Louise Wilson and Bernadette Flanagan who work part-time, Administration Assistant Santina McLean and Project Officer Nicole Whatley employed by St Vincent’s Hospital, one of our partners in the Hub, to support the establishment of the GP services.

For more information about the Cabrini Asylum Seeker and Refugee Health Hub, visit http://www.cabrini.com.au/news-and-events/new-blogcategory-2/new-cabrini-asylumseeker-and-refugee-health-hub-opened/

Cabrini Health Opens Cabrini Asylum Seeker and Refugee Health Hub

May 5, 2016

On Thursday 28 April, the new Cabrini Asylum Seeker and Refugee Health Hub, a much needed service in Melbourne’s inner-north, was officially opened by Cr Samantha Ratnam, Mayor of Moreland, and blessed by Reverend Monsignor Anthony Ireland STD EV PP, Episcopal Vicar for Health, Aged and Disability Care in the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne.

5820_LoResgroup photo The new service, located on the ground floor at 503 Sydney Road in the Melbourne suburb of Brunswick, will provide healthcare services for asylum seekers and refugees.

Special guests at the event included Cabrini Sisters General Superior Sister Barbara Staley, MSC; Sister Catherine Garry, MSC; Sister Arlene Van Dusen, MSC; and Sister Sharon Casey, MSC; as well as Cabrini Board Chairman Richard Rogers.

“Cabrini is committed to making a difference to the disadvantage faced by asylum seekers and refugees,” says Dr. Michael Walsh, Chief Executive of Cabrini. “We believe that working collaboratively is the most effective way to address disadvantage and will lead to the best health outcomes for the people we want to serve.”

[The Australian state of] Victoria has one of the highest asylum seeker and refugee settlement numbers in Australia. Many asylum seekers in our community have neither work rights nor access to government benefits such as Medicare, Centrelink, housing or emergency relief.

“Our approach is based on strong partnerships with public and private hospitals, community health agencies, asylum seeker/refugee services and others who want to make a difference to the plight of asylum seekers and refugees,” said Dr. Walsh. “We are grateful to the many agencies who have supported the concept and look forward to others joining with us over time to enhance our capacity.”

In his blessing, Monsignor Anthony Ireland reminded the gathering that pain is not hypothetical, it’s not imaginary, it’s real, and the pain of refugees and asylum seekers is a powerful reality in our community, and in societies all over the world.

What Cabrini and everyone associated with the new Centre are doing, Monsignor Ireland said, is giving witness to the Gospel truths. …Everybody involved is doing precisely what the Gospel [calls forth…]

Initial services will begin in May 2016 with GP clinics and specialist mental health services to be offered first. Chronic disease management, maternal and child health and infectious disease management, as well as social, emotional and spiritual support services, will follow.

“Clustering these services in one location will enhance access and facilitate a person-centred, integrated approach to primary and specialist care for this vulnerable group,” said Dr. Walsh.