Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Bringing Christ's love to the world

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Sharing Her Mission Story

The marvelous gift of mission brought to the National Shrine by our dear Sr. Joseane Cabral Soares, MSC.

This past weekend, the National Shrine of St. Frances X. Cabrini welcomed Sr. Joseane Cabral Soares, MSC.

Sr. Joseane shared her powerful experiences as a consecrated woman serving refugees and locals in Dzaipi, Northern Uganda. Her joyful witness touched the hearts of those present, inspiring them to support Heart Ministries Uganda through prayer and financial assistance.

The National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini is committed to reaching out to ministries such as Heart Ministries Uganda, that bring the healing love of Jesus’ heart to those in need. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sr. Joseane for her transformative witness and inspiring message, which continues to bring hope and widen the horizons of love to countless lives in Uganda…and beyond!

Bringing Joy, Community, and Services to Senior Adults in Guatemala

“No elderly person should be like an exile in our families,
they are a treasure for our society.”
~ Pope Francis

 

Cabrini missions in Guatemala do a lot to make sure that the elderly population in both Barcenas and Zone 6 are well treasured through the elderly program. This program offers spiritual, educational, social, psychological, nutritional, musical, and physical activities in group settings. It also encourages personal interactions, regular attendance, community involvement and general
growth.

This program is organized by the social work department, together with volunteers (teenagers) and other departments like the psychology and nutrition department. The dynamism of working together as a team is so powerful and goes beyond expectations. It creates a collaborative learning environment for the elderly, volunteers, professionals, and interning students. Also, it helps promote a social relationship where the participating elderly share freely and confidently. The materials and the resources shared in this program are creative, educative, informative.

The elderly taking part in this program are nourished in all aspects of life. The MSCs in the mission share the gift of faith with the participants at the beginning of every gathering with a word of prayer, scripture sharing or faith-based sharing. Nutrition departments share their wisdom on how the elderly should master their diet. The psychology department introduces diverse ways of exercising self-love and care through their daily activities and how to maintain their well-being. There is no doubt that this nourishment affects them positively because of the joy and enthusiasm they all have every time they gather. It is inspiring how they attend actively with their ears open and always with an open heart and will.

They people love taking part in the program every Monday and Friday. They enjoy connecting with their friends, learning, playing, chatting, and doing their physical exercises or dancing every Friday morning. I love the way they greet each other and the way they share their concern among themselves. I appreciate the way they share stories and laugh aloud. They are simply full of life. I have been enjoying this program and I am full of gratitude for the fact that I am able to take part, help, and just be with senior adults in this amazing program.

Three Cheers for the Cabrini University Graduate!

Many MSCs traveled to Cabrini University to witness Sr. Amarech Lefamo, MSC, from Ethiopia, receive her degree in Educational Studies.  Congratulations, Sr. Amarech!

A Message from the Sr. Amarech Lefamo, MSC

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus” 1. Thessalonians, (5 .16-18).

My words can’t express my gratitude to God and to everyone who has helped me along this four-year journey, by offering me various forms of psychological and substantial support. Without all of you compassionate people who supported me along the way, I would not have been able to complete this endeavor. I want to start by expressing my sincere gratitude to the Guadalupe Province, and the Holy Spirit Region’s sisters and laity, who worked hard to get me accepted as an international student at Cabrini University.

I would like to thank Sr. Therese Merandi, who prayed and dreamed for a very long time about the opportunity for my education as an international student; Sisters Barbara Staley and Diane Dalle Molle, who successfully made it happen for me; Sr. Christine Marie Baltas, who guided me in different levels, who accompanied me from the beginning of my school year and directed my every step when I was a freshman; Sr. Regina Peterson, who supported me in many ways until the end of my school year and all the sisters who walked with me during my studying journey with their prayers and words of the encouragement. I am so grateful for each one of them and I offer you my humble thankful gratitude.

I continue to express my gratitude to Cabrini University for providing an exceptional environment for my growth and development in so many ways, including the opportunity to learn about Mother Cabrini’s teaching philosophy, which emphasizes the importance of providing children with holistic development through an education of the heart. Being a part of Cabrini University gave me the chance to develop my academic skills with the help of the generous and kind professors, librarians, cooks, and other staff members whom I encountered on numerous occasions. I also had the chance to experience and learn from Cabrini University’s welcoming environment for students of all faiths, cultures, and backgrounds.

Likewise, as an international student, there were good chances to exchange multicultural experiences. I am happy to offer my profound gratitude to everyone at Cabrini for allowing me the chance to grow intellectually, socially, and emotionally throughout the course of my four years there. On this occasion, I would also like to express my gratitude to all of my classmates who, alongside my professors, have been my companions throughout my journey and who have inspired and positively impacted me in a variety of ways from the very beginning of my school years to achieve my goal. As a result, I appreciate and thank everyone who has come into contact with me in various ways.

In addition, I am deeply thankful to my sisters who attended my graduation ceremony both in person and online. Your presence warmed my heart, and I was touched by your generosity.

Last but not least, I want to express my gratitude to my parents and families for having raised me with a sense of knowledge and of fear God. They also encouraged me to join the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus to serve God’s people as a Missionary Sister because being a missionary had a big impact on my decision to enroll at Cabrini University as an international student. God is great in my life, and I rejoice always and praise Him without ceasing.

“I can do all things with Him who strengthens me.”
(St. Francesca Xavier Cabrini)

Mother Cabrini and the Coronation Processions

Members of the Cabrini family in London, and indeed, further afield, will be watching the Coronation Procession of King Charles III and Queen Camilla on television on Saturday 6th of May.

It may be interesting to learn that we will be following in the footsteps of Mother Cabrini, who watched the coronation processions of not one, but two English kings. They were Edward VII, the great great grandfather of King Charles and George V, the great grandfather of Charles, and she was there in person!

In 1902, Mother Cabrini was setting up the first London school in Brockley, when she and some sisters watched the procession for Edward VII and Queen Alexandra on 9th August. Preparations for the coronation were in full swing when Mother Cabrini arrived at Victoria Station from Paris, with her companions, on 5th August. She wrote:

‘owing to the approaching ceremonies of the coronation of King Edward and Queen Alexandra, it was difficult to find lodging in the great metropolis, where there were already assembled representatives from every part of the world.’ ~ Travels of Mother Cabrini, London to New York, August 1902

Fortunately, they were able to stay with the Servite Sisters. They were invited to view the Coronation Procession at the house of one of the King’s courtiers. This was probably a friend of the Countess Spottiswood Mackin, a well-connected heir5ess from the United States, who helped Mother Cabrini in Paris. Mother Cabrini was impressed by the procession. She wrote to the superior in Rome:

‘The family of one of the King’s courtiers invited me to their house to view the celebrations for the King, I accepted straight away, and I was able to view the imposing coronation procession’. ~ To Gesuina Diotti, 12.8.1902, Epistolario, p.51 Continued on next page…

In 1911, Mother Cabrini was in Honor Oak and took sisters and children to see the procession of George V and Queen Mary pass through nearby Canberwell, on 23rd June 1911. The house annals record the following:

‘Some of our friends who live where the King and procession passed invited Mother to go to their house. Mother General was happy to be able to take some of us sisters and the children. The royal procession was truly solemn in every sense of the word.’ ~ Memorie della Fondazione del collegio in Forest Hill, Woodville Hall, Honor Oak Road,

Ninety Candles on Her Cake

Recently, Sr. Regina Palamara, MSC celebrated her 90th birthday. She and her twin, the late Sr. Loretta Palamara, MSC were born on April 13, 1933. Sr. Loretta passed in February 1997. She is sorely missed.

Sr. Regina moved to Burbank, CA in 2002 to be with her mother who was not well. After her mother passed she stayed in Burbank and found her mission in her new parish, St Finbar. Sr Regina has ministered to the elementary school children and other people in the parish. She is also involved with the Cabrini Literary Guild, Cabrini Philosophy Club and Cabrini Companions. She is often asked to meet with the Knights of Columbus- Cabrini Council and other organizations. She is very well known and loved. Her biggest contribution, I was told by many, was her teaching everyone about Saint Frances X. Cabrini.

On Sunday, April 23rd, a Mass was offered for her intention at St Finbar Church and a party held in the parish hall afterward. I, along with Sr Regina Peterson, MSC had the honor to be present. The church was over filled with its capacity as was the church hall. Sr Regina also was honored by her pastor, Fr. Francis, to give the homily at Mass.

 

Life-long Instruments of God’s Grace

Monday, April 3rd was a special day for the resident priests and brothers that call Cabrini of Westchester “home.” A Chrism Mass was celebrated and presided over by The Most Reverend John S. Bonnici, Vicar for Westchester County, where both the priests and brothers were able to renew their vows. FiBve priests and five brothers were in attendance along with the superiors from their congregations.

Fr. Ron Galt, Director of Pastoral Care, and his team prepared a beautiful liturgy including selected readings and music fit for the occasion. After the Mass, the resident priests and brothers along with their guests, gathered in the board room for a delicious luncheon prepared by Cabrini’s Food Service Department.

In addressing the congregants in the chapel during the Mass, Bishop Bonnici shared, “As we gather here together during this Holy Week, let us always be persons of hope acknowledging that our ministry is never over, always ongoing as we continue to pray, to come together at the holy sacrifice of the Mass, to nurture each other, to comfort one another, always being instruments of God’s grace.”

CLMs Gain Insights on the Sacred Heart

The Cabrini Lay Missionaries (CLMs) of the Guadalupe Province were blessed to share in a reflection on the Spirituality of the Sacred Heart presented by Sr. Eileen Currie, MSC. Sr. Eileen shared so many wonderful insights about the Sacred Heart of Jesus. How perfect it was to hear about the love of God on Laetare Sunday, a day of rejoicing and joy.

We are most grateful to Sr. Eileen and her willingness to share her thoughts and insights with us. Our hearts were all touched as we heard about the unconditional love that God has for each of us.

Check Out the New Look for CIS-NYC!

Cabrini Immigrant Services of NYC (CIS-NYC) has a new website and logo! We’re so excited to finally have a fully updated and translated website, and a new logo that represents our recent growth and our mission. You can check out our website here: www.cis-nyc.org

You may notice the use of shades of violet in our logo and website. When Mother Cabrini was young she would make paper boats, fill them with violets, and float them in a river near her home. She would imagine that the violets were missionaries going to help the poor and vulnerable. Today, violets serve as a special symbol and reminder of the missionary legacy she left to us.

Our new logo also includes a red heart to represent the Sacred Heart of Jesus, and open hands to represent our mission to welcome and support all immigrants. We hope you love it as much as we do!

Welcome Visitors to Cabrini of Westchester

On March 17th, Sister Maria Eliane Azevedo Da Silva, MSC, General Superior, accompanied by the General Council of the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus: Sister Patricia Argentina Godoy, MSC, Sister Stella Maris Elena, MSC and Sister Gilda Mercedes Mendoza Argueta, MSC paid a special visit to Cabrini of Westchester to visit the Missionary Sisters who are residents of the nursing home. Joining with them and others at a festive Mass for the Feast of St. Patrick, they were surrounded by “the wearing of the green” as well as music and song selected for the occasion.

Director of Pastoral Care, Father Ron Galt, welcomed the Sisters to Saint Cabrini’s Chapel on behalf of all present. In an inspiring homily based on the Gospel reading: Mt 12: 28-34 “The First of All the Commandments”, Father noted that Mother Cabrini, like St. Patrick, out of faithfulness to her vocation and the promptings of the Holy Spirit, went on a journey to another land to spread the message of the Gospel. Loving God and loving one’s neighbor were central to the lives of these two humble, faith-filled and inspiring saints.

Before the closing of the liturgy the Sister Eliane and the Council were asked to come forward to receive the Barbara J. Holmes Values in Action Award from Simone Faulkner- Smith, VP for Human Resources, who explained its significance within Cabrini of Westchester’s Mission Integration Program. Given each month to an employee who is nominated for their exemplary demonstration of Cabrini of Westchester’s mission values in the performance of their duties, she announced that Sister Eliane, Sister Patricia, Sister Stella Maris and Sister Gilda had been nominated to receive the Values in Action Award for their leadership and their commitment to their special calling to serve the international Cabrinian community.

The Resident Welcoming Committee, led by Sister Veronica Piccone, MSÇ then presented the Sisters with a bouquet of flowers and congratulated them on behalf of all of the residents, followed by four staff members who offered their greetings and presented each Sister with a Cabrini tote bag full of souvenirs of their visit.

Following the Mass all of the Missionary Sisters gathered for a festive luncheon as well as Brazilian treats provided by Honda, the Chef and Operator of Cabrini’s Riverside Café.

A Most Fitting Tribute

Catholic Sisters Week comes to a close, Cabrini of Westchester would like to honor our sponsors, the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. We also give special recognition to the 47 religious sisters who currently live at St. Cabrini Nursing Home as residents.

Fr. Ron Galt, Pastoral Care Director, explained, “During Catholic Sisters Week that took place from March 8-14, we had the opportunity to recognize and celebrate the vocation and ministry of all of our sisters here at Cabrini. A number of them in fact shared some of their stories with us during the daily Mass in the Chapel.”

One of the religious sisters who shared her story was Sr. Mary Frances Mills, OSF, who is a member of the Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities. Sr. Mary Frances said, “It seems like yesterday that I entered the convent and God blessed me with a full life, one that continues to let me serve our Lord. I retired from active ministry at the age of 81 and since then, my ministry is prayer. I pray every day for all of you and all the world. Being a sister for 66 years means being God’s instrument – it means both giving and receiving God’s love and blessing and I have been very blessed.”

Fr. Ron concludes: “We are truly grateful and blessed to have so many Catholic sisters who are residents here at Cabrini. They bring so many gifts by their presence, faith and love of their vocation and we ask God to continue to guide, bless and be with each of them. Thank you, sisters, for inspiring us and for sharing your faith and love of God.”

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