Cabrini Mission Foundation Supports Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts in Asheville
Cabrini Mission Foundation is committed to supporting those who have been burdened by catastrophic natural disasters. Following the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the foundation is partnering with Sisters of Mercy of the Americas to help target one of the most affected areas in the southeast. Located in the Asheville, NC area, the Sisters will respond directly to life-saving needs including food, water and shelter.
North Carolina has seen historic damage as the Category 4 hurricane has left mud- filled roads, houses demolished, cellular lines down, and taken the lives of 130 people.
We pray that their families and loved ones receive the necessary resources needed during this difficult time.
Photo credit: Reuters
Cabrini Mission Foundation Hosts a Night in Codogno at the Annual Gala
Christiana Dell’Anna, David DeCerbo
2024 Cabrini Mission Foundation Gala
Sparkling drinks, candlelight, and laughter filled the room as attendees and Sisters enjoyed “A Night in Codogno.” Held on Friday, October 11th at the Metropolitan Club in New York City, the event was inspired by the rustic charm of Codogno, Italy—the town where Mother Cabrini founded Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus religious order in 1880.
The evening’s ambiance was set with beautiful vines, Italian delicacies, and lively music, immersing guests in the true spirit of Italy: family, tradition, and togetherness.
The Foundation honored two remarkable individuals: David DeCerbo, Esq. and Cristiana Dell’Anna—both of whom share stories of humble beginnings, perseverance, and inspiring success.
David DeCerbo, recipient of the Mother Cabrini Lifetime of Service Award, is a successful attorney specializing in health policy, legislation, and law. His relationship with the Missionary Sisters began almost 50 years ago, during his tenure as Vice President of Legal and Regulatory Affairs at Cabrini Medical Center on 19th Street in Manhattan. Continuing to provide legal services to the Missionary Sisters throughout the years, he went on to make partner at a firm that is Nixon Peabody today. Notably, David filed the paperwork to establish the Cabrini Mission Foundation and has been a dedicated member of our board since its inception 26 years ago.
The Spirit of Cabrini Award was presented to Cristiana Dell’Anna, an exceptionally talented actress whose career has taken her from the streets of Naples to the stages of London and the big screen. Cristiana’s portrayal of Mother Cabrini in the film Cabrini has brought her recognition, including being named Best European Actress at the Septimus Awards. Cristiana made her big screen debut in the psychological thriller Third Contact and she has also played popular roles in the Italian soap opera Un posto al sole, as Patrizia, in the second season of Gomorra as well as in the 2022 Netflix Movie – “Toscana.”
As the night drew to a close, guests left with full hearts and satisfied appetites, just as one might after a true evening in Codogno.
Let’s Play Ball!
Cabrini Mission Foundation names John Leguizamo as Ambassador
The Cabrini Mission Foundation — which continues the legacy of the religious order founded by St. Frances Xavier Cabrini in 1880 — has named Emmy Award-winning actor, producer and activist John Leguizamo an ambassador for the foundation.
Jay Dixit photo/Wikimedia Commons
“With his remarkable talent, commitment to social justice, and drive to create positive change, John embodies the spirit of the mission to serve and empower communities in need,” the New York-based foundation said in a June 11 announcement.
The foundation serves as the philanthropic arm of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Guadalupe Province, the religious order founded by St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, the patron saint of immigrants.
The announcement said that Leguizamo, who has appeared in more than 100 films and is a frequent star on the Broadway stage, “will use his voice and influence to raise awareness about the foundation’s essential work in immigration, education, healthcare, social services and pastoral care, especially among the most vulnerable and marginalized communities.”
“John Leguizamo’s ability to connect with people from all walks of life makes him an ideal partner for our mission,” said Sr. Pietrina Raccuglia, MSC who is the chairwoman of the foundation’s board of directors. “We’re honored to welcome John aboard and eagerly anticipate collaborating with him to effect meaningful change.”
For his part, the Colombia-born actor said, “My mother has long been connected to the Missionary Sisters, and I have always respected St. Frances Xavier Cabrini’s legacy here in New York City. The Foundation is a wonderful organization continuing Mother Cabrini’s work, and I am honored to be associated with them.”
Cabrini Mission Foundation Hosts Private Screening of Cabrini Movie
Many laughs, cheers, and tears, were shared as Missionary Sisters and friends joined Cabrini Mission Foundation for a private screening of the Cabrini movie on Thursday, March 7th at the Union Square Regal Theatre in New York City.
Attendees enjoyed artisanal pizza and salads provided by La Lanterna di Vittorio as everyone shared their anticipation for the movie. With fresh popcorn in-hand, viewers got to witness the story of Mother Cabrini on the silver screen. A sneak peak of Andrea and Virginia Boccelli’s new song, “Dare to Be” was shown at the end of the movie.
As the curtains closed on the evening’s festivities, attendees left with hearts full of inspiration and gratitude, eager to share the transformative experience of the Cabrini movie with others. With the movie now released to the public, the opportunity to follow in her footsteps awaits all who are moved.
We are grateful to everyone who volunteered, donated, and made the night a special event.
The Cabrini movie is out now! Click the link here to find theatres and movie times near you: https://www.angel.com/movies/cabrini
Education of the Heart: Cabrini Mission Foundation Launches Education Grant
Embracing Mother Cabrini’s ‘Education of the Heart’ principle, t he Cabrini Mission Foundation has launched its 2024 education grant for students across New York. The primary objectives of the grant are to support faith-based Catholic education in New York, provide financial assistance to students, and promote academic achievement and community engagement.
Through this initiative, the Cabrini Mission Foundation aims to empower students with the values and skills necessary to become compassionate leaders who positively impact their communities and the world at large.
Application details and can be found on the Cabrini Mission Foundation website. Students will need to complete the application form as well as write an essay, all submissions are reviewed internally. The schools of students selected to receive a grant will receive a check in the student’s name that will be applied to their tuition bill for their current academic school year. ~ submitted by Caitlin Della Rocca, Cabrini Mission Foundation
For application information please visit:
Cabrini Mission Foundation – Spirit of Christmas
Cabrini Mission Foundation Celebrates 25th Anniversary at 2023 Annual Gala
It was a night full of cheers and laughter, as attendees joined Cabrini Mission Foundation in celebrating 25 years of service at its 2023 annual Gala on October 13th at the Metropolitan Club in Manhattan, NY. The Foundation recognized two special and deserving honorees for the Cabrini Legacy Award: Patricia Krasnausky and William J. O’Connor
Sr. Diane Omstead, MSC, Provincial, William J. O’Connor, Patricia Krasnausky, Sr. Pietrina Raccuglia, MSC
The Cabrini Legacy Award recognizes altruistic, charitable, and generous individuals who embrace the spirit of the charism in every aspect of their life. Their enthusiasm and ability to meet the unmet needs of others parallels the work Mother Cabrini accomplished during her years of service.
Bill O’Connor embarked on his educational journey at Manhattan College in New York, where he pursued his Bachelor’s and Master of Science degrees in Civil Engineering. For two decades, O’Connor committed himself to the Building Commission of the Archdiocese of New York. At the Archdiocese, Bill managed and maintained over 2,000 religious buildings spanning across 500 locations. His efforts, not only ensured the structural integrity of these sacred spaces, but also fostered an environment of efficient facilities management. In December 2003, O’Connor founded Parish Property management to offer professional counsel to institutions with large building portfolios, including properties for the Missionary Sisters.
O’Connor was first introduced to the Missionary Sisters in 1985 and was elected to the Cabrini Mission Foundation Board in November of 2014, demonstrating his passion and commitment to Mother Cabrini’s legacy through his facility work as well as being an active Board member.
Pat Krasnausky has provided steadfast and proven leadership of Cabrini Eldercare Services in New York since she began her career in 1991. Pat came to work at the Cabrini Medical Center on East 19th Street in Manhattan where the Medical Center was taking over a financially distressed nursing home on 5th Street and she would be in charge of the transition. Krasnausky would be named President and CEO of Cabrini Nursing Home in Dobbs Ferry, NY, as well, just seven years later.
For 14 years, Pat oversaw the operations of both nursing homes – that encompasses 544 patient beds and split her time between the two locations. Krasnausky’s embrace of the Cabrini charism goes well beyond eldercare. During her tenure, Pat also served for 12 years as the Director of the Cabrini Lay Missionaries (CLMs); a group of women and men who desire to live out their Christian baptismal commitment as a special call from God. A knowledgeable executive and icon in the New York health community, Krasnausky has had an enduring impact on the lives of so many families that have entrusted their care at Cabrini of Westchester.
The Sisters and staff would like to send a sincere thank you to everyone who attended the gathering, and for the continued support of the mission.
We are Pilgrims on a Journey…
“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.”
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