Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

A CLM Commitment to the Charism

November 18, 2020

The Feast of St. Cabrini was truly a day of blessings and celebrations. Three of our Cabrini Lay Missionaries (CLMs), renewed their commitment for three years on the Feast Day.

Thanks to technology, we were able to come together, via Zoom, to celebrate Patricia Krasnausky, Patricia Stancato-Purkey and Vicky Lucio as they prayed their recommitment.

Ordinarily, our commitments are made on the Feast of the Sacred Heart. Due to COVID-19, we could not come together for a prayer service. It was then decided that our three CLMs would make their commitments at the Provincial Assembly. Again, COVID made us change the plans as the Assembly was cancelled. I guess it was like the determination of St. Cabrini that we finally were able to connect and pray together for our CLMs.

What a special time it was as we had several of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart join us in our prayer service. In addition to our CLMs who live in California, Washington State, New Jersey and New York, we had Sr. Bernadette Anello, MSC, General Councilor, who joined us from Rome, Sr. Diane Olmstead, Provincial, from NYC, and several other Sisters from NYC and the Sisters who minister at St. Cabrini Nursing Home.

We had a pleasant surprise to have so many of the Sisters from Sacred Heart Convent join us! It was so nice to see everyone and share some conversation and prayer.

Residents and Staff Join in Feast Day Observances

November 18, 2020

Cabrini of Westchester celebrated the Feast Day of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini on Friday, November 13th and included both staff and residents in the celebration. A Mass, with live music, took place in the St. Cabrini Nursing Home Chapel that was beautifully decorated with vases of purple and white flowers. Sr. Romualda Molon, MSC also included a striking figurine of Mother Cabrini that was hand painted in 1939 and a gorgeous violet plant that she lovingly tends to in the home’s convent among the décor for the altar.

Later in the day, Sheri Gottlieb and her dedicated Therapeutic Recreation Staff distributed ice cream cones to the residents as a special treat in honor of the Feast.

The staff was included in the celebration with the distribution of $10.00 gift certificates to Magnolia’s Café for each employee.

What a special day to honor such a truly extraordinary wom an: our patroness, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini!

We Celebrate the Feast Day of St. Frances X. Cabrini

November 12, 2020

Complex personality factors combined to make Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini an outstanding woman of her era. Without doubt she possessed that intangible element known as charisma. Only a charismatic personality could have attracted so many followers and captivated the attention of both the powerful and lowly of this world.

Cabrini was a modern woman. Her interests were extensive. She certainly did not adapt readily to the role expected of late nineteenth and early twentieth-century women religious. She was an entrepreneur and world traveler, keenly aware of the currents of thought in the world of her time. Cabrini foresaw the twentieth century as one of revolution and tailored her philosophy of education, healthcare, and social service to accentuate the intrinsic value and dignity of each human being touched by her Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart.

Frances Cabrini became an American citizen. Quite possibly, she may have taken the decision to become a naturalized citizen to secure the extensive property holdings of the Institute of the Missionary Sisters to be able to cross national boundaries with greater facility.

Her struggles presage those we experience in this century. To wit, in 1915, when Mother Cabrini decided to expand her works in Seattle with the purchase of the Perry Hotel, which she planned to transform into a foundling home, a violent controversy broke out. Allied against Cabrini were neighbors, bankers, and jealous spectators, who did not want Italian sisters to purchase the building. Clearly, the primary objection to Cabrini’s purchase of the Perry Hotel was prejudice and discrimination based on her gender, her religion, national origin, and her mission: she had come to minister to Italian immigrants who at the time were the most detested group in society. A memoir of the Missionary Sisters in Seattle records: “Businessmen eager for profit, financiers and bankers agreed that the Perry would make a good speculative investment and couldn’t bear to see such an elegant building transformed into a foundling home – by a sister – and this one an Italian.” Never mind that Mother Cabrini had become a naturalized citizen in Seattle six years prior.

In spite of the antagonism, Mother Cabrini was always one to continue her course. She obtained the bill of sale for the Perry Hotel on April 16, 1915. Then the onslaught of all parties began anew. John L. Corrigan, a Seattle attorney, noted that Cabrini “never faltered or wavered in carrying out her plans and she overcame obstacles that would have disheartened the bravest of human hearts with a supreme confidence that edified and inspired everyone who came in contact with her.”
~ from Mother Cabrini, Italian Immigrant of the Century, by Sr. Mary Louise Sullivan, MSC, PhD

Mother Cabrini Honored by Statue Dedication in Manhattan

October 13, 2020

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo marked Columbus Day by unveiling a statue of the Italian-American saint known as Mother Cabrini in lower Manhattan. Sr. Diane Olmstead, MSC and Sr. Pietrina Raccuglia, MSC assisted the governor in the unveiling.

The dedication of the statue on Monday comes a year after Cuomo announced that the state would commission a monument to the Roman Catholic nun who was canonized in 1946.

Cuomo attended the unveiling at a spot by the Hudson River with a view of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo marked Columbus Day by unveiling a statue of the Italian-American saint known as Mother Cabrini in lower Manhattan.

The dedication of the statue on Monday comes a year after Cuomo announced that the state would commission a monument to the Roman Catholic nun who was canonized in 1946. That decision came after a commission led by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s wife, Chirlane McCray, omitted Mother Cabrini from a list of women who would be honored with statues, angering some Catholics.

“This year we unveil a magnificent monument to our Italian American legacy and that monument will stand for all time,” Cuomo told the Columbus Citizens Foundation in a video address Saturday.

Cuomo attended the unveiling at a spot by the Hudson River with a view of Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, as well as a “view of Mother Cabrini’s home borough of Brooklyn,” saying that the sculptors did a “wonderful” job.

“Today the lesson of Mother Cabrini is even more vital because of the difficulties we are facing,” Cuomo said at the unveiling. “We all know these are challenging times, but as we also know in the book of life it is not what one does when the sun is shining that tests…but it is what one does in the fury of the storm.”

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini was born in 1850 in what is now the Lombardy region of Italy. She immigrated to the United States in 1889 and went on to found more than 60 schools, hospitals and orphanages. She died in 1917.

“Mother Cabrini only had two assets, but they were powerful assets,” Cuomo said. “She had her culture and she had her faith.”

Cuomo referenced Cabrini’s hard work and service to others at a time when there was rampant discrimination against Italians throughout the country.

“In this complex world, may this statue serve to remind us of the principals that made us great as a country and as a people and the principals that keep us special on this globe: the values of Mother Cabrini, compassion, acceptance, community, freedom, faith, hope and love. And the greatest of these is love,” Cuomo said Monday.

The sculpture depicts Cabrini with two children — a boy and girl — sailing on a paper boat. The girl is a reflection of Cabrini when she was young. She is holding a book in one hand, which symbolizes her commitment to education, while her other hand holds firmly onto the boat, signifying her steadfastness in the face of adversities. The boy depicted holds onto his luggage to face what the future will bring and holds on the other hand a wind instrument invented in Italy, which represents the culture immigrants have brought to America.

“Our goal was to create a statue that would represent the perseverance spirit of an extraordinary woman in realizing her childhood dream, the dream of helping people in need around the world,” said artist Jill Biagi, who alongside Giancarlo Biagi, sculpted the newly unveiled statue.

To view the unveiling and dedication ceremony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lxk3fBXpwxg&feature=youtu.be

To view further coverage on AM-NY: https://www.amny.com/news/mother-cabrini-statue-unveiled-in-battery-park-city-after-a-year-long-snub/

To read coverage in the NY Times: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/10/12/arts/design/mother-cabrini-statue-unveiling.html

To read coverage in Catholic New York: https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/mother-cabrini-gets-a-new-statue-in-new-york-city-26311

Frances Cabrini Day Makes Its Debut

October 8, 2020

As many know by now, Monday, October 5 was the inaugural Frances Cabrini Day in the state of Colorado. Earlier this year, Governor Jared Polis signed into law House Bill 1031, which designates a paid state holiday named after St. Frances Xavier Cabrini. Cabrini Day is also the first paid state holiday named for a woman. While the Missionary Sisters and the Shrine were not a part of the legislative development of Cabrini Day, we were eager to celebrate our beloved saint and share her legacy.

The first Cabrini Day at Mother Cabrini Shrine was a joyous, beautiful Colorado fall day. Even during these challenging days of Covid-19, many first time and returning visitors alike came to the Shrine wearing their masks, and while social distancing were able to celebrate and honor Mother Cabrini and learn more about her life of love and service and her dedication to the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

In a touching message on Cabrini Day, Frances Owens, the former First Lady of Colorado, commented:
Mother Cabrini is special in our family not only because she is my namesake, but also that of my granddaughter, Sofia Frances. Coincidentally, Sofia was born on December 22nd – and Mother Cabrini died on December 22nd!
I am so honored that my parents named me Frances; and that my daughter and son-in-law chose to include it as Sofie’s middle name

Multiple media outlets and social media sites covered this historic day and interviewed some of the Missionary Sisters. We look forward to future Cabrini Day celebrations!

For a TV interview with Sr. Lucy Panettieri, MSC, click here

For a TV interview with Sr. Lucy Panettieri, MSC and Sr. Roselle Santivasi, MSC click here

For a newspaper interview with Sr. Roselle Santivasi, MSC in The Gazette click here

For a column in the Denver Post click here

For a magazine article in Denver Catholic click here

Join Sisters for their World Debut

September 17, 2020

This new video release is part mystery, part drama and has thousands of superheroes! From the GLOBAL SISTERS REPORT – now playing at a click of your mouse:
“Sisters in Ministry: The Gospel in Action.”

Explore something that’s a mystery to too many people: Why do these women do what they do?

Discover the drama of Catholic sisters around the world who live their faith in brave and selfless ways! Be amazed at the wondrous women — not in capes, but some in habits — who pursue truth, justice and the narrow way!

Vocational Awakening in Denver

July 21, 2020

“In its ministry to young people, and especially in vocations promotion work, church workers must step out of the sacristy and take seriously the questions and concerns of the young.
Young people are searching for meaning, and the best response is to go out to where they are, stop and listen to them and then call them to follow Jesus”.
~ Pope Francis

The Holy Spirit Community in Denver had a beautiful vocational experience in our Mother Cabrini Shrine on Sunday, July 19, 2020. It was a “Come and See” experience in which eleven young women whom have expressed to Sr. Martha Lopez, MSC their desire and their thoughts about the possibility of religious life. They came to dedicate a day to the discernment of their vocation.

After living the Eucharist together, the young women had spaces for personal reflection, silence, and solitude. There were also moments to share their doubts, expectations, and concerns.

MSC Vocation Director Sister Lucy Panettieri, MSC shared her own vocation story in a youthful and open way. The young ladies had many questions and all were discussed and answered. They were happy and excited and asked to make a weekend “Come and See” in the near future. In addition, they were invited to come to our house to speak personally with Sr. Lucy and receive close vocational support from her. Our novice, Tigist Loha, shared her lunch hour with them since she was working in the Shrine that day. She integrated herself spontaneously, which encouraged and motivated our young women.

Let us continue to pray for these young women and for all those who are discerning their religious vocation. Let us remember what was said in the Synod of Bishops on youth and vocations: “It is necessary to accompany young people, walk with them, listen to them, provoke them, move them to go beyond the comforts, favoring freedom so that they respond to the call of the Lord freely and responsibly”.

Sacred Heart Feast Day – Renewal and Celebration!

June 25, 2020

Cabrini of Westchester celebrated the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on Friday, June 19th in a different way this year than those of the past. Although not being able to gather in the chapel for Mass as a large group due to the effects of the COVID-19 virus, the occasion was still celebrated in a festive way. The Mass was televised throughout the building and the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart that were watching from their rooms were able to renew their vows along with a few of the Sisters that were in the chapel.

Lorraine Campanelli and Patricia Krasnausky were also able to renew their commitment as Cabrini Lay Missionaries (CLMs). The Mass was celebrated by Director of Pastoral Care, Fr. Thomas Vadakemuriyil and Susan Herceg and Lorraine Campanelli provided music. As a special treat after Mass, Sr. Arlene Van Dusen, MSC and Sr. Catherine Garry, MSC arranged for meals to be provided to each staff member in celebration of this special day. Thank you to the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart for your kindness and generosity!

A Profound Love

June 18, 2020

This article written by Sr. Patricia Spillane, MSC, past General Superior, was recently discovered by Sr. Christine Marie Baltas, MSC. The original copy may have been tucked in the late Sr. Victoria Dority’s Bible which resides in the Gatehouse on the campus of Cabrini University.
In observance of the Feast Day, Sr. Patricia’s article is excerpted here.
This message of love seems particularly relevant in this time.

The spirituality of Mother Cabrini grew into an ardent devotion to the Sacred Heart because she had been first seized by the loving person of Jesus. This Jesus who was present to her in the pages of the Gospel, also revealed Himself to her in her everyday life at all its stages. Through these experiences, she was impelled to return love for Love…in a life of ever-increasing prayer, service of others, and imitation of Him. Specifically, the love of God made manifest in Jesus Christ drew her into that explicit mode of discipleship in the Church known as religious life. Since God Himself is the teacher of deeply interior souls, Cabrini grew in intuitive appreciation of love as the central reality of the spiritual life – that love which is “poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit”. Hence came her innate attraction for the Holy Spirit and for the Eucharist – principal gifts of the Heart of Christ.

In the same manner, Mother Cabrini was intuitively drawn to those interior attitudes which correspond to the chief attributes of the devotion to the Divine Heart: adoration, reparation and missionary fervor.

This attitude of participation in Christ’s redemptive activity naturally impelled her to missionary activity as the consequence of God’s love for her – a boundless zeal to bring all to the Father as she herself had been brought. It was this redemptive love for those whom Christ loved that she sought to express in the possibilities of a vow of charity and in dedicating her religious family to the “greater glory of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.”

Sr. Patricia wrote to her Missionary Sisters, “As missionaries of the Sacred Heart and inheritors of Cabrini’s insight into the ‘love of God made visible in Christ Jesus,’ both the foundation and the goal of our life must be love. We must always seek to grow in profound and fruitful appreciation of all the aspects of God’s love. We must be signs of God’s love in the world – a love which is redemptive, zealous, universal, fruitful and faithful.”

The Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus 2020

June 18, 2020

On this Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus may you and your loved ones feel the nearness of the love and compassion of Jesus. We, Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, have been praying for all of you during this difficult time of the Covid Virus; especially for those who have lost loved ones.

We are grateful to all the many essential workers, volunteers, health care workers, educators etc. etc. who have been so generous in their service. We beg the Sacred Heart of Jesus to bring healing to our hurting world. The impact of Covid 19, as well as, the recent death of George Floyd have demonstrated the disparities that exist in health care, access to
resources and the deep rooted
racism in our country.

May we, through our words and actions, witness God’s love and mercy and be a light of Hope to our world.

As Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are burdened, and I will give you rest.”

Sr. Diane Olmstead, MSC
Provincial, Guadalupe Province, Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus