Weekly Update: May 10, 2018

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LCWR Issues Statement on Honduran TPS Termination

The Leadership Conference of Women Religious (LCWR) is deeply troubled by the decision of the Trump administration to terminate Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for more than 57,000 Hondurans. Honduras is the seventh country whose citizens have been stripp ed of their right to protection by this administration.

“Rescinding TPS from human beings under continuing threat of violence of all types is inconsistent with the values and traditions of this nation and with our belief in the God-given dignity of all persons and their inalienable right to life,” said Carole Shinnick, SSND, interim executive director of LCWR.

The TPS program is designed to protect people from being returned to harm. That is precisely what Hondurans will face if they are forced to return to a country racked by violence, roiled by political repression, and plagued by continuing environmental challenges.

Hondurans have been contributing members of our communities for 20 years. They have raised families, paid taxes, and contributed to the growth and development of this country even as U.S. foreign policy has added to the endemic poverty and persistent violence that continue to afflict Honduras.

The cancellation of TPS for Hondurans brings to approximately 315,000 the number of our neighbors, friends, parishioners, co-workers, and colleagues whose gifts will be lost to us all. The short-sighted decision to rescind TPS protection for the citizens of Honduras, El Salvador, Haiti, Nepal, Liberia, Nicaragua, and Sudan places us all at risk. Ending their protection promises to tear families apart, fragment our communities, disrupt local economies, and places their well-being at risk.

Catholic sisters will continue to heed the scriptural command to welcome the stranger and care for those in need. We urge the Trump administration to reconsider its decisions and we call on Congress to work in a bipartisan manner to develop legislative solutions to protect vulnerable people.”

National Office, Leadership Conference of Women Religious

The Catholic Climate Declaration – a follow up message

In last week’s edition of The Update we brought you the news that the Missionary Sisters of the Guadalupe Province had signed onto the Catholic Climate Declaration, joining their support with other concerned Catholic organizations.

We have since learned that Sr. Barbara Staley, MSC, General Superior, has signed onto the Declaration on behalf of the entire Institute of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

On numerous occasions Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis have called for an international climate change agreement. Climate change is an urgent moral issue because it compromises the future of our common home, threatens human life and human dignity, and adds to the hardships already experienced by the poorest and most vulnerable people both at home and abroad. We teach that governments exist to protect and promote the common good, and that “the climate is a common good, belonging to all and meant for all.” (Laudato Si’, 23).

In December 2015, the leaders of 195 nations adopted the Paris Agreement that established a framework for nations to reduce carbon emissions to limit the increase in the global average temperature to well below 2 °C above pre-industrial levels, and to avoid the most dangerous effects of climate change. The Holy See and the U.S. Bishops have repeatedly voiced their support for it. On June 1, 2017, President Trump announced that the United States would withdraw from the Paris agreement, the only nation to do so.

As Catholic communities, organizations, and institutions in the United States, we join with other institutions from across American society to ensure that the United States remains a global leader in reducing emissions. We call for the Administration to join the global community and return to the Paris Agreement.

A Shining Star!

Evalyn Ndunge after her performance Evalyn Ndunge, (c.) an MSC candidate, is offered warm congratulations by Sr. Christine Marie Baltas, MSC (l.) and Sr. Grace Waters, MSC (r.) following her participation as a vocalist in the Spring Concert at Cabrini University which took place on Sunday, May 6th.

Evalyn, who hails from Kenya, is completing her first year of studies at the University. Evalyn is majoring in social work.

Congratulations, Evalyn, on a wonderful performance. Brava!

Share the Journey: Meet Our Neighbor

Cabdi* is from Somalia. He and his family arrived in New York this past summer. Cabdi is fluent in English and worked as a nurse in a medical clinic in the Kenyan refugee camp he and his family lived in prior to resettling in the U.S. Eager to find a job in the U.S., within days of his arrival, Cabdi began volunteering at the Catholic Youth Organization in Syracuse, helping the Refugee Health Coordinator and employment specialists with clients’ job interviews, by working as an interpreter. In the fall, Catholic Charities received a call from Wilson Dental, a local dentist office looking for refugees who spoke English to work in their clinics. Wilson Dental wanted to hire Cabdi as a way to better serve the growing number of refugees utilizing their clinics. Cabdi was a leading candidate of the employment specialists, and after interviewing, he was offered the job of dental assistant. The staff at the dental office helped Cabdi learn to use the bus to get to work, and he has worked at Wilson Dental since. He still comes to CYO on his days off to volunteer, and his family is in school, learning English and integrating into their new home in Syracuse.

~ Justice for Immigrants

Receiving Sanctuary on Mother’s Day

Ahead of Mother’s Day, three immigrant mothers receiving sanctuary from houses of worship which protect them from deportation participated in a May 8 press call to discuss how their lives have been affected by the threat of family separation.

“Mother’s Day is a time for families to be together,” Johana Bencomo, director of organizing with a Faith in Action federation in New Mexico said in the May 7 press release. “Because of this administration’s unchecked anti-immigrant policies and enforcement tactics and priorities, there will be countless empty seats at dinner tables this Mother’s Day. Too many children will be missing their mothers, grandmothers, and other family members.”

The three women, Vicky Chavez, Martha Lorena Rivera and Juana Tobar, are living at First Unitarian Church in Salt Lake City, Utah; Holy Cross Retreat Center in New Mexico; and St. Barnabas Episcopal Church in Greensboro, North Carolina, respectively. They were joined by faith leaders on the call, which is hosted by Church World Service and a program of Faith in Action (formerly PICO National Network) called LA RED.

~ Maria Benevento, National Catholic Reporter

Congratulations to a New Citizen!

Meet our new U.S. citizen Blanca Ramirez Rodriguez (l.) and her Cabrini Immigrant Services tutor and mentor Lyn Halper.

Cabrini Immigrant Services (CIS), Dobbs Ferry, NY is happy to announce that we have another new citizen! Blanca Ramirez Rodriguez came to the United States from Guatemala. Her dream was to become a United States citizen. Her dream has come true as she proudly proclaimed, “I am a U.S. citizen!”

Blanca has worked for over six years with her tutor, Lyn Halper at CIS. Faithful to their weekly meetings, Blanca improved her English, her reading and her writing skills. She then began her preparation for the Citizenship Exam. Blanca studied so hard. She and her tutor would review the 100 questions that she needed to know.

As the saying goes, “Hard work does pay off.” Blanca was able to achieve her dream of becoming a citizen because of the dedication and hard work of both herself and her tutor. Lyn, is so proud of her student and all that she has achieved. Blanca’s husband and young daughter also share their joy in her success.

Congratulations, Blanca! We are so proud of you!

~submitted by: Lorraine Campanelli, MS, MSW, Director, CIS

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Mother Cabrini Tribute Room Opens in NOLA

The Mother Cabrini Tribute Room at Cabrini High School, New Orleans.

One hundred years after her death, St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, founder of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, still keeps watch at Cabrini High School. Her presence has been highlighted in a permanent exhibit of her life in New Orleans on the school’s Esplanade Avenue campus.

The idea for the exhibit dawned on Jack Truxillo when he became president of Cabrini High School a few years ago and he realized that many of Mother Cabrini’s artifacts were scattered around campus.

A more fitting home was in order, he thought, considering the contributions St. Cabrini had made in the lives of so many through her establishment of orphanages, schools, hospitals and clinics worldwide.

Truxillo chose a little-used room overlooking Esplanade Avenue and began in late 2016 assembling the pieces which were relics since she either touched or had worn them. A timeline of her life was written and the room was formally unveiled on March 13 at a benefactors’ reception.

Among Mother Cabrini’s relics are her habit, cape, umbrella, shoes, a head garment and veil, a fan, a desk statue, rosary, reading glasses, sewing scissors, pocket watch, personal prayer cards, a Canal Louisiana Bank & Trust Company bank book, and an orphanage checkbook signed by Mother Cabrini.

Some relics from Mother Cabrini

It’s very special and an honor to have these artifacts of a saint who actually stayed, prayed and ministered in this very building,” Truxillo said. “Our students, faculty, staff and administration get to experience this every day, and we want to share it with the community.”

~ by Christine Bordelon of the Clarion Herald
To read the entire article: https://clarionherald.org/2018/05/03/tribute-room-to-mothercabrini-open-to-public/

Today is Ascension Thursday

Ascension Day is the Christian celebration of Jesus rising into Heaven after He had spent 40 days on Earth after the Resurrection. The Ascension is celebrated forty days after Easter Sunday on Ascension Thursday. This date is also ten days before the celebration of the Pentecost.

The Christian belief is that after Jesus died on the cross on Good Friday, He rose from the dead on Easter Sunday. Jesus then walked the earth among his followers for forty days, continually teaching about the Kingdom of Heaven.

For Roman Catholics, Ascension Thursday is one of the six Holy Days of Obligation of which mandatory attendance at Mass is required.

Different traditions are held throughout the world to celebrate Ascension Thursday. Some churches may bless grapes and beans; some churches hold Mass in which the Easter or Paschal candle, lit on Easter, is extinguished.

Cabrini Of Westchester

20th Annual Sharing in Mission Dinner was a Great Success!

Sr. Adeodata Gatti, MSC is all smiles as she receives the Sharing in Mission Award from Pat Krasnausky, Cabrini of Westchester President and CEO.

Cabrini of Westchester recognized the contributions of three honorees at its 20th Annual Fundraising Event, The Sharing in Mission Dinner held on May 2, 2018 at the beautiful Tappan Hill Mansion in Tarrytown, NY. Thanks to the honorees, sponsors, donors and the 2018 Sharing in Mission Dinner Event Committee the evening was a tremendous success and netted almost $180,000 to benefit the ministry of Cabrini of Westchester!

In keeping with the 20th anniversary of the event, the evening had a Roaring 20’s theme that added a lot of frivolity to the evening. Many guests arrived dressed in flapper attire – wearing headbands, boas and pearls and some gentleman adorned stylish hats. Guests were greeted by children dressed as flappers and gangsters who sold raffles. Upon entering the dining room, guests were surrounded by red roses and centerpieces that featured tall ostrich feathers and chandelier candelabras. Mike Bennett, a local radio host, kicked off the evening with his great wit followed by moving speeches from each of the three honorees. A highlight of the evening featured an animated horse race where guests could buy a chance to win $100!

This year’s honorees included: Donna and James M. Butler as well as Elizabeth and Richard Scarlata who were recognized for their dedication to Cabrini’s mission which calls on individuals to be leaders, educators, advocates and sponsors of quality services to those in need of care and compassion. The third honoree was Sr. Adeodata Gatti, MSC who was honored for her 21 years of dedicated service to Cabrini of Westchester’s home care department and her strong and welcoming presence to the Sisters who are residents in the nursing home!

Cabrini of Westchester 20th Annual Fundraising Event

Photo left: Donna and James M. Butler, (r., 2nd r.) Chair of the Finance Committee, Cabrini of Westchester’s Board of Trustees accept their award from Patricia Krasnausky and Ralph Lucariello, M.D., Chair of the Board.
Photo center: Sr. Deo is surrounded by her sister MSCs and friends and family as she enjoys the evening festivities.
Photo right: Elizabeth and Richard Scarlata, who served on the boards of the former Cabrini Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cabrini Immigrant Services – NYC and Chair of the Board of Cabrini Apartments accept their awards from Patricia Krasnausky.

~ submitted by Lorraine Horgan

Prayer Requests

A prayer request from campus
A member of the Cabrini University campus community requests prayers for a family who is going through a very difficult time. Please remember them in your prayers.

Sr. Margaret Ellen Burke, SC
Please pray for Sr. Margaret Ellen, who is experiencing medical issues at this time. Pray that doctors will be able to diagnose the source of the problem and she will be healed.

Sr. Adeodata Gatti, MSC
Please keep Sr. Deo in your prayers. She has been hospitalized and would be grateful for our prayers for a speedy recovery.

Johnny Ploplis
You are asked to pray for Johnny Ploplis, the brother of Father Ted Ploplis, the Rector of the National Shrine of St. Frances X. Cabrini, in Chicago. Johnny has been in the hospital for five weeks and was moved to an inpatient hospice unit. Please pray for Johnny. Let’s keep Father Ted and brother, Bill, in prayer as they accompany Johnny in this most difficult time.

Prayers for a friend
Prayers are asked for a person who is looking for full-time work and has been going on interviews and needs prayers for her success in landing a full time position.

Prayers for healing
Prayers for healing for four friends of Marie Fitzgerald are requested: Flossie Gubicza, Helen Kauffman, Betty Pierce and Gloria Taddie. Also, Marie Fitzgerald asks prayers in memory of her late husband, Buddy Fitzgerald.

Prayers for good health
Prayers for a good outcome are asked by someone who will need further medical tests. Pray with confidence that all will be well.

Joseph “ Joey ” Sherman
Please pray for Joey Sherman, brother of former CMC missioner Michelle Sherman, who will be undergoing surgery on May 14th in Phoenix, AZ. Pray that his surgery will be completely successful.

In Loving Memory

Sr. Dorothy Beck, ACJ
Your prayers are asked for the repose of the soul of Sr. Dorothy Beck, ACJ, a Cabrini College alumna, Class of 1959, who passed away suddenly this past Sunday. Please keep Sr. Dorothy and her religious community, the Handmaids of the Sacred Heart, in your prayers. May is the month of Mary.

Suzanne Gallagher
Please pray for the repose of the soul of Suzanne Gallagher who was called home to God on Friday, May 4th. Suzanne is the sister of Cabrini (College) University alumna and trustee Claire Roth ‘69. Please pray for Suzanne’s children, grandchildren, and her sisters, Claire, and Lynn Panetta, and their families at this sad time.

Erin Lively
Prayers are requested for Erin, a young woman who passed away on Tuesday, May 8th, with her husband, Pete, her parents and brother by her side. Erin and Pete, have 3 small children. Please pray for the repose of her soul and please accompany this family with your prayers at this sad time. Pray especially for her husband and her children that they will be given the strength to continue without her.

A Special Request for Your Prayer Intentions

In June, Fr. Carl Janicki, Cabrini University Chaplain and Director of Campus Ministry, will be leading a pilgrimage to Italy in commemoration of the 100th Anniversary of the passing of St. Cabrini into eternal life. On the pilgrimage, Fr. Carl will offer Masses at the various shrines and they will begin the pilgrimage at Sant’ Angelo Lodigiano, Mother Cabrini’s birthplace.

A pilgrimage tradition, and a tradition associated with visits to sacred shrines, is to bring prayer intentions from people who cannot join the pilgrimage.

If you have a prayer intention(s), please send them via email to Fr. Carl: cj363@cabrini.edu by June 20th. Fr. Carl and those on the pilgrimage will remember your intentions at their Masses.