Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Celebrating Love

February 19, 2020

Rose Room at Cabrini of Westchester was full of Valentine’s Day excitement and a lot of love on February 13, 2020 where a “Sweethearts Luncheon” was celebrated with nine residents and their spouses. Organized by Sheri Gottlieb, Director of Therapeutic Recreation and her staff, couples were amazed by the festive décor that included hanging hearts, red tablecloths and beautiful centerpieces.

The lovebirds dined on a special menu that included a choice of Beef Tenderloin, Grilled Salmon or Lemon Chicken for an entrée, followed by Triple Layer Mousse Cake for dessert, prepared by Chef John Hammer and Cabrini’s kitchen staff.

Most of the couples in the room have been married at least 50 years or more! What a special way to honor the love and commitment of these wonderful couples!

Gently Serving Others as a CLM

January 29, 2020

“The important thing is that each believer discerns her own path, that she brings out the very best of herself, the most personal gifts that God has placed in her heart”. (cf. 1Cor. 12:7)

felt called by God to live a life as a Cabrini Lay Missionary since 1990. I was first missioned in Nicaragua teaching religion in one of our schools. Then the Provincial asked me to go to Argentina to work in a parish where I worked as a catechesis coordinator. During that time, I lived in the Provincial house and enjoyed sharing life and prayer with the sisters.

Then, Sr. Maria Barbagallo, MSC, who was the General Superior at that time, asked if I would be willing to go to Russia. I did not know the culture nor the language but I was there for more than six years working among the people doing evangelization. Following my time in Russia I was missioned to Italy and enjoyed teaching religion and working in a parish.

In 2002, Sr. Maria believe that it was time for me to go to United States. There I began to work among the immigrants as Mother Cabrini did as she, too, was an immigrant like me ministering to immigrants.

I saw the struggles the immigrants had adjusting to a new country, new culture and new language as I, too, was going through the same struggles. After a few years I was able to become an American citizen. Following my years ministering to the immigrants I was asked to begin to minister to the Senior Sisters at Sacred Heart Convent [in New York City] and St. Cabrini Nursing Home [in Dobbs Ferry, NY]. I enjoy working with these sisters as they have lived and continue to live lives of prayer, sacrifice and love.

Over these years I have had many opportunities to enrich my life both spiritually, communally and ministerially. I am so grateful to God and Mother Cabrini for this wonderful opportunity to serve as a Cabrini Lay Missionary.
~ by: Adela Jarquin Soza, CLM

A Bittersweet Celebration

October 30, 2019

The October 22nd Liturgy at St. Cabrini Nursing Home was particularly moving for residents, staff, family members and volunteers. It was different from any other service. It was filled with joy and gratitude but also laden with sadness and tears. For this was the last Mass Rev. Edwin Robinson, OFM, Director of Pastoral Care, would conduct before retiring after a 21 year career at St. Cabrini Nursing Home.

The Chapel was packed with residents, staff, family members and volunteers who had all come to thank Fr. Edwin and wish him well. The Mass was beautiful and the staff and volunteers of thePastoral Care Department went above and beyond to make it a joyous celebration of not only Fr. Edwin’s career but his many gifts to St. Cabrini Nursing Home. Regina O’Connell, President of Resident Council, addressed Fr. Edwin at the end of Mass and likened him to an angel amongst us. She presented Fr. Edwin with a gift from the residents. It was a beautifully framed, spiritual painting created by resident, Sr. Susan Greene, RDC, with a quote from French Philosopher and Paleontologist, Teilhard de Chardin, SJ, that read:

“May the universe offer to our gaze the symbols
and the forms of all harmony and beauty.”

Mass was followed by a festive luncheon in the boardroom where everyone had time to wish Fr. Edwin well. Over his more than two decades of service to St. Cabrini Nursing Home, Fr. Edwin touched the lives of countless individuals and families. He touched the souls of so many with his meaningful and creative homilies. He was able to bring love, life and a sense of purpose to those who felt lost beneath the heavy baggage of physical challenges and emotional losses that comes with age. To many, he was so much more than the Director of Pastoral Care, he was a confidant, a reliable shoulder to lean on, a beacon of light in the darkness – he was a friend.

Fr. Edwin along with Pastoral Care Chaplain, Alex Riddick, who retired from his post, plan to return on a monthly basis to celebrate Mass and visit their Cabrini family. May God bless Fr. Edwin as he begins this new chapter on his journey.

Blessings Abound on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi

October 10, 2019

Cabrini of Westchester’s chapel was filled with joy on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi. Fr. Edwin Robinson, OFM, Director of Pastoral Care and Lorraine Campanelli, Director of Cabrini Immigration Services, joined together to put on a special program called “Heart and Soul” in honor of the Feast Day.

Volunteers took part in the service which captivated all in attendance with the inclusion of a transformative visualization exercise, poetry reading, hand clapping and tambourine playing to the soulful piano and violin accompaniment.

At the end of the program, Father Edwin blessed the animals that were present followed by a stroll through the first floor of the nursing home to bless the birds and the fish who reside at Cabrini as well as the koi in the outside pond.

Closing the ceremony was a moving blessing of Cabrini’s new peace pole which was recently erected near the entrance of the Home. It was a beautiful service and the joy of all in attendance was palpable. It was apparent to all on the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi that the Lord had indeed made each of us “an instrument of his peace”.