Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

A Most Outstanding Recognition

November 14, 2024

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Sue Williams, the CEO of Cabrini Health in Australia, advised that the Cabrini Asylum Seeker and Refugee Hub Service won a Commonwealth award for our primary care team of GPs and refugee health nurses in the category of “Ensuring all Australians have access to quality healthcare, wherever they live”.

This is an outstanding achievement given there were more than 140 submissions for this award, which was presented in Canberra by Prime Minister Albanese. Mark Butler Minister for Health and Ged Kearney Assistant Minister for Health were also in attendance.

Musical Charity: Voices Unite for Refugees

October 30, 2024

The Cabrini Choir and St. Joseph’s Music Ministry’s Soiree at Cabrini Chapel Malvern raised $2400 for the Brigidine Asylum Seeker Project.

The event, attended by 180 people, continues a decade-long tradition of support.

Sr. Brigid Arthur praised the arts’ role in creating a better world.

The collaboration aligns with St. Frances Cabrini’s mission as Patron Saint of Immigrants.

Cabrini Outreach also supports refugees through their Health Hub in Northcote.

Cabrini Volunteers: Hearts of gold, hands of help

September 25, 2024

Cabrini Malvern’s Patient Services Volunteer Team shone brightly at the City of Stonnington’s 2024 Volunteer Awards, clinching the Community Group Award. The spotlight fell on four exceptional volunteers: Katina Yiannoudes, Isabel Kashyap, Jacquelyn Segal, and June Downes, whose combined service spans an impressive 60 years.

These remarkable women have touched countless lives across Cabrini Malvern, from the Emergency Department to the Cancer Wellness Centre. Their adaptability, warmth, and genuine care have been a constant comfort to patients and staff alike.

Recognised for their kind demeanour and heartfelt interest in others, this quartet embodies the true spirit of volunteering. They’ve mastered the art of putting patients at ease, proving that sometimes, the most powerful medicine is a caring presence.

Cabrini celebrates these unsung heroes who elevate the patient experience, one compassionate gesture at a time.

A Very Special Delivery: Baby Amelia arrives in Cabrini Malvern’s Carpark

September 3, 2024

In an unexpected turn of events that proves babies have their own timelines, new mother Ashleigh experienced a delivery she’ll never forget – in the carpark of Cabrini Malvern. What began as a routine trip to the hospital ended in a heartwarming scene that showcased the quick thinking of our expert medical team.

Originally scheduled for an induction, Ashleigh went into labour naturally and was managing well at home. When her pain began to escalate, she asked to come in to be evaluated for an epidural. However, as they arrived at the emergency entrance, it became clear that her baby wasn’t prepared to wait. “I knew we were cutting it close,”
Ashleigh recalls. “There was no way I was making it out of the car.”

The responding team, including Assoc. Nurse Unit Manager Amanda Clark, Midwife Rachel Guerra, Hospital Coordinator Jess Purcell and a cast of others quickly sprang into action. However, baby was not waiting around. Ashleigh delivered little Amelia before most of the support arrived.

“Baby was pink and in mum’s arms. We ensured her safety and immediate care was given to mother and baby on a very cold day,” Midwife Rachel explains.

After the excitement, mother and daughter were moved into the hospital for post-natal care. Both are doing well, with Ashleigh expressing gratitude for the team’s expertise and compassion.

Despite the unusual circumstances, Amelia was born healthy and strong. “It wasn’t the birth we planned, but it’s certainly a story we’ll be telling Amelia for years to come,” Ashleigh says, smiling.

In Loving Memory

July 3, 2024

On the evening of Tuesday June 25, the Chapel at Cabrini Hospital Malvern was overflowing for a Memorial Service honouring the memory of those who have died over the past few months either as an inpatient or cared for at home.

Three times per year Cabrini’s Pastoral and Bereavement Support Team welcomes family members young and old to a service of poetry, reflection, music, reading and prayer.

Without doubt the emotional highlight of this service was when the name of each person being honoured was read by Cabrini Brighton’s Cynthia White with family coming forward to light a candle in memory placing it near their loved one’s photograph. It was a pure expression of the impact and effectiveness of Cabrini’s mission to care and serve with love.

Group Director of Identity & Mission, Margaret Stewart, commented that it was ‘…an exquisite experience of what it means to be Cabrini. I was humbled and proud to be part of a memorial liturgy of such grace, dignity, and deep compassion.’

Cabrini Health Australia Celebrates Refugee Week: Fostering a Sense of Family and Freedom

June 19, 2024

Refugee Week, June 16-22, celebrates “Finding Freedom” with a significant focus on family, the heart of the refugee journey, which encapsulates resilience and unity.

This sentiment of family resonates deeply within our Cabrini community, where we strive to create an environment that nurtures the human spirit, regardless of background. We celebrate the power of compassion and the impact that a sense of family can have on the lives of those who have weathered unimaginable challenges.

To honour Refugee Week, Margaret Stewart, Group Director, Identity and Mission, had the privilege of spending a day at the Cabrini Outreach Centre in Northcote. She was deeply moved by the staff’s warmth and dedication, which truly embody the spirit of compassion and support for refugees. Their commitment to embracing each individual, offering a sense of belonging and safety, is a testament to Cabrini’s mission of fostering a family-like environment for those in need.

During Refugee Week, the focus is on raising awareness about refugees, their challenges, and the positive impact they have on the Australian community. Cultural events are arranged to foster unity and understanding among communities. At Cabrini, we embrace cultural diversity and celebrate multiculturalism.

National Volunteer Week Celebrated at Cabrini Health

June 13, 2024

“Volunteerism is the voice of the people put into action.”

~ Helen Dyer

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This year’s National Volunteer Week theme in Australia was ‘Something for Everyone’ and this aptly describes the variety of volunteer roles undertaken at Cabrini. Such roles include social visits, patient phone calls, sacramental care, asylum seeker support, music making, wig room fittings, as well as, helping people find their way around the labyrinth of Cabrini corridors.

In a recent ceremony held in the Malvern Chapel 39 volunteers were recognized for their length of service ranging from 2 to 30 years.

Tessa Bennett, pictured right with Chief Executive, Sue Williams, and Director of Support Services, Jenny Nicholson, has enjoyed 30 years as a Cabrini volunteer. Tessa is typical of our volunteers whose kindness and caring is generously given to support the wellbeing of Cabrini patients and staff alike. Tessa believes there is something special about Cabrini and she feels she gets as much joy out of volunteering as she gives to our patients and staff – there truly is ‘Something for Everyone’ in volunteering!

Sacred Heart Feast Observed with Tokens of the Heart

June 13, 2024

Last week on Sacred Heart Day, Friday, June 7th, at Cabrini Health in Australia, we marked the special occasion on which Cabrini Sisters around the globe renewtheir religious vows and commitment to serve. We welcomed dozens of people to Mass in the Malvern Chapel to witness Sisters Theresa Cervasio, MSC and Sr. Beatriz Santos, MSC renew their own vows.

On behalf of all staff and volunteers Jenny Nicholson, Director of Support Services, made a public statement affirming our shared commitment to Cabrini’s mission and values.

Cabrini Health Chief Executive, Sue Williams, invited chefs Nash Cheddee and Matt Jones to present the Sisters with gifts of heart shaped cookies made with love in the Cabrini kitchen.

To the rest of the community, Margaret Stewart, Group Director, Identity and Mission, said, “We hope our love, symbolized in a chocolate heart and an affirmation of our shared work reached you all
for Sacred Heart Day.”

Feast Day Good Wishes from Cabrini Health

November 15, 2023

Those of us at Cabrini Health Australia would like to wish you all a Happy Feast Day and share with you a wonderful article that was posted on the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne website today.
To access the article please click here

Bishop Tony Ireland, Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne, and Episcopal Vicar of Health, Aged and Disability Care, celebrated the Mass and spoke endearingly of Mother Cabrini and what an impact Cabrini Australia has had on his life as he grew up in the suburb of Malvern. It was an inspired celebration which was beautifully accompanied by our Cabrini choir.

Sue Williams, CEO, gave the welcoming address and Sylvia Falzon, our Board Chair, provided a beautiful closing. We were blessed to be able to share some refreshments after the Mass, something we have missed for the last few years.

We are Pilgrims on a Journey…

September 13, 2023

“We are Pilgrims on a Journey…”

Staff members from Cabrini Health in Australia led by Julie Fleming, the Director of Mission Services, are currently on a pilgrimage to Codogno, Italy to walk in the footsteps of Mother Cabrini. They are being joined by Cabrini Mission Foundation (CMF) Board Member Dave DeCerbo and his wife, Linda, and CMF Executive Director Christopher LaBianco.

Sr. Therese Merandi, MSC and Sr. Maria Barbargallo, MSC have been accompanying the group during their stay in Codogno.

In their own words:

Julie Fleming, Cabrini Health shares:
“How many people are blessed enough to literally walk in the footsteps of a saint?

“The whole pilgrim experience has been deeply moving; learning details of Mother Cabrini’s life and her faith in the Sacred Heart of Jesus plus the passionate storytelling by Sr. Therese Merandi, MSC has been inspiring and has brought to life the Cabrini charism in a vibrant way.

Meeting the senior Missionary Sisters who have given so much of their life to service of others is so humbling. We feel a deeper and more familial connection with Saint Frances Cabrini and know that we will become better torchbearers of her charism in our ministries.

Jenny Nicholson, Cabrini Health, Australia:
I did not expect to be overcome by the profound impact this immersion experience would have on me.
To walk on the very floorboards, St. Frances Cabrini walked on in her home; to be in the rooms where she listened to the stories told by her father; where she slept, ate and prayed. All these things I had only read of.

The passion of those who continue the work of St. Frances, living their life through her, in her spirit, living out the gift of our charism. The incredible stories of Sr. Maria Barbagallo, the passion, fervour and spirit of Sr. Therese and Allesandra Bergamaschi. To receive the blessings of the many Sisters of the Codogno Spirituality Centre every day…we are blessed in God’s love to be here.

Miranda Coombs, Cabrini Health, Australia
I have been moved by the stories of the sisters and mother Cabrini, delivered with so much illumination and conviction. But above all else, I have been moved by their openness to love. I have been moved with love, to be open to love and more giving of love. I have felt so much love for my family, for my friends and fellow pilgrims who are also on this journey.

“It has been a profound experience to walk in the footsteps of Mother Cabrini as part of a Codogno pilgrimage with my fellow Guadalupe Province lay leaders from Australia. I have had the opportunity to bear witness to Mother Cabrini’s birthplace, schools she attended and taught at, places of worship, and missionary institutions she opened. Mother Cabrini’s story has always inspired me — her resilience, perseverance, business acumen. Today, history has taught me so much more about her suffering, her love, her leadership, and her strategic approach and mission focus. I am grateful to have participated, and look forward to the opportunity to further the mission in my daily life.”