Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

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The Closing Mass at Cabrini University

The Closing Mass at Cabrini University

On the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, Sr. Diane Olmstead, MSC, Provincial; Sr. Pietrina Raccuglia, MSC, Provincial Councilor; Sr. Catherine Garry, MSC, Trustee; Sr. Christine Marie Baltas, MSC, Sr. Eileen Currie, MSC, President Emerita; and Sr. Roselle Santivasi, MSC, along with present and former members of the University’s Board of Trustees; Ms. Helen Drinan, Interim President; Fr. Carl Janicki, former University chaplain and University staff welcomed Fr. Peter Donahue, OSA, PhD, President of Villanova University to campus for the final Mass in the Bruckmann Chapel of St. Joseph on campus as Cabrini University. The University will transition to Villanova University as of July 1st.

Fr. Peter in his homily said that he and the Villanova University community would “cherish our (Cabrini) hearts and hold them sacred” – a timely and reassuring message to all those gathered on the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

Cabrini University Honors its Legacy

They arrived on campus by the hundreds – Missionary Sisters, alumni, administrators, faculty and staff – present and former – along with their friends and family members to honor, to reminisce, to laugh, to shed tears, all in tribute to the 67-year legacy of their beloved Cabrini College/University.

On Sunday, May 19th on the historic Radnor campus of Cabrini University, with its “cathedral of trees,”members of the campus community gathered to walk familiar paths, visit hallowed halls, and immerse themselves in shared memories of their “education of the heart”.

Referring to the Institute of the Missionary Sisters, Mother Cabrini once said, “there is room here for everyone: for every talent and inclination…” Cabrini College/University has embodied Mother Cabrini’s words. This ‘holy ground’ has always been about the people who studied, taught, and spent their professional lives here. Students and alumni have often referred to the campus as a ‘second home’.

In a Legacy ceremony crafted to commemorate and uplift all that has been, Sr. Diane Olmstead, MSC, Provincial of the Guadalupe Province, offered the opening blessing by asking everyone, “to remember, to celebrate and to believe.”

Sr. Diane continued, “we remember the humble beginnings of Cabrini [College] and the many dreams. We remember Sr. Elizabeth Airo, MSC, who purchased this land and Mother Ursula, the Founding President of Cabrini College. We celebrate the dedication and commitment to excellence in the ‘education of the heart’ of every student who attended Cabrini. We celebrate the mission and charism of the MSCs that have been the grounding foundation and inspiration for all that was done. We celebrate the graduates and the faculty and staff that walked with them.

“We believe that the countless seeds of God’s love and care that were sown in the hearts of everyone who forms part of this Cabrini University community have and will continue to bear fruit in the world to make the world a better place.

“We believe in the enduring legacy of Cabrini University because it is all about relationships and who we are and have become – and this does not end. No, it is alive within each one of us.”

During the program, Sr. Eileen Currie, MSC, Class of 1966 and President Emerita of Cabrini College, offered her reflections on the College. She spoke of the dream of founding a college, that along with the Missionary Sisters, it was a shared dream

of staff, coaches, trustees, benefactors, and faculty.

 

Sr. Eileen talked about commencements saying that they are about beginnings; a time to “live what you have learned. Live what you have been given. Live what you are becoming.”

She spoke about our times together, times, “when something touches us, we remember, recall, relive, reconnect.”

Sr. Eileen recalled of Frances Cabrini, that “she knew from her own life experiences the dreadful paradox of having a human heart. That is why she had such a passion for educating hearts.”

Sr. Eileen continued, “Our Cabrini degree is about living out that educated heart. Wherever we are, doing whatever we are doing.”

Following Sr. Eileen’s reflection, she invited Dr. Michelle Filling-Brown, the Academic Dean, to begin theceremonial passing of the Cabrini legacy to Fr. Peter Donahue, OSA, PhD, the President of Villanova University. Cabrini symbols such as the academic mace, matriculation books, the Charter of Core values, and a first-class relic of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini were formally presented to Fr. Peter.

University Interim President Helen Drinan noted that in addition to the symbols physically presented that we also “entrust our beautiful campus to you, Fr. Peter. Everyone who visits comments on the beauty of our campus from the “cathedral of trees to the historic Woodcrest Mansion.”

Ms. Drinan welcomed Fr. Peter to the podium for his remarks. He assured everyone that “the Cabrini spirit will live on at Villanova University, experienced through the lives of your alumni.”

 

Fr. Peter noted that both universities were “founded in service of immigrants” and that interestingly, in the chapel on Cabrini’s campus there is a stained-glass window of St. Augustine and on Villanova’s campus there is a stained-glass window of Mother Cabrini.

Fr. Peter said, “I promise to take this responsibility [of the Cabrini mission and charism] seriously.”

The celebration concluded with the singing of the Cabrini Alma Mater led by Kerrie Eileen Habicht ’24, the grandniece of Sr. Eileen Currie.

Following the ceremony, those in attendance gathered at a festive reception and took time for photos and nostalgic visits to campus buildings on the beloved 112 rolling acres, with Cabrini forever in their hearts.

To view a recording of the live stream of the Legacy ceremony along with the accompanying videos please visit: cabrini.edu/legacy

 

A Prayer for the Cabrini University Community, from Our Neighbor, Eastern University

Editor’s note: In last week’s edition of The Update, we carried the story of the “Chapel of Appreciation” held by Eastern University, the academic neighbor of Cabrini University. During that prayer service, this prayer was offered by Eastern’s Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, Kenton L. Sparks, MBA, PhD. It was so heartfelt we wanted to share the prayer with our Update subscribers.

Father, we are reminded this morning of the words from Ecclesiastes, that there is “a time to mourn” and “a time to dance.” But we feel just now that, somehow, we must find a way to mourn even as we dance, for there are reasons to do both today.

We celebrate decades of Cabrini’s service to the church and world. Generations of students, alumni, faculty, staff, administrators, and board members have been deeply touched by Cabrini College and University. How could we not celebrate? But we also lament. We lament because recent events have so unfolded that the mission of Cabrini is now transitioning to a missional legacy.

So, we are conflicted today. Be with us, Lord, in these moments together. Ensure us of your love, compassion, and concern for all of us.

We pray especially for students and employees whose studies and jobs have been disrupted. Grant them peace and care for them and make clear to us how we can best support them through this difficult part of their journey. We are troubled in our souls by their troubles.

We also have reasons to thank you, Lord.
 For the years of service and the ongoing legacy of Cabrini University
 For the Sisters who envisioned her, and gave her life from the beginnings through these long decades of institutional service
 For the thousands of people blessed – students, alumni, staff, faculty and friends, by the mission of Cabrini
 For the special institutional friendship that Eastern and Cabrini have shared over the years, especially during this last year as we have co-labored to make good on our shared mission in faith-based higher education
 We are thankful for the many faculty and employees at Cabrini who have secured new positions, quite a few of them here at Eastern University

Finally, we pray for the current Cabrini students. Many and diverse, each has had their own experience this year. As their journeys unfold now before us, we pray for them–and for all of us–that you would fulfill that good promise from Scripture, that “God works all things together for good, for those who love him and are called to his purpose.” And may the result be that we together “Do Justice, Love Mercy, and Walk Humbly with our God.” In the name of Jesus we pray, Amen.

Eastern University bids Cabrini University a Fond Farewell

“Gratitude for our neighbor…a chapel of appreciation for Cabrini University with visiting faculty, students, staff, and administration from Cabrini.”

Eastern University is the neighboring institution of higher education in Radnor, PA, where Cabrini University has resided for the past 67 years. The two universities’ campuses nearly abut with winding Eagle Road meandering between them. As proclaimed on their website, Eastern University is a diverse, Christ-centered community preparing graduates to impact the world through faith, reason, and justice. Eastern University has been, and continues to be, a very collaborative neighbor of Cabrini University.

Yesterday, the administration, faculty, and staff of Eastern University invited the Cabrini campus community to their campus for a “chapel of appreciation”. A “chapel,” is a prayer service held every Wednesday on the Eastern campus and is inclusive of diverse faith traditions. People can attend a chapel in person or by live-stream.

Yesterday’s chapel was centered on Eastern’s appreciation for the many aspects of campus life that the two universities have shared throughout the years: academic courses, athletics, i.e. “the sportsman-like and competitive battles of Eagle Road,” and many communal faith, justice, and spiritual observances.

of Eastern’s administration shared prayers, songs, and personal reflections with Cabrini community. Cabrini University Interim President Ms. Helen Drinan, along with Angela Campbell, PhD, Vice-President for Mission and DEIB, and former Director of Campus Ministry Fr. Carl Janicki, in turn, shared their gratitude for the many kindnesses and collaborative initiatives Cabrini University has experienced with Eastern University throughout our six decades.

To watch a video of the live-stream of the chapel, please click here

Cabrini University Goes to the Movies

On Saturday, April 6th, Cabrini University alumni, faculty, staff, and friends gathered at the Regal Theatre in King of Prussia, PA, for a special showing of the CABRINI film. Hollie Havens, Cabrini College, Class of 1998, was the creative force spearheading the event.

Many, many members of the Cabrini University community, whose lives have been indelibly touched by Mother Cabrini and her “education of the heart” attended the film event, proudly wearing their Cabrini gear to celebrate our Patroness and inspiration.

With the closure of Cabrini University this spring, opportunities to come together as one to celebrate our heritage and our friendships are precious. We will continue to look to Mother Cabrini to keep us united and our bonds, strong in the future.

A Message from Sr. Yolanda Flores, MSC, Vocation Director, Guadalupe Province

From February 27 to March 1, 2024, I had the opportunity to visit Cabrini High School in New Orleans. It was a beautiful and motivating missionary experience. I was welcomed with great simplicity and human warmth by the staff and the students. The purpose of the visit and under the invitation of Principal Yvonne Hrapmann was to have an MSC Sister present to the different groups of students about the Cabrinian heritage, our presence in different missions in the world, and the invitation to make a commitment of service to God’s people when the time comes in their lives.

There were many questions and many clarifications to be made. In particular, on Friday, March 1, Career Day, my task was to speak to the young women about the different vocations. I was privileged to be part of a group formed by two other religious from other congregations and a lady whose commitment is the struggle for the dignity of the unborn, single mothers and all that this entails.

I want to emphasize how happy I was to be able to experience how the charism of Mother Cabrini is alive in the community of teachers and students. My admiration for all those who, from their lay commitment, carry out this mission of forming the new generations and as Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini used to say, “educating the heart” with values and sense for life.

I also appreciated the excellent coordination to help me see different sites and get an idea of the history of the city, its traditions and food. Different members of the staff took turns accompanying me, making me enjoy these days creating indelible memories.

Thank you, students, educational community, and our Provincial Superior for supporting me in creating connections with Cabrini High School. In my role as Director of Vocation Promotion, I have seen “an open window” to continue to bring the MSC presence to the Cabrini High School in New Orleans’ educational community.

Cabrini University Students Complete Immersion Trip to Guatemala

Cabrini University students have returned to campus in Radnor, PA, following a week of travel and immersion experiences.

Wow! It is our sixth day in Guatemala, bringing us closer to the end of our immersive experience, but the good fight of the Guatemalan people does not stop here. We are reminded that the voiceless have 22 great students, and staff, who will continue that fight in Washington DC for equality and respect for human dignity.

We started the day coffee picking while half of our group did construction. While coffee picking it provided a humbling experience. We saw employees picking coffee but without gloves and our group members were very adamant to having working gloves. It reminded us of the privileges we have and how easily it is to fall into those entitlement mindsets of “this is what I need”. The coffee beans were attached to tree branches and without gloves it is very easy to endure blisters, cuts, and dirty hands. This a job that Guatemalan people do every day, and not once did we hear any complaints from them, but we are here saying what we need.

Reflection: Dignity of each Person
In seeking justice for people for the people of Guatemala, it is crucial to recognize and uphold the inherent dignity of every individual. Injustice not only violates basic human rights but also diminishes the value of each person. By promoting equality, fairness, and respect for all, we can work towards the common good and empower a society where every individual is valued and lives a life of purpose.

Until tomorrow,
Alex, A’niyah, Tiara

Students Thankful for Guatemala Experience

[On the final day] we all went to the Women’s Center for a Living Class that taught us about the things that women have traditionally done to support their families, like grinding corn and cooking tortillas on a komal, washing clothes at a pila, and carrying basins on their heads. Today many women continue to support their families by selling hand-made tortillas (for Q1 each, about 13 cents) and washing clothes by hand (for Q20 per load, about $2).

We held our final reflection under the stars on the hotel roof. Around a fire we recalled the “gems” of the day and the week, experiences that would stay with us and compel us to action. For example, the opportunity to interact directly with the Mayan people serviced by ‘mision’ has allowed us to learn their stories and connect with them in a deeper and more meaningful way. We have all been touched by someone, so much so that some participants would like to return to Guatemala as Long-Term Volunteers, or organize future service trips with their respective employers, church, or families.

Others are committed to supporting the ‘mision’ in other ways, through advocacy work, donations, and sharing their experience with others so they too can get involved. And we read a poem about the fact that the work we do (for justice, for a better life together, for the Kingdom of God) is never done.

We all have things that we discovered on this trip, and we named things we don’t want to leave behind:
 New friendships
 Greater confidence in ourselves and our callings
 Solidarity with the people of San Lucas Toliman
 Renewed energy and commitment to seek the common good

Much love to you all,
The Cabrini crew in Guatemala

Sr. Eileen Currie, MSC Honored with Cor Jesu Award

Alumni, friends, faculty and staff members past and present, gathered in the Grace Hall atrium of Cabrini University for the Mother Ursula Infante Memorial Lecture on Thursday, February 22nd. The annual event is sponsored by the University’s Wolfington Center for Civic Engagement. Sr. Eileen Currie, MSC, who served as the Cabrini College President from 1982 – 1992, was the keynote speaker and the recipient of the University’s Cor Jesu Award.

Sr. Eileen, Cabrini College Class of 1966 and HON ’17, addressed the group speaking of the living Cabrini legacy. Noting that Cabrini University will indeed be closing this June, she reminded those gathered that the legacy of Mother Cabrini is not confined to a particular place or time, it resides within the hearts of each of those who have been gifted with the Cabrinian charism and the education of the heart. It is ours to bring forth into the world.

Dr. Raymond Ward, Director of the Wolfington Center for Civic Engagement, welcomed everyone to campus and Sr. Christine Marie Baltas, MSC, Campus Ministry Associate, offered the opening reflection. Ms. Helen Drinan, interim University President introduced Sr. Eileen.

Dr. Angela Campbell, Vice-President of Mission, Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, offered a reflection on Sr. Eileen’s insights on Mother Cabrini and Sacred Heart spirituality, and engaged in an informative dialogue with Sr. Eileen for the benefit of all those in attendance.A reception preceded the event and the evening concluded with a hearty toast to Cabrini College Founding President Sister Ursula Infante, MSC. It was an evening marked by Cabrinian camaraderie, nostalgia, conversation, and friendship.

Mother Cabrini Mosaic from School to School to School:


Our Lady of Mercy Academy to Cabrini University’s School of Education
to St. Frances Cabrini Regional Catholic School.

In 2020, the 4th and 6th grade students of Our Lady of Mercy Academy, Forest Hills, NY, created a wonderful artistic rendition of Mother Cabrini under the tutelage of Anna Marie Prono, playwright and artist. In 2021, Anna Marie was looking for a home for the mosaic artwork and connected with Sister Christine Marie Baltas, MSC at Cabrini University. Sr. Christine Marie worked with Dr. Beverly Bryde, former Dean of the School of Education at the University, to find a place for this symbolic piece in the School of Education to represent all children young and old who are educated by the charism of Mother Cabrini’s Education of the Heart.

With Cabrini University closing in 2024, Sr. Christine and Beverly found the perfect home for this special piece of children’s artwork at the St. Frances Cabrini Regional Catholic School in Philadelphia, formerly known as the St. Donato’s School where Sr. Christine Marie once served as principal. St. Donato’s School was founded by Mother Cabrini. St. Frances Cabrini Regional Catholic School is now part of the Independent Mission Schools in Philadelphia. Currently, Ms. Van Robinson serves as principal and welcomed the artwork into their school. On November 9th, Sr. Christine Marie and Beverly met with the principal and Cabrini alumni teaching at the school to share this magnificent mosaic and plaque.

This is all a wonderful way to share the charism of Mother Cabrini from the creative hands of the 4th and 6th graders in one school in 2020, to touch the lives of educators at the Cabrini University School of Education in 2021 and now to have the welcoming hands from a principal and Cabrini alumni in the St. Frances Cabrini Regional Catholic School. From School to School to School, hands, lives and hearts are connected by the charism of Mother Cabrini.

Cabrini University Observes the Feast Day

A multi-faceted feast day observance took place at Cabrini University.  The day began with Mass with Fr. Fidelis  Olokunboro presiding.  At the conclusion of the Mass students and alumni shared their reflections on what the Cabrini experience has meant to them; how the Cabrinian charism has shaped their outlook on the world, and how they will carry the mission with them throughout their lives.

A beloved Cabrini Feast Day tradition is the luncheon in the cafeteria for the campus community during which faculty and staff serve as celebrity chefs.  Immediately following the luncheon was a special showing of the new film CABRINI which is set to debut in March 2024.  There was standing room only for the movie!

 

The day was interwoven with academic presentations by students.

 

While surely festive, the day was bittersweet in that all who attended acknowledged that this will be the final Feast Day celebration at Cabrini University.

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