Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Bringing Christ's love to the world

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National Shrine of St. Frances Cabrini – On Tour – Open House Chicago

National Shrine of St. Frances X. Cabrini, Chicago, IL

Open House, Chicago

Open House Chicago 2015 cr1On Saturday, October 17 & Sunday, October 18, the Shrine, once again, participated in Open House Chicago, a free annual event sponsored by the Chicago Architectural Foundation that invites visitors to experience the architecture of Chicago by participating in self-guided tours in over 150 buildings across Chicago. Over the course of the weekend, over 1200 guests were captivated by the Chapel’s colorful frescoes, Carrera marble, Florentine stained glass, gold mosaics and Romanesque splendor.

The Shrine was delighted to hear that the Chicago Architectural Foundation has chosen them to participate in a Chicago Church Tour featuring 5 north side churches in September of 2016. The tour will be available to the first 200 guests that sign up.

National Vocation Awareness Week – November 1 – 7

National Vocation Awareness Week Calls Catholics to Foster a Culture of Vocations

A culture of vocations is one that provides the necessary support for others to hear and respond to God’s call in their lives.

The Catholic Church in the United States will celebrate National Vocation Awareness Week, November 1 – 7, 2015. This observance, sponsored by the U.S. bishops’ Committee on Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations, is a special time for parishes and all Catholics in the United States to foster a culture of vocations for the priesthood, diaconate and consecrated life.

National Vocation Awareness Week 1Pope Francis, in his message of April 26, 2015 on the 52nd Day of World Prayer for Vocations, stated, “Responding to God’s call means allowing Him to help us leave ourselves and our false security behind, and to strike out on the path which leads to Jesus Christ, the origin and destiny of our life and our happiness.” The Holy Father stresses, “The Christian vocation, rooted in the contemplation of the Father’s heart, thus inspires us to solidarity in bringing liberation to our brothers and sisters, especially the poorest.”

National Vocations Awareness Week is designed to help promote vocation awareness and to encourage young people to ask the question: “To what vocation in life is God calling me?”

Encouraging others to recognize the promptings of the Holy Spirit and to follow Christ without reservations are key elements in supporting a culture of vocations,” said Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Raleigh, North Carolina. “With God’s grace, we can have a positive impact on others who may be open to considering a vocation to priesthood or religious life, by simply inviting them to think and pray about it. Our enthusiasm and willingness to speak directly to others about vocations just might be the conversation someone needs to respond to God’s call.”

“Over and over again when asked, newly ordained priests and newly professed women and men religious, credit the encouragement of family members, co-workers, friends and clergy, as being a significant factor in their pursuing a vocations,” said Fr. Ralph O’Donnell, USCCB’s executive director of Clergy, Consecrated Life and Vocations.

The observance of Vocation Awareness Week began in 1976.

We are here to create something NEW

“We are here to create something NEW”

…These are the words of MSC General Superior Sr. Barbara Staley, spoken as she offered her opening remarks at the 2015 Provincial Assembly currently in session in Florham Park, New Jersey.

Missionary Sisters and lay leaders from the Stella Maris Province were united in an Assembly for the first time with the Missionary Sisters from Mexico and Central America. In the near future, the MSCs from Mexico and Central America will join the MSCs of the Stella Maris Province in forming a new entity.

Sr. Barbara reflected, “we are living the dreams and visions of our sisters of the past. We are building the future, which we look to with hope. Sisters and brothers, we are living in the rivers of grace and mercy; a grace that comes to us through charism.”

Fittingly, as the Stella Maris Province unites with the region of Central America, the theme of the Provincial Assembly is “interculture-ality”. To explore the implications of this new entity – this new union – Dr. Arturo Chavez, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Mexican American Catholic College in San Antonio, Texas, led the Assembly in interactive exercises designed to consider the many dimensions of culture.

Taken from the work of Edward T. Hall and Eric H.F. Law, “culture is the particular way in which a human group interprets life and relates with nature, God, the world and other peoples. Culture is lived and expressed through traditions, relationships, food, music, religion, beliefs, thought patterns, myths and how we act. It is not only how we are, it is who we are. It is our history, our ethnicity, how we think about our families, who we include in our families, how we speak and when we speak, how we think about God and how we relate to God. It is how we relate to each other and how we relate to the stranger.”

Dr. Chavez asked the Assembly to consider the “Iceberg Analogy of Culture” created by Hall and Law. In doing so, sisters and laity contemplated the internal and external aspects of culture. The Assembly was invited to share in conversation about individual family heritage and traditions – how these serve to form an individual and his or her perceptions of others and of the world.

The first step in building an intercultural community, posited Dr. Chavez, is to get to know our own hearts. Being aware of our own heart, we come to a better understanding of our own power and how cultures have formed us.

One session of the Assembly focused on the way in which Cabrinian ministries are addressing the pressing issues of immigration, migration, refugees, asylum seekers and human trafficking. It is through these responses that we see how the Cabrinian charism is living and active in the world today.

Woven into the Assembly program were times for prayer and reflection each highlighting a different country present at the Assembly. Liturgies at the Assembly were offered in Spanish and English in honor of the new reality. In a further spirit of celebration, during Monday’s liturgy, Vicky Lucio renewed her commitment as a Cabrini Lay Missionary (CLM).

Nothing transcends culture like music and dancing. Therefore, no Assembly is complete without its own fiesta! With smiles and laughter, Missionary Sisters and laity shared the floor dancing to the beat of Latin, Swazi and American songs…united as one. For more photos visit: www.mothercabrini.org

Cabrini Health, Australia to Launch New Book

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgh3BUfRveY&feature=youtu.be

In September 2015, Cabrini published the second volume of its history From one pebble, many pearls: perspectives on Cabrini Health 1999−2012 by Melbourne based author Di Websdale-Morrissey.

Sister Pietrina Raccuglia MSC, Provincial Superior of the Stella Maris Province (which includes Cabrini in Australia), officially launches the book at a celebration being held at Cabrini Malvern on Tuesday 22 September

As well as providing accounts of key milestones in the evolution of Cabrini in Australia during the past decade, the book includes a section on the development of the Institute of the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart over the past ten years providing a key international perspective.

Cabrini Chief Executive Dr Michael Walsh says he is pleased to present the book, which is the second volume of the history of Cabrini Health in Australia. It begins where the last book Cabrini: a hospital’s journey 1948−1998 by Gwynedd Hunter-Payne finished.

CabriniFromOnePebbleManyPearls cover“This book provides perspectives on a period of time in Cabrini’s growth and history from 1999 to 2012. Rather than providing a strictly chronological review, this book focuses on a number of key developments in the evolution of our organisation. The stories have been told with the different perspectives of people who were involved at the time, which I think gives a rich account of Cabrini Health over the past decade or so,” said Dr Walsh.

“It is a tribute to the courage and vision of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (the Cabrini Sisters) who founded our institution and continue to sponsor and guide us today. It honours the Cabrini Health Board of Directors, management, doctors, staff and volunteers – past and present – who worked at Cabrini from 1999 until now. I especially thank our three Board Chairs of this era: the late Jan Bitcon, Professor Peter Phelan and Peter Matthey.”

The book is dedicated to Sister Irma Lunghi MSC (1926-2013) and Sister Regina Casey MSC who both spent many years working tirelessly at Cabrini in Australia and were much loved by all.

In rseearching and preparing the manuscript for the book, the author Di Websdale-Morrissey conducted approximately 100 interviews. She says the project “quickly became a fascinating and involving” one that drew her into life at Cabrini.

“Before beginning the project, I had no real knowledge of Cabrini. What surprised me most was its size and reach: the number of campuses, the size of its staff and accredited doctors; its specialisations; never-ending quest for excellence; and its advances into research and education. It was fascinating to discover that Cabrini is often at the forefront of advances in healthcare within the private sector – the introduction of its palliative care service which is unique in Victoria and so many other firsts. Chemtronics (a biomedical engineering business, now part of the Cabrini Technology group) and the Cabrini Linen Service also amazed me with their size and scope.”

Ms Websdale-Morrissey says she enjoyed the process particularly the many interviews she conducted. “The interviewees sat happily sharing their memories,” she said. “I would often get lost in the stories, laughing, crying, admiring. I hope that the book is overwhelmingly a celebration.”

Details about the book
  • Soft cover, 336 pages, dimensions 220 mm X 170 mm
  • Approximately 150 full colour photographs
  • Design and typesetting by Motion Advertising and Design Pty Ltd (Victoria)
  • Printing by Adams Printers Pty Ltd (Victoria)
  • Cover photography by John O’Flaherty
  • Stained glass windows featured on the book cover and throughout the book were created by Australian glass artist David Wright and are located at in the chapel at Cabrini Malvern, 183 Wattletree Road, Malvern
  • Publisher is Cabrini Health Limited, which holds copyright

For a copy of the book, please call Cabrini’s marketing and community relations department on ph (03) 9508 3553 or emailadmin@cabrini.com.au

 

Interfaith Sharing in West Park, NY

The MSC Formation ComBrudderhoef Community 5 crmunity in West Park, NY was privileged to receive a recent visit from the Bruderhoff Community which is located in nearby Esopus. Our brothers in faith came with their wives and together we had a beautiful faith sharing.

The MSCs had already been invited a few months ago to visit the Bruderhoff Community where the members shared their apostolates and activities. There are over a hundred members—men, women and children—who live and work in community there. They have a private school for the education of their children in the faith on the property, as well as several manufacturing efforts to sustain their programs.

The two couples who came to visit us were very interested in everything we could tell them and share: our life, our spirit, our apostolates. They feel that both MSCs and themselves share many beliefs and attitudes, as well as many desires to promote our Christian path in today’s world. How important it is for religious groups to work together for the kingdom and spread the good news of the Gospel!

Both leaders were very interested in our missionary work around the world and shared our enthusiasm for promoting a deeper faith and ongoing commitment to Christianity. Here in West Park, we are blessed to have such interfaith possibilities. Let us together hope and pray that other interfaith groups will grow and flourish so that together we can contribute to a genuine renewal of Christianity.


Cabrini High School New Orleans Commemorates Katrina 10 Year Anniversary

Cabrini High School commemorated the ten-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina with a ceremony depicting the reopening of school after the historic storm.

CAB Katrina 10th Anniversary Reopening CeremonyCabrini chose to remember Hurricane Katrina by celebrating the reopening of the school, instead of the closure and damage wrought by the storm.  As they did on November 8th, 2005, just 73 days after the storm’s landfall in New Orleans, the students, faculty, administration, and staff entered through the front doors of the historic Esplanade building, Mother Cabrini’s home in New Orleans.

The first girls school to reopen in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, Cabrini High School’s return reflected the determination and resiliency of the school’s founder, Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini.  Miraculously unscathed by the flooding and winds of Hurricane Katrina, Cabrini High School was able to restore the school’s buildings and physical plant quickly, becoming an inspiration to other schools, businesses, and individuals as they struggled to overcome the effects of the storm.  The school operated for a month-and-a-half in Baton Rouge prior to returning to the historical campus in New Orleans’ Mid-City region.  

Junior Cabrini Companions Blow out Mother Cabrini’s Birthday Candles

The Southern California chapter of the Junior Cabrini Companions, led by Sr. Regina Palamara, MSC held a special meeting on July 15th in honor of Mother Cabrini’s birthday.  The group of Junior Cabrini Companions, girls and boys ranging in age from three to ten, usually meet semi-monthly to enjoy food, fellowship, swim0715151429ming in the Southern California sun, and learning more about the life and work of Mother Cabrini.

At their July 15th gathering, the group also had a special cinnamon and brown sugar cake, complete with lit candles and singing to celebrate the life of Mother Cabrini.

Birthday Benefit for National Shrine in Chicago

The third annual Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini Birthday Benefit took place on Wednesday, July 15th celebrating her 165th birthday. The evening began with a festive 5 pm Mass in the Shrine and moved across the park to The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum. The weather was glorious as patrons enjoyed cocktails in the garden followed by dinner and an auction. Guests were free to explore the museum’s exhibits, including the lovely butterfly haven.

We were delighted to have Missionary Sisters Joan McGlinchey, Bridget Zanin, Joaquina Costa, Joan Marie Sariti, Benigna Morais, Alfonsina Gomes and Renee Kittelson on hand for the event.

The Shrine’s fundraising committee, chaired by Florence Sorensen, brought about a successful event with over 200 people in attendance. The auction items included a sun-filled week at the Westin Resort in Los Cabos, Mexico and Notre Dame vs. Navy football tickets with four fabulous 50-yard line seats.

It was a joyous birthday celebration in the honor of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini. She would have enjoyed it!

Chicago Says Good-bye to a Legend

Fr. Dan Nolan celebrated a farewell mass for Sr. Joan Marie Sariti, MSC. Over sixty invited guests attended. A lovely reception followed the mass that was hosted by her community.

Sr. Joan Marie has lived in Chicagoland for sixty-four years. She did her nurses training at Columbus School of Nursing and later she obtained her masters at De Paul University. She worked in pediatrics and in nursing administration.

Joan Marie was missioned to Cabrini Hospital in Seattle for a year and a half and Cabrini Hospital in Montreal, Canada for about the same amount of time.

Farewell, Sr. Joan Marie. You are loved and will be missed.

 

 

Feast Day Celebration at National Shrine of St. Frances X. Cabrini

FeastoftheSacredHeartofJesus vows 6-12-2015038The Sacred Heart of Jesus represents Christ’s love for all mankind, and our devotion to it is an expression of our faith in His mercy. Our festive day began with adoration of the Blessed Sacrament from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. followed by Benediction. The Mass was celebrated at 4:00 that afternoon.

Rev. Ted Ploplis, Rector of the Shrine, preached the homily on the theme of opening our hearts to the love of Christ. He illustrated his theme visually through the famous sacred art work of William Holman Hunt’s painting “Christ at the Door Knocking” which hangs in St. Paul’s Cathedral in London. A copy of this painting was displayed in the sanctuary during the Mass. Rev. Ted referred to Mother Cabrini’s own understanding of the Heart of Christ as the unalterable sun, aiming its radiant beam of light on our path to a life of holiness and justice.” The Missionary Sisters renewed their vows during the liturgy.

The festive Mass also debuted a new sung Mass written in honor of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini by Kevin Keil.

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