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!
Sr. Lucy brings with her a rich and diverse background in formation, ministry, and leadership within our Institute. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and a Licentiate in Psychology from the Gregorian University in Rome. Her academic preparation has supported a life of service marked by attentiveness to both the human and spiritual dimensions of those entrusted to her care.
Throughout her religious life, Sr. Lucy has served in a variety of ministries across different cultural contexts. Her experience includes school catechesis, teaching Italian to middle school students, and serving as a nurse at Cabrini Hospital in Seattle. She has dedicated many years to formation as a Novice Directress in Latin America and the United States, accompanying young women in their discernment and growth in religious life.
Her international ministry also extends to Africa, where she has accompanied young women discerning their vocation and supported the ongoing formation of young sisters. This experience has deepened her commitment to intercultural formation, attentive listening, and the nurturing of vocations within diverse realities, strengthening connections across provinces and fostering a spirit of shared mission.
At the international level, Sr. Lucy has served as Coordinator of the International Formation Coordinating Team, fostering collaboration and unity in formation processes across provinces. She has also ministered as a Professor of Novices at the Conference of Religious in Guatemala and has offered therapeutic accompaniment to many religious sisters and brothers. Her leadership experience includes serving as Regional Superior in Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Mexico, as well as Provincial Superior in Argentina.
As she begins her service in the Guadalupe Province, Sr. Lucy expresses her desire to walk together in a spirit of synodality, listening deeply to each sister and fostering collaboration with the laity who share in our mission. She hopes to strengthen community life, promote vocations, support ongoing formation, and encourage a renewed missionary zeal rooted in our Cabrinian charism.
With trust in the Sacred Heart of Jesus, she looks forward to embracing the challenges and opportunities of our time with faith, openness, and hope.
We entrust Sr. Lucy’s new mission to the Lord and ask for your prayers, that she may be guided by wisdom, compassion, and courage in her service.
Dear Sisters, CLMs, lay leaders and colleagues, volunteers, benefactors and all who are part of the Cabrini community,
On April 30th, I will complete my term as the Provincial of the Guadalupe Province of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Being a Provincial is perhaps one of the most challenging and yet grace-filled times of my life. During these eight years we have experienced so much as a Province and in our world.
It would be hard to mention all that has happened; suffice it to say, we have experienced many crises and many graces and God was and continues to be with us! Throughout it all, we have sought to help one another and to be witnesses of God’s Love.
The journey continues and in order to respond with generosity and fidelity we need to walk together and exercise creative intelligence. We also need courage to listen to what God is asking of us and not be afraid of change. Jesus says to us, “Arise, go forth and trust that I will lead you.”
Thank you for the privilege to walk the journey with you. Let us pray for each other as we enter this time of transition. May you welcome Sr. Lucy Panettieri, MSC, the new Provincial, with the same warmth and collaboration as you did with me.
Sr. Diane Olmstead, MSC
Thank you, Sr. Diane, for your vision and leadership throughout these eight years. May the next chapter of your life be filled with grace. Blessings.
Cabrini Health, Malvern, Australia
Cabrini in Australia would like to thank Sr. Diane for your leadership, support, and wise counsel over your years as Provincial Superior. Your visits ‘Down Under’ have always been busy and intense. However, there’s always time to try something new for a bit of fun!
~ All staff at Cabrini Health
Cabrini High School, New Orleans, LA
Cabrini High School New Orleans extends its deepest gratitude to you, Sr. Diane, for your unwavering support and dedication. Over the past two years, especially, marked by significant leadership transitions, growth in our student body, and meaningful campus-wide improvements and capital enhancements, your guidance and presence have been invaluable. Your profound interest in the lives and formation of tomorrow’s Cabrinian women has left a lasting impact. The Cabrini community has cherished the time you have spent not only with faculty and staff, but also with students and alumnae, who remain deeply passionate about Mother Cabrini’s enduring legacy. Cabrinian women are truly unmatched: strong, motivated, endlessly curious, and driven by a deep devotion to witnessing God’s glory in action. You embody this spirit wholeheartedly, and Cabrini High School is profoundly grateful for your commitment and contributions. As you move into your new role, the Cabrini community offers its prayers and best wishes for your continued success and faithful service.
~ Administration, Faculty, Staff and Students of Cabrini High School
Cabrini Immigrant Services – Dobbs Ferry and NYC
With deep gratitude, Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC and Dobbs Ferry honor you, Sister Diane, as you complete your term as Provincial. We are grateful for your generous support of our mission and genuine solidarity with the immigrant communities we serve. Living out the charism of Mother Cabrini, you have supported us through seasons of growth and through moments of challenge. Your steady encouragement and wise counsel have made our organization stronger. Thank you, Sister, for everything. We wish you every blessing in the chapter ahead.
~ The Staff of Cabrini Immigrant Services
Cabrini Guatemala
On behalf of Cabrini Guatemala, we express our deepest gratitude to Sr. Diane for your eight years of dedicated and inspiring leadership. Your kindness, constant support, and strong sense of mission have left a meaningful mark across our ministries. Even from a distance, your vision of unity among us, your deep faith, and your encouragement, especially toward communicators, have been truly inspiring.
Your leadership has not only guided our work but has also strengthened our sense of purpose and belonging within the Cabrini family, reminding us that even across distances, we are united in one shared mission. We carry forward your example with gratitude and hope, keeping you always in our prayers.
~ All of us at Cabrini Guatemala
Cabrini Mission Foundation
On behalf of the Cabrini Mission Foundation Board of Trustees and staff, we extend our heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Sr. Diane as you complete your term as Provincial. We thank you for your faithful leadership, wise guidance, and steadfast support throughout your tenure.
In the spirit of Mother Cabrini, you have led with courage, compassion, and deep trust in God’s providence. Your dedicated service and thoughtful discernment have strengthened the mission and inspired many to continue the work of healing, teaching and caring.
With sincere appreciation, we thank you.
(Everyone will be warmly invited to join the Cabrini Mission Foundation on October 23 for our Annual Gala when we will honor Sr. Diane.)
~ Christopher LaBianco, Executive Director
Guadalupe Province Offices – New York City
Dear Sr. Diane,
You have been a light to those of us who have had the privilege to work with you over the years. You have always made us feel appreciated and supported every step of the way. We wish you abundant blessings as you step into this new chapter of your journey. We pray that your new assignment brings you fulfillment, opportunities to serve others, and continued spiritual growth.
May your faith continue to guide you, your purpose grow stronger, and your work be filled with meaning and grace. May you find strength in every challenge, joy in every success, and peace in knowing you are exactly where you are meant to be. Congratulations, and may God’s presence go before you in all that you do.
~ Josephine Geraci, Dee Campos, Mike Tambasco and James Murphy
Guadalupe Province Offices – Pennsylvania
Dear Sr. Diane,
We want to share our deep gratitude for being such a kind, caring, and deeply considerate leader. Collaborating with you these eight years has been a joy and privilege and we’re thankful for the trust, support, and compassion you have brought to every moment. You have poured incredible heart and dedication into your role as Provincial, and now, we will look forward journeying together in new ways.
May you find time for rest and renewal as you anticipate your future ministries serving God’s people. We wish you love, grace, and every blessing as you continue your selfless service in the world.
~ Karol Brewer and Nancy Costello
Mother Cabrini Shrine, Golden, CO
Dear Sr. Diane,
With deep gratitude and affection, we thank you for your years of faithful leadership as Provincial of the Guadalupe Province. We are especially grateful for the generous support and encouragement you have shown Mother Cabrini Shrine. Please know of our heartfelt prayers for you and our lasting appreciation for all you have given so generously to the province and to us. May the Sacred Heart and St. Frances Cabrini continue to hold you close and bless you in this new season of life.
Gratefully,
JoAnn Seaman and the staff at Mother Cabrini Shrine
National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, Chicago, IL
Sr Diane,
We want to thank you for your eight years of leading the Guadalupe Province. Your leadership and dedication have left a lasting impact with all of us who have worked with you. We are so grateful for your guidance and unwavering professionalism. Our wish for you is to have a well-earned relaxing time to yourself and we look forward to working with you in your new role, whatever that may be.
~ Laurie Halaska and National Shrine staff
St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Shine, New York, NY
Volunteers do not necessarily have the time…they just have the heart.”
Sr. Renee Kittelson, MSC attended a Volunteer Appreciation Event at the Gouverneur Skilled Nursing Facility on April 22, 2026. Sr. Renee has been a Catholic Volunteer at the facility for the past three years where the Missionary Sisters have been a presence t for many years.
We thank Sr. Renee for her dedicated volunteer service.
Ciao from Italy! This April, members of the Mother Cabrini Shrine Colorado community participated in a pilgrimage across Italy, following in the footsteps of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini and visiting places central to her life and mission.
The pilgrimage began in Codogno, where Mother Cabrini founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and continued to Sant’Angelo Lodigiano, her birthplace. The group also paused in Assisi for time set aside for prayer and reflection before arriving in Rome.
In Rome, pilgrims celebrated Mass at the Cathedral of St. Peter at the Vatican and visited the statue of Mother Cabrini inside St. Peter’s Basilica. They also visited St. John Lateran and St. Paul Outside the Walls, where a recently installed statue reflects her global impact.
One of the most significant moments of the pilgrimage took place when six members of the group were welcomed to the General Curia of the Missionary Sisters in Rome. They were received by the General Superior, Sr. Maria Eliane Azevedo da Silva, along with members of her council. During the visit, the group viewed portraits of the congregation’s leadership, dating back to Mother Cabrini, and spent time in prayer before her relic in the Curia chapel.
They also visited the archives, where Mother Cabrini’s writings and volumes are carefully preserved, offering a direct connection to her life and work. The visit included time at the statue “Cecchina’s Dream” and concluded with conversation and hospitality before continuing on to Casa Cabrini.
At Casa Cabrini, the broader group gathered to celebrate Mass in the chapel built by Mother Cabrini and to pray before her relic. The pilgrimage concluded at St. Mary Major Basilica, where the group gathered in prayer, carrying with them the intentions of the Shrine community.
Throughout the journey, the experience offered a deeper understanding of Mother Cabrini’s life and the continued relevance of her mission.
Photos from the pilgrimage can be found on the Mother Cabrini Shrine Facebook page. Thank you to all who followed along and for your continued prayers throughout the journey.
Sr. Joan will be missioned from Chicago to Dobbs Ferry, NY
On February 6, the Chicago community gathered in prayer and gratitude as Sr. Joan McGlinchey, MSC, was missioned to Dobbs Ferry, NY.
The Eucharist that evening was a heartfelt expression of thanksgiving for her many years of faithful presence among us. Sisters, collaborators, and friends came together to honor her steady leadership, wisdom, and deep commitment to the Cabrinian mission.
Sr. Joan’s life in Chicago spans decades. Through her service in congregational leadership and her support of key Cabrinian ministries in the city — including the National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini and St. Anthony Hospital — she has helped strengthen and sustain our presence here.
Beyond the Institute of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Sr. Joan also served the wider Catholic Church as Vicar for Religious in the Archdiocese of Chicago and as a founding member and Board Member of AHLMA. In these roles, she accompanied women and men religious with pastoral care and ecclesial responsibility. Her leadership reflected a deep love for religious life and a commitment to communion within the Church.
Following Mass, the community continued the celebration with warm fellowship, shared memories, and heartfelt appreciation. A bouquet of roses and a joyful “Thank You” banner expressed what words alone could not.
As Sr. Joan begins this new chapter in Dobbs Ferry, we accompany her with prayer and affection, grateful for her witness and confident that her missionary spirit will continue to bless the congregation.
G
Dear friends and all those who help us in sharing the good news of God’s love,
We are in the joyful season of Advent. Advent is a time of opening the spaces within our mind, heart and will so that we may receive fully the extravagant gift of God’s Love and share that love with others. This season helps us remember that Jesus took on our human condition to help us better know who God is and who we are called to be. With the arrival of Christmas, we take the time to celebrate with family and loved ones the wonder of Jesus’ birth. He is Emmanuel – GOD present among us.
As we celebrate this season of Advent and the Christmas season let us find moments to pause, to be full of gratitude, and to consider: what one act of love can I do to make our world a better place.
We, Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, (Cabrini Sisters), want to express our deep gratitude for your friendship, for walking this journey of Faith with us, and for all the countless ways you share your gifts with us. We pray for you, your family and loved ones. We join you in longing for the gift of PEACE for our world.
May you be full of HOPE, knowing that JESUS walks with you and loves you.
Sr. Diane Olmstead, MSC
The Holy See has designated a number of Jubilee Days throughout 2025 to recognize and celebrate different groups of people and various ministries in the Church. The Jubilee of Consecrated Life will be held from Wednesday, October 8, to Thursday, October 9, 2025.
Consecrated life is the permanent state of life in which a person deepens their baptismal consecration through profession of the three evangelical counsels: poverty, chastity, and obedience (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 915-930).
Consecrated men and women, “like the Apostles… have left everything behind in order to be with Christ and to put themselves, as he did, at the service of God and their brothers and sisters” (Pope John Paul II, Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation, Vita Consecrata, no. 1).
Through a commitment to a form of life patterned on Christ, “the consecrated life thus becomes one of the tangible seals which the Trinity impresses upon history, so that people can sense with longing the attraction of divine beauty” (Ibid., no. 20). Consecrated persons, in a “spirit of the beatitudes,” visibly witness to the Church and the world the invisible reality of heaven (Second Vatican Council, Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium, no. 3).
In lives engaged in active ministry or in hidden prayer, consecrated men and women perpetually proclaim the Gospel by virtue of their consecration.
Next week, Missionary Sisters from across the worldwide Cabrinian Institute will travel to Rome for the Jubilee. There will be 25 Sisters from the Guadalupe Province alone in attendance. ~ USCCB website
To learn more and to access resources about the Jubilee of Consecrated Life please click here
From the Guadalupe Province Vocation Promotion Team…
While Sr. Yolanda Flores, MSC, Vocation Director, was in the Denver area, she spent time with the Youth Group from Our Lady Mother of the Church Parish, talking about Mother Cabrini and vocations, and the call to religious life. 
Mother Cabrini’s 175th in New York City
St. Frances Cabrini Shrine celebrated Mother Cabrini’s birthday in an abundance of ways! Our celebration kicked off on Friday, June 11 with an Immigration Action & Advocacy event to educate our neighbors about what’s happening, how they can speak up, and where they can learn more. The event was hosted by Cabrini Immigrant Services-NYC and Altagracia Faith Justice.
Cabrini Immigrant Services-NYC (CIS-NYC) joined the St. Frances X. Cabrini Shrine for an early celebration of Mother Cabrini’s birthday with an outdoor screening of the movie Cabrini on the Shrine lawn.
Before the movie, neighbors gathered for a community conversation on immigration, the work we do at CIS-NYC, and how we can give back. The discussion was led by our community organizer, Amelia, alongside partners from Altagracia Faith Works.
Afterwards there was birthday cake for all, including the 150+ neighbors who filled our lawn for a free screening of the CABRINI movie. Account continues on following page.
Saturday dawned bright and early with a Director’s Talk to over 60 people, followed by a joyous Mass in English for a nearly full house. “They sang like Protestants!” the music director exclaimed afterwards.
Two more birthday cakes were consumed before our visitors headed outside to purchase grilled hot dogs and hamburgers. Then it was time for the Spanish Mass, also exuberant and full of life. Sr. Antonina Avitabile, MSC and Sr. Sharon Casey, MSC were on hand at both Masses to pray with pilgrims with the first-class relic of St. Frances Cabrini. ~ submitted by Julia Attaway, Executive Director, St. F.X. Cabrini Shrine, NYC
Friendship and Generosity Mark Mother Cabrini’s Birthday
Cabrinian entities have long been noted for their collaborative spirit. Celebrating birthdays are no exception. For the 175th birthday, the Cabrini Immigration Commission in concert with the Cabrini University Cabrini Alumni Volunteers and Supporters (CAVS) united to host a party for Mother Cabrini at the MSC Cottage in Wayne, PA.
All were welcome to honor Mother Cabrini by bringing “gifts” such as school supplies, toiletries, underwear, shoes and socks that will be given to immigrant children in four local school districts in southeastern Pennsylvania. Gift cards to stores such as Target and Walmart were also requested so that the social workers in these districts could share them with immigrant families in need.
Many who came for the celebration had not seen each other in months or years, but, were united in their concern for immigrant children especially during these uncertain times. We were especially delighted that faculty and staff members from Villanova University joined in the festivities.
The outpouring of support was overwhelming! Guests arrived with bags and boxes overflowing with items. A reoccurring comment from people was that they were grateful for the opportunity “to do something positive to be of assistance to our immigrant brothers and sisters.”
The Cabrini Immigration Commission and the CAVS are grateful to Dr. Susan Pierson, CLM, an Immigration Commission member and former education faculty member at Cabrini University, for being the catalyst for this initiative.
Deliveries of these items to the school districts will be made prior to the start of the new academic year.
Heartfelt thanks to everyone who joined us and who gave so generously to the immigrant children Mother Cabrini served and loved so dearly.
A Birthday Mass at the National Shrine
We had 235 people attend our Birthday Celebration for Mother Cabrini this past Sunday at the 10 am Mass.
We also publicly announced our new Rector, Bishop Dan Turley, O.S.A!!!!!
A Double Celebration at Mother Cabrini Shrine!
Mother Cabrini Shrine in Golden, CO, was full of life, love, and laughter on Sunday, July 13, as we celebrated the 79th anniversary of the canonization, and the 175th birthday of our dear Mother Cabrini. With a full to packed chapel at all three liturgies, it was a special day from start to finish.
Children from all over the metro area joined in the celebration at every Mass. They walked in procession, offered carnations to Mother Cabrini, and sang a heartwarming version of “This Little Light of Mine” that included a special new verse: “Just like Mother Cabrini, I’m gonna let it shine.” Their joy lit up the chapel!
At the start of the 2 p.m. Mass, our Spanish community brought even more beauty and tradition with a special dance down the center aisle in honor of Mother Cabrini. Afterward, they hosted a festive fiesta on the Shrine grounds—complete with food, music, and great company.
In addition to our Denver-missioned Sisters, we were also honored to welcome Sr. Bernadette Anello, MSC and Sr. Yolanda Flores, MSC to the Shrine for the celebrations. Their presence made the day even more meaningful.
It was a joyful and faith-filled celebration, and we’re so grateful to everyone who came to honor Mother Cabrini’s life and legacy. Here’s to continuing to let our light shine—just like she did.
On Tuesday evening July 15, the Sisters and staff at the Shrine welcomed over 100 of our faithful volunteers and donors for an evening of appreciation. The evening began with a prayer service in the chapel including a reflection on Mother Cabrini from Sr. Bernadette Anello. The evening concluded with a wonderful barbecue style dinner in the cafeteria prepared by the kitchen staff.
Happy Birthday, Mother Cabrini!
Cabrini of Westchester celebrated the 175th birthday of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini in a very special way on July 15, 2025! A Mass, with live music, took place in the St. Cabrini Nursing Home Chapel and was televised throughout the nursing home for the residents to participate from their rooms. Delicious breakfast and lunch menus were prepared by the Food Service Department for the residents including a delightful treat of purple cupcakes in honor of Mother Cabrini.
Following Mass, all were invited to participate in a blessing ceremony of the beautiful Sacred Heart Shrine that was newly constructed in the front of the nursing home and dedicated to the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. As residents, family members, staff, Missionary Sisters and representatives from the Carmelite System gathered in front of the shrine, Bonnie Burke, Chief Executive Officer and Nursing Home Administrator addressed all by saying: “It is with deep gratitude and joy that we gather here to celebrate the birthday of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini. Today, we honor her legacy, not only in prayer, but with a special and sacred symbol, the blessing of the statue of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The Sacred Heart of Jesus has always held a central importance to Mother Cabrini and the Missionary Sisters both as a spiritual foundation of the ministry and as the personal source of strength and serenity in their lives. This statue stands not only as a devotion to the Sacred Heart, but as a reflection of Mother Cabrini’s life. A life poured in service, hospitality and unwavering trust in the Divine.”
This gorgeous shrine was made possible through the generosity of Patricia Krasnausky, former President and CEO of Cabrini of Westchester, who recently retired after 27 years of devoted service to the home. We are grateful to Pat for the many years of leadership, guidance and dedication to Cabrini and wish her well in her retirement.
During the blessing, Fr. Ron Galt, Vice President of Pastoral Care and Mission gave a reflection on the meaning of the Sacred Heart and Fr. Michael Banks, OFM, Cap., resident priest, shared the formal blessing. Afterwards, resident priest, Fr. Bill Arlia, OFM, Cap., blessed the statue with holy water and a closing song was sang by all. A reception was held in the nursing home lobby directly following the festivities.
Thank you to all that participated and contributed to this happy day!
CHS Shows How Mother Cabrini Still Makes Headlines After 175 Years
It’s been an exciting week for Cabrini High School as the school’s community continues to shine across New Orleans.
Juniors Lizbeth Garcia-Cruz and Mia Reyes kicked things off with an inspiring appearance on Fox 8’s NOLA Now, where they spoke about the impact of women’s sports and how competing in soccer has shaped their confidence, leadership, and sense of purpose. Their passion was evident and a proud moment for the Cabrini Crescent community.
Cabrini High was also thrilled to announce that it has been named one of the Top Five Favorite Private High Schools in NOLA Family Magazine! Voting is open daily through August 15, and the school encourages everyone to keep the momentum going and help name Cabrini the NOLA Family Favorite for 2025. (Daily voting can take place here under the “schooled” category.) In addition to this honor, Cabrini was also named a “Place to Watch” for 2025 by NOLA Family–the only private high school in the city to earn this recognition. The magazine even visited campus this week for a professional photo shoot featuring Principal Ashley Evers and a group of camera-ready, smiling Crescents.
And finally, the highlight of this midsummer week on Bayou St. John: a birthday celebration for Mother Cabrini herself! In true Cabrini spirit, summer staff and a handful of students gathered in the school’s mid-renovation front lobby to honor 
Cabrini’s 175th birthday with cake, joy, and a fun social media reel for all Crescents, past, present, and future. Nearly two centuries later, her legacy continues to inspire young women to lead with faith, courage, and compassion.