Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

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A Serene Spot for Prayer, Once Again

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On Wednesday, November 12 a group gathered on the lawn at St. Frances Cabrini Shrine in New York City for the unveiling and blessing of Mother Cabrini’s newly-restored prayer bench. This bench was used by Mother Cabrini when she stayed in northern Manhattan. It features griffins as side supports, and an ornate iron top.

Originally placed in the garden outside the professed sisters’ residence, the bench was moved to a side yard when construction of the current Shrine began. Later it was moved yet again to a location overlooking a parking lot. In recent decades the bench fell into severe disrepair. Nearly 200 donors contributed toward its restoration. Now sturdy and beautiful, the bench can once again be used by visitors the way Mother Cabrini herself used it: for prayer.

The brief ceremony was led by Msgr. Robert Ritchie, with Sr. Diane Olmstead, MSC, Provincial, Sr. Patricia Dunleavy, MSC and Sr. Sharon Casey, MSC in attendance. The bench is now located at the back of the Shrine’s lawn, where it overlooks the Hudson River. Next year the Shrine intends to build a serene prayer garden to surround it.

Today is the Feast Day of the Patroness of Immigrants

The Sister with the Suitcase
~ excerpts from an article by Lucetta Scaraffia,

Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, 100 Years of Cabrinian Mission

This fragile, determined woman from the Lombardy region [of Italy] traveled extensively having dedicated her life to helping the Italian immigrants who, filled with hope, made the trip to America [in the late 1880s.] Francesca Cabrini had received this mission from Pope Leo XIII and to serve them, became an immigrant among immigrants. She left Genoa, Italy with seven Missionary Sisters in 1889, unfamiliar with the sea, exactly like most of the women and men packed into third class and during the crossing she began to comprehend the appalling conditions in which immigrants lived. Like them, she thought she would find a warm welcome and assistance when she arrived in New York, but, bitter disappointment was what she found.

The Scalabrini Fathers, who awaited her arrival, told her that they had not expected her so soon and that they had not yet prepared their accommodations. The next day, after having rested in appallingly filthy conditions [overnight] she want to see Archbishop Corrigan, where she discovered that the situation a was even worse. The prelate ordered them to go back on the same ship that brought them.

This experience only confirmed to Francesca Cabrini that the presence of her mission here was a necessity. Like other immigrants, without anyone to protect her and her Sisters and without knowing a word of English, she went to work immediately. Nothing seemed to work out the way it should have and everything seemed to conspire against her projects.

Yet, from every ministry she founded, a network of initiatives emanated towards its neighborhood, from parochial schools to family visits. Immigrants knew the Sisters would assist the unemployed in finding work, rescue orphaned children, and ensure legal assistance to the poor families who needed it. The Sisters also took care of prisoners who were the most shunned group of Italian immigrants.

Mother Cabrini always chose beautiful places to open a school, an orphanage or a hospital destined for immigrants. In this way, she dispelled the negative image that weighed on the Italian community.

The migratory movements at the time of Mother Cabrini involved mainly the poor of Europe, whose destination was the Americas. Today, migration concerns [span the globe.] Immigrants, migrants and refugees have become the pressing issue of our time and precisely for this reason, the Saint who died in Chicago in 1917, is today more relevant and important than ever.

 

 

Cabrini Day 2025 in Colorado: A Joyful Celebration of Faith and Community

Over the weekend, Mother Cabrini Shrine in Golden, Colorado celebrated Cabrini Day 2025, a beautiful weekend honoring St. Frances Xavier Cabrini’s enduring legacy of faith, service, and love. In 2020, Colorado Governor Jared Polis signed into law Frances Xavier Cabrini Day, the first paid state holiday in the nation that honors a woman. Cabrini Day is celebrated each year on the first Monday in October.

Festivities began on Sunday with Masses at 8 a.m., 11 a.m., and 2 p.m. (Spanish), each one drawi ng even more attendees than the last. The first-ever Celebration of Nations followed, as members of the Shrine community shared food, traditions, and stories from around the world. The day concluded with Adoration at 5 p.m., featuring music, prayer, and readings from Mother Cabrini’s writings. On Monday, the celebration continued with a special Cabrini Day Mass at noon, bringing our community together in gratitude and reflection.

St. Frances Xavier Cabrini’s mission continues to inspire hearts across generations, and her spirit was truly alive at the Shrine throughout this meaningful weekend.
~ submitted by JoAnn Seaman, Executive Director, Mother Cabrini Shrine

The Denver Catholic featured an article by guest contributor Molly Johnson in honor of Cabrini Day. Read 10 Lessons to Inspire Us This Cabrini Day here

Birthday Celebrations

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.

Renewal of Vows on Canonization Anniversary

On Monday, July 7, 2025, Cabrini of Westchester celebrated the 79th Anniversary of the canonization of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini. During a special Mass in the Cabrini Chapel, some of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus who reside in the nursing home renewed their vows in front of all who gathered. Live music was provided and a blessing was bestowed on all by Fr. Ron Galt, Vice President of Pastoral Care and Mission. After the Mass, a festive luncheon, prepared by Cabrini’s Food Service Department, was held in the Board Room for the Sisters.

A wonderful day was had by all! Please keep the Missionary Sisters in your prayers this day always as they serve the people of God.

Happy 175th Birthday, Mother Cabrini!!

Francesca Cabrini was born on July 15th 1850 in Sant’Angelo Lodigiano, a small town of Lombardy not far from Lodi. The tenth of eleven children, Francesca was baptized on the same day.

She took her place with two sisters, Maddalena, age 17 and Rosa, age 15 and three brothers, Francesco, who was 9, Giuseppe Santo, a 7-year-old, and Giovanni Battista, 2. The parish records of Sant’Angelo list eleven children, seven of whom met early deaths.

Her mother, Stella Oldini, was a God-fearing woman of unshakable faith, as was also her father Agostino Cabrini. Both parents know how to pass on those timeless values which are the inheritance of every Christian.

Her family played an important role in the formation of Francesca’s personality. The loving atmosphere of the home developed in her an affectionate nature and a strong self-identity.

Francesca’s father had his livelihood in the land. Sant’Angelo, situated in the fertile “Low Country” of Lombardy, is irrigated by tributaries of the Po River. The young Francesca, who was raised closed to the land, became familiar with the region’s abundant fruits and flowers and she learned early to value nature. Throughout her life she would be acutely sensitive to cloud formations, birds, and the variegated hues and aromas of harvest.

A brief summary of the years 1850 – 1870 in which Maria Francesca Cabrini grew to maturity attests to the fact that the times were tempestuous. Rising political aspirations ushered in a decade of dissent. Even in the pastoral and relatively isolated setting of Sant’Angelo, the contending forces of liberalism and conservatism were locked in conflict.

With the polarization of Sant’Angelo’s townspeople, Francesca Cabrini was made acutely aware of the historical realities of her time. This awareness, influenced by the intense Christian piety of her immediate household, contributed to the development of a personality open to examining the broad social and religious currents of the day, while staunchly maintaining the traditional practices of faith inculcated in her from childhood.
~ excerpts from Mother Cabrini, “Italian Immigrant of the Century” by Sr. Mary Louise Sullivan, MSC pp. 1-18

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