It was a very special day in many ways at Cabrini of Westchester! Missionary Sisters from several New York City communities joined with those at St. Cabrini Nursing Home, along with residents, staff, volunteers and Cabrini Lay Missionaries in celebrating the Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 3rd.
At the liturgical celebration of the Eucharist, offered by Rev. Edwin Robinson, OFM, Director of Pastoral Care, and following the homily, the Missionary Sisters, led by Sister Arlene VanDusen, MSC made a devotional renewal of their vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. All present joined in the congregational response, thanking the sisters for their fidelity and love and promising them their support.
Next, Pat Krasnausky, CLM Director, invited Lorraine Campanelli and Melanie Paccillo to come forward to enter into their commitment, as Cabrini Lay Missionaries to pledge themselves to the mission of Jesus and to be bearers of his love in the world. After a warm round of applause, each was presented with a medal bearing the images of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and Mother Cabrini, a symbol of their commitment to the gospel and the charism respectfully.
Both Lorraine and Melanie applied to Cabrini Lay Missionaries in 2015 and have been learning and discerning over the past year. Both are well known to the Cabrini community: Lorraine has been an employee of Cabrini of Westchester for fourteen years, first as a social worker and now as director of Cabrini Immigrant Services, Dobbs Ferry where her experience as a teacher and social worker are invaluable. Melanie is a former Cabrini Mission Corps missioner who is now employed by the Cabrini Mission Foundation and the Provincial Office, where her talents are well utilized and appreciated.
No Cabrini celebration is complete without food. A very festive luncheon was enjoyed by all, throughout the nursing home and especially in the Board Room by the Sisters, the CLMs and guests.
Congratulations to all, and especially to Melanie and Lorraine as they embrace their baptismal calling and the Cabrinian charism!!