Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

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Missionary Sisters honored by Cardinal Dolan for their Jubilees

 

May 21st was a day of great celebration when Cardinal Dolan of New York honored a group of consecrated religious men and women. Among the group of honorees were Missionary Sisters Sr. Joan Marie Sariti; John Giani and Celia Cid. They are pictured in the front row, 4th, 3rd, and 2nd respectively from the right. Sr. Joan Marie is celebrating 70 years as an MSC, Srs. John and Celia are celebrating 60 years, and Sr. Amada Liboro, not pictured, is celebrating 50 years. This photo appeared on the front page of the May 25th edition of Catholic New York.

Sr. Joan Marie writes, “We were invited by Cardinal Dolan for a jubilee Mass at St. Patrick’s Cathedral for all religious women and men.  We then proceeded to his residence for a delicious buffet luncheon.  We all received a rosary blessed by the Pope when he was in New York in 2015. It was a great day.”

Congratulations and blessings, Sisters!

Much to Celebrate…Cabrini Marks its First Commencement as a University

With a stunningly beautiful spring day as the backdrop for graduates and their families and friends, William R. Hite Jr., EdD, Superintendent of The School District of Philadelphia, addressed bachelor’s degree candidates at Cabrini University’s undergraduate Commencement on Sunday, May 21 on the campus in Radnor, PA.

Bhavna Shyamalan, PhD, Co-founder and Vice President of the M. Night Shyamalan Foundation, addressed master’s degree candidates at the University’s graduate Commencement on Sunday afternoon May 21.

 

Celebrating a trifold of milestones, the ceremonies marked Cabrini’s 57th Commencement, the first exercises since becoming a University, and Cabrini’s 60th anniversary.

“We are excited to welcome Dr. Hite and Dr. Shyamalan during a year of momentous occasions,” said Donald B. Taylor, PhD, President of Cabrini University. “By sharing Cabrini’s steadfast commitment to social justice and education, these leaders exemplify how graduates will continue to impact their communities, long after leaving campus.”

During the undergraduate ceremony honorary degrees were conferred upon several past presidents of Cabrini University: Sr. Regina Casey, MSC (1969 – 1972) accepted by Sr. Diane Olmstead, MSC; Sr. Mary Louise Sullivan, MSC, PhD (1972 – 1982) – given posthumously and accepted by her cousin Marcia Butland – Sr. Eileen Currie, MSC (1982 – 1992); and Dr. Antoinette Iadarola, (1992 – 2008) the first lay president of Cabrini College. Honored also was the University’s longest serving faculty member Professor Emeritus Dr. Joseph Romano.

During the afternoon Commencement, Dr. Bhavna Shyamalan, Vice-President of the M. Night Shyamalan Foundation was awareded an honorary degree. In her heartfelt address, Dr. Shyamalan encouraged graduates to be their most authentic selves, to believe in themselves and say ‘yes’ to opportunities to grow.

Too Small a World: Catholic Sisters as Global Missionaries

On April 6 through 8, many members of the Cabrini family gathered at the University of Notre Dame for the conference “Too Small a World”: Catholic Sisters as Global Missionaries.  With over 20 Missionary Sisters and lay collaborators in attendance, the spirit of Mother Cabrini, already woven through the theme, was alive throughout the sessions.

The program was held in honor of the centenary of Mother Cabrini’s death.  The study of missionary sisters embraces Cabrini’s boundless ambition as well as the practical and cultural constraints that shaped the outcomes of her and others’ journeys.  An international group of scholars gathered to investigate the transnational work and shifting identities of Catholic sisters as global missionaries, asking how the study of these border-crossing women, organized into multinational structures, can help all historians enter into the global history of Catholicism.  The presentations and conversations kept alive the history while also ensuring we focused on the future of religious vocations, missionary spirit, and our faith.  The conference ended with a trip for all participants to the National Shrine of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini in Chicago.

An exhibit of Mother Cabrini’s artifacts, including her traveling cutlery, several items of clothing, and checks she signed, was on loan from the Cabriniana Room at Cabrini University’s Holy Spirit Library to the Hesburgh Libraries at Notre Dame to be displayed throughout the conference.  The response was so positive, the exhibit will continue to be displayed through their commencement.

Anne Schwelm of Cabrini University co-curated the exhibit.

CUSHWA CONFERENCE 2017-04-07 20.35.31 (1)

 

Presenters included:

Sr. Barbara Staley, MSC General Superior of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, who gave the opening comments, with a focus on the Cabrinian charism today.

Yvonne Hrapmann, Principal, Cabrini High School “From Student to Principal: Stories of Cabrinian Mission in High School Curriculum and Hiring”

Jeff Gingerich, PhD, Provost, Cabrini University, “Education of the Heart: Lay Leadership and Mission Integration in Cabrinian Higher Ed”

Ray Ward, PhD, Associate Director, Peace and Justice, Cabrini University “Theological Resources for Lay Participation in Cabrinian Institutional Identity”

Maria Williams, University College London, Institute of Education,“Too Small a World: The Transnational Mobilization of Mother Cabrini’s Catholic Educational Practice 1889-1917”

Tom Southard, JD, Executive Director, Wolfington Center, Cabrini University “‘She Was No Saint:’ Leadership Styles of 19th Century Foundresses”

Maggie McGuinness, PhD, La Salle University “How Far Do You Have to Go to Be a Missionary? The Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament in Philadelphia”

MSCs and Lay Collaborators Meet in Codogno

On March 26-28, Missionary Sister representatives from the different regions and provinces were present for an international meeting on On-going Formation.
Some of the sister representatives were also present for the laity meeting which took place on March 29-31.

On March 28 there was a pilgrimage to Sant’Angelo, Vidardo, Livraga and Codogno with both sisters and PiM (Partners in Mission) participating.

The focus of the sisters’ ongoing formation meeting was to share ideas and come to common themes for ongoing formation of sisters in every province and region in the light of the 2014 Chapter documents and the Journey of Fidelity (Ratio) so that sisters of all ages gain support and encouragement for their ongoing conversion as Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart. Ideas and themes from this meeting will be brought back and shared with the Provincial Councils.

Mother Cabrini Serves as an Inspiration for Cabrini University Baseball Team

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

Take me out with the crowd!

Buy me some peanuts and Crackerjacks,

I don’t care if I ever get back. For it’s root, root, root.

For the home team                                                                                     

If they don’t win, it’s a shame.

For it’s one, two, three strikes, you’re out!!

At the old ball game

Baseball Team 1 cr lineup IMG_9474.jpg Baseball Team 3 with Nick cr IMG_9672.jpg Baseball Team 2 IMG_9620.jpg

Batter up! Yes, it’s springtime, fans, and that can mean only one thing, America’s pastime, baseball is back! And, this year, the Cabrini Cavaliers baseball team kicks off its inaugural season and Mother Cabrini is right in the midst of the team’s spirit and work ethic.

Mother Cabrini, first American citizen saint, Patroness of Immigrants, and… baseball mentor? Really?   Let’s explain.

Two years ago, Cabrini University acted on its desire to launch a men’s baseball program. Head Coach Nick Weisheipl was hired and began to recruit his team. Being new on campus, as an integral part of his on-boarding, Nick attended an interactive orientation on Cabrinian mission that highlights Mother Cabrini, the Missionary Sisters and our worldwide network of ministries. During the orientation presented by Nancy Costello of the Stella Maris Province Communications Office, she shared key Cabrinian terms and concepts such as: charism; missionary; internationality; Sacred Heart spirituality; hospitality and…DISPONIBILITA’, an Italian expression of Mother Cabrini’s which Nancy defined as flexibility; an openness, a willingness to do whatever is needed to be done.

At the conclusion of the orientation, Nick approached Nancy to ask more about the term disponibilita’. He was intrigued. Nancy was delighted with his interest and offered further insights. Nick left the orientation deep in thought. A couple weeks passed and Nancy received an email from Nick saying that he continued to ponder disponibilita’ and disclosed he had decided to take the word as the team mantra. Having said that, he shared a prototype of the team’s uniform baseball cap and there, emblazoned on the back of the cap for all to see… DISPONIBILITA’. So at practice and on the field, Mother Cabrini will be right there with the players, inspiring their mental game and encouraging the team to do what ever needs to be done to support one another on and off the field.

Coach W recently shared some of his thoughts…  

Why did the word “disponibilita’” resonate with you during your orientation and why did you decide to take that word as your team mantra?   Disponibilita’ immediately struck a chord with me during my orientation because of the life of service and selflessness Mother Cabrini lived and how that echoes my life as a coach. Being giving of yourself for the advancement of others is an honorable, and all too uncommon way to live.

How do you use the phrase as a motivator and inspiration with your team?   We design our drills, schemes and strategies in a way that demonstrates how facilitating your teammates’ successes will ultimately develop personal success. If playing for each other is the norm you always have 25+ guys behind you, rooting for you, looking out for you and doing their best to help you achieve.

How have the players come to understand the word as it applies to baseball and teamwork? They understand disponibilita’ as being available to do what is necessary for the team even if it’s beyond their normal scope of responsibility and possibly at the sacrifice of their individual motivations. An idea of selflessness.

What does it mean to you, personally, to be coaching at Cabrini University in this Cabrinian culture? To be in a service industry (coaching/education) at an institution that was founded by, named after, and advanced by those who are completely dedicated to serving others couldn’t be a better match or a more splendid recipe for success off and on the field.

What are some of your hopes and dreams for the team? We are going to be national champions while maintaining our commitment to positive, responsible and engaging culture on the field, in the classroom, on campus, and in the community. We will be the flagship program and the blueprint for how a NCAA Division III program should function.

Coach W (c.) and team, with the inspiration of Mother Cabrini, we wish you a most successful season. GO CAVS!Hat A cr 2

 

Special People Honored at Cabrini High School Benefactors’ Reception

The Benefactors’ Reception was held on Tuesday, March 14, 2017 in the historic Esplanade Building on Cabrini High School’s Campus. At the event, Jack Truxillo, President of Cabrini High School, thanked the attendees for their loyalty and generosity to Cabrini High School.

After thanking the benefactors, Mr. Truxillo also recognized two special guests. A plaque placed in the Courtyard in memory of Italia Pizzati Bacuzzi Dearing, the great-niece of Captain Salvadore Pizzati, was unveiled to Mrs. Dearing’s daughter, Captain Pizzati’s great-great niece, Melisa Barnett, who was in attendance. Additionally, in recognition of her 21 years of service to Cabrini High School and her family’s generosity, the extension room of the St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Exhibit was named and dedicated in honor of Sr. Alice Zanon, MSC and the Zanon family.

Joining Sr. Alice at the event were Sr. Catherine Garry, MSC, Sr. Renee Kittelson, MSC, and Sr. Arlene Van Dusen, MSC.

The Benefactors’ Reception is an annual event to thank donors who make gifts of $500 or more to Cabrini High School during the fiscal year.

MSCs Continue Formation on Intercultural Competencies

“For the Gospel to draw near to a culture, the one who proclaims the Gospel must know not only the language of the people, but also their values, ways of living, and their particular ways of knowing.”

               ~ Pope Francis

On March 8 – 11, 2017 eleven MSCs gathered in New York to continue their formation on the topic of Intercultural Competency for effective ministry and service. The Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (MSCs) are an international missionary         community demonstrating the love of God in 15 countries. The development of intercultural competency is one way of approaching another culture with deep respect and reverence, recognizing that every culture has unique values, behaviors, and perceptions that shape their identity.

The workshop was facilitated by Arturo Chávez, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Mexican American Catholic College in San Antonio, Texas. The workshop focused on the following areas: differences in cultural values and orientations; stereotypes and prejudices; perceptions of power; and the dynamics of intercultural communication. The workshop further addressed interculturality in the social context of racism and the Church’s call for systematic justice and transformation.

Through the presentations, guided reflections and group dialogue our goal was to improve our skills for pastoral ministry, service and leadership as Missionaries of the Sacred Heart of Jesus.

 

MSCs Partner in Prayer with Teen Retreatants

“We need young people who are alert and searching, trying to respond to God’s dream  and to all the restlessness present in the human heart.”

Pope Francis at World Youth Day, July 2016

 

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Thousands of youth each year are challenged to disconnect from phones and computers and become alert to the stirring of the Spirit within. (See the following reflection from Pope Francis.)

Each of the guests of Cabrini Retreat Center has a special prayer companion during their retreat. Sr. Grace Waters, MSC organizes the “Prayer Partner” program that links an individual Missionary Sister with a specific group of teens or adults.

The Retreat Center staff and guests are always grateful for this sharing in the mission. Each group is “introduced” to their Prayer Partner though a bulletin board that displays a photo and name of the Sister – in their welcome, the Hospitality Team names the Sisters to the group.

“The staff and youth minister are privileged to see miracles everyday – hearts touched, lives changed by God’s grace. “Thank you” seems a inadequate to response to our Sister Sponsors and Prayer Partners,” says Retreat Center Director Nancy Golen in the name of the Retreat Center Team.

Get Involved at Cabrini University

Sr. Grace and Sr. Christine Marie make preparations for the University Involvement Fair.

Sr. Grace and Sr. Christine Marie make preparations for the University Involvement Fair.

Each fall and spring at Cabrini University, the Center for Student Engagement and Leadership (SEaL), hosts an Involvement Fair for new and current students to become better acquainted with all the clubs, organizations and activities on campus. They meet club reps and can sign up to become active with organizations of their choosing.

The Missionary Sisters staff a table at the event as a way of welcome and providing information to our students. Here Sr. Grace Waters, MSC and Sr. Christine Marie Baltas, MSC prepare the literature and promotional items that they make available for University students. It is a wonderful opportunity to interact with new and “veteran” students to share the charism and tell them they are part of a worldwide network of service providers. We affirm them in choosing Cabrini University for their education.

Cabrini University Kicks off its 60th Anniversary Celebration

60th-logoThis year, 2017, Cabrini University turns 60! Throughout the year, the Cabrini community will commemorate all that Cabrini has accomplished since its founding in 1957. Here are ways you can get involved:

Today, the University is hosting its Kick-Off Event in the Mansion at 4 pm
Honor Cabrini’s past and celebrate its future, including a telling of Cabrini’s 60-year story, during this 60th Anniversary kick-off event.

Spirit of Service Award

To honor 60 years, the University is encouraging the Cabrini community to perform and record a collective 60,000 hours of service in 2017. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends are invited to dedicate their service hours in 2017 to Cabrini. Service hours can be through Cabrini-sponsored events or their personal service. Awards will be given to those who have achieved certain levels of service throughout the year.

Sock Drive to Break Guinness World Record Sox-for-60-logo

As a part of the 60th Anniversary celebration, on February15, from noon–8 pm, the Cabrini community will be challenged to break a GUINNESS WORLD RECORD™ title for the Largest Sock Drive in 8 Hours—Single Location. Cabrini will partner with The Joy of Sox to deliver the socks to the homeless after they are collected.

Members of the Cabrini community can support the Cabrini Annual Fund and The Joy of Sox by purchasing socks from the Alumni Office (for $5, you can purchase two pairs of men’s wool socks, with $2 going toward the Annual Fund, adding you to the list of donors participating in the 1,957 Donor Challenge.) Donated socks also can purchased (to support the greatest need, men’s wool socks are preferred) anywhere they are sold.

1260 Upper Gulph Road, Wayne, PA 19087
Phone: 484-581-7163   Fax: 484-581-7164
info@mothercabrini.org