Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus

Bringing Christ's love to the world

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Building the Future with Migrants and Refugees

~ by Rhina Guidos

For nearly a half century, the Catholic Church in the United States has celebrated National Migration Week, which is an opportunity for the Church to reflect on the circumstances confronting migrants, including immigrants, refugees, children, and victims and survivors of human trafficking.

National Migration Week for 2022 took place September 19-25, and ended with the World Day of Migrants and Refugees (WDMR), on the last Sunday of September. The primary theme for this year’s WDMR was “Building the Future with Migrants and Refugees”.

There has been an influx of migrants being sent to New York City this spring and summer, most fleeing crime and poor economies in Central and South America which has tested New York’s reputation as a world sanctuary. And it shows no sign of slowing, thanks in part to Gov. Greg Abbott of Texas, whose decision to send busload after busload to Washington, D.C. and New York hoping to pressure Democrats on border policy.

Not all migrants who reach New York enter shelters; some go to live with friends and family in the region. But a large number of the recent newcomers are Venezuelan, and, unlike previous groups of immigrants from places like Mexico, El Salvador or Ecuador, they are less likely to have already established communities to join when they arrive.

Cabrini Immigrant Services, NYC, is starting to work with some of these families and in honor of National Migration Week, the Guadalupe Province Immigration Commission is collecting donations of cash and/or gift cards to places such as: Trader Joe’s, Old Navy, Target, and also much needed New York Metro Cards. We are also asking for donations of underwear (in all sizes for both men and women).

If you are able to contribute, please send or drop off your donations to:
Karol Brewer: Cabrini Formation Office/ The Cottage/610 King of Prussia Road/Radnor/PA 19087

Sr. Lucille Souza, MSC: Sacred Heart Convent/71 Jackson Street/New York/ NY 10002

We so appreciate your support!

Guadalupe Province Immigration Commission
Missionary Sisters Yolanda Flores/Pietrina Raccuglia/Roselle Santivasi/Lucille Souza
Karol Brewer/Zelene Suchilt

Mother Cabrini Shrine Gala featuring: A Very Special Guest and a Movie Sneak Peek

The 21st Annual Mother Cabrini Shrine Gala was not only a celebration of Mother Cabrini herself, but of the people who continue to support and make the Shrine what it is today.

Over the last two years, friends and donors have come together to raise nearly $5 million for the Heart of Jesus Capital Campaign to expand and renovate the Shrine’s gift shop and chapel so that visitors can have the best experience possible for decades to come. The gala was a continuation of the campaign efforts as well as a celebration of gratitude.

In addition to the celebration of gratitude, the highlight of the gala was a sneak preview of the upcoming movie about the life of Mother Cabrini with producer, Eustace Wolfington. Guests were not only captivated by the powerful movie clips, but also by Mr. Wolfington himself as he shared his movie-making journey as well as his passionate devotion to St. Frances Xavier Cabrini. To view Gala 2022 video please click here

Sr. Regina Palamara, MSC – Rockin’ KTLA TV

Be sure to click on the link to watch her interview.

KTLA 5 evening anchor Cher Calvin may not have grown up in Los Angeles, but her connection to Southern Californian predates KTLA.

Meet Sr. Regina.

She was Cher’s Catholic Youth Organization teacher on Roosevelt Island in New York City, and the pair have kept in touch for years.
Sister Regina grew up steps away from KTLA. Actually, she lived in the area before KTLA even got its start.

“It was a very quiet time because it was during the war,” she explained. “I remember walking down Sunset Boulevard. There was a long white building, and it was called 52 Lanes. It was very busy during the war on weekends because the soldiers and sailors from Camp Pendleton would come up.”

At the age of 10, she remembers her mother getting notified of a new project being constructed in the area – Highway 101.

“What did we know about highways? Nobody had cars in those days!” she exclaimed.
Growing up, she saw people working on TVs and saw a group of men in a classroom setting learning about television before the technology was revealed.

Once it was rolled out, she remembers watching the “attractive” and “endearing” anchors.

“KTLA was the station to watch in those days. It was the local news, you could relate to it,” she said. “They say ‘L.A.’s Very Own,’ whoever made that phrase knew what they were talking about.”

It was a full-circle moment for Sister Regina when she saw Cher appear on the news station she grew up watching. She called it “a blessing.”

However, she does offer Cher some pointers when it comes to her wardrobe. She texts her fashion advice while she’s on the air. The rules: no big sleeves and no gray.

“Gray is not your color,” she revealed to the anchor.

“That is a really big blessing in my life that I get to have you text me, being on TV, at a station that was a block from where you grew up,” Cher said to Sister Regina.

She still can’t believe it herself.

“That little kid in my classroom grew up, and we’re friends, still!” Sister Regina said with pride. To watch Sr. Regina’s interview with TV anchor Cher Calvin, please click here

“Today Love Must Not Be Hidden…”

“Today Love Must Not Be Hidden…”
~ a reflection by Evarlyne Ndeti, MSC Novice

My first mission experience at Cabrini of Westchester was in 2018 when I was assigned to help Sister Romualda at the convent and to spend time with our resident Missionary Sisters. Going back to Dobbs Ferry this year brought more responsibilities. Not only did I spend time with the MSCs, I also extended my wings through different ministries within the St. Cabrini Nursing Home.

Our resident sisters reminded me that what I give doesn’t matter. Instead, what matters is how I give what I give. This gentle reminder helped me to love freely and assist all the residents from the bottom of my heart. Spreading the love of Christ with the residents of St. Cabrini Nursing Home was mutually beneficial.

Here is my overflowing cup of blessings I received through my volunteer experience:

1. Expanded my social connections – Getting to know and work with the staff, caregivers and volunteers were grace-filled moments. The connections I made will always remain meaningful.

2. Increased professional self-confidence – Getting to know the role of social workers in a nursing home not only increased my skills but also boosted my self-confidence when working with the clients.

3. A sense of purpose and trust – Smiles from the residents was a way of inviting me into their space. Chatting and laughing brought trust and purpose into our lives.

4. Spiritual growth and strengthened religious
journey – Praying the rosary with the sisters, especially the late Sr. Consolata Demma, MSC, was an awakening for me. Our rosary was at 2 pm to which we were faithful. Having this time taught me the importance of seeking Mary’s intercession. I interviewed our sisters and other religious – listening to their beautifully lived religious lives increased my desire to serve God and increased my admiration of this way of life.

5. – At the beginning of my Pastoral Care ministry, I had an encounter with one of the Charity Sisters congratulating me on the upgrade. We laughed and shared high fives. It was a blessing to bring Jesus to the residents and pray with them every day.

I am so grateful to Sr. Genet Henok, MSC, the Formation Team, Missionary Sisters Arlene Van Dusen and Catherine Garry and Cabrini of Westchester for giving me the opportunity of living, acting and [authentically] being with the residents and helping as much as I could. I loved every bit of the experience. ~ Evarlyne Ndeti, MSC novice

 

 

Cabrini University Community bids Sr. Grace a Fond Farewell

Beloved by all on campus, on Thursday, September 8th, faculty, staff and administrators turned out to wish Sr. Grace Waters, MSC a fond farewell as she leaves for her new mission at Sacred Heart Convent in New York.

Sr. Christine Marie Baltas, MSC, hosted a reception for Sr. Grace in the University’s Wolfington Center. Interim President Ms. Helen Drinan joined the festivities as Sr. Grace did the honors of cutting the cake.

For years, Sr. Grace has been a gentle presence, stopping by the various campus buildings to share a pleasant word with staff members, attending sporting events, and encouraging students to keep up with their studies. She and Sr. Christine Marie would take regular strolls through campus and share greetings with all whom they encountered.

Sr. Grace would often remark, “how come everyone knows who I am?” We would respond, “because you are famous!”

The campus community will deeply miss her warmth and friendship.

Godspeed, Sr. Grace!

 

The General Chapter Draws to Conclusion

The General Chapter of the Missionary Sisters draws to an end tomorrow in Rome. The Chapter has been in session since June 26th.

As of this week, the Missionary Sisters have named Sr. Maria Eliane Azevado da Silva, MSC from Brazil and the Santa Francisca Cabrini Province, as the General Superior. The Sisters are grateful to Sr. Maria Eliane for her willingness to serve the Church and the Missionary Sisters.

The Sisters expressed their gratitude to Sr. Barbara Staley, MSC, who has served the Institute as General Superior for the past eight years and wish many blessings upon her.

 

The General Council

Last week, the Chapter focused on composing mandates and recommendations for Mission, Formation, Vocation and Governance for Mission. Throughout the Chapter the Sisters are seeking common paths for our journey, striving for greater synodality and interconnection between us: MSCs, laity, and the beneficiaries of the Cabrinian mission in the world.

On the birthday of Mother Cabrini, July 15th, she was remembered at the Chapter with morning prayer, followed by a procession with candles, her statue, and a song dedicated to her into the Chapter Room.

Following the time of prayer, the Chapter Assembly focused on discussing and approving some of the Mandates, Recommendations and the Theological Reflection.

Later in the day, the Chapter delegates continued to celebrate Mother’s birth and at Mass they asked Mother Cabrini to intercede for all, especially during the Chapter.

On July 16th, 32 Sisters visited Orvieto, a small town in Umbria, one of the medieval cities of Italy, more than three thousand years old.

On Sunday, July 17th, the Sisters were in St. Peter’s Square to attend the prayer of the Angelus with Pope Francis, who extended a special greeting to us on the occasion of the General Chapter. Later in the day, the interviews for the oral history project continued. In the evening, the Sisters enjoyed the interview of former General Superior Sr. Maria Barbagallo, MSC. Each and every one of our Sisters’ personal witness is a great gift.

Please keep our new General Superior, the new General Councilors, all Chapter delegates, Sr. Barbara Staley, MSC, General Councilors Sr. Bernadette Anello, MSC and Sr. Maria Regina Canale, MSC in your prayers. May everyone be blessed with safe travel home.

 

 

 

 

The closing Mass of the General Chapter will be live-streamed on Friday at 5:00 p.m. Rome time. LINK: https://youtu.be/AMbw6pQtKgg

The General Chapter continues

On July 5th the participants at the General Chapter continued to reflect on Discernment, trying to distinguish what is beginning to emerge and what common elements can already can be perceived. In a second session on that day, Sr. Mercedes Casas Sanchez, of the Congregation of Daughters of the Holy Spirit, presented the theme: We are MISSION and MISSION is key to Consecrated Life. Through her guidance and quoting from Evangelii Gaudium, she emphasized that Sisters and laity, are consecrated by Baptism, and that our charism remains alive and active. It is a gift of God that we have to proclaim with boldness and creativity.


July 6th brought with it reflections and discussions about co-responsibility for mission with the facilitation of consultant, Chris Lowney. He guided the Chapter participants in individual and collective activities designed to elicit thinking about leadership, examples of good leaders, and characteristics of good leadership The aim was to bring a recognition of Chapter participants as leaders, willing to always think about the whole group, to indicate the path that must be followed and to encourage the emergence of new leaders.

Such activities led the group to conclude that we need to continue to grow in trust between sisters and lay people. A deep spiritual formation is need for committed laity, to ensure that the Cabrinian culture takes root. It is important that the laity have the training and information needed to truly contributed to mission, and that their potential and capacities are valued.

On the 8th of July, the day was dedicated to building the vision, mission, and missionary priorities of the Institute. General Chapter participants spoke of the value of co-responsibility and walking together; this was confirmed. The day concluded with prayer and a ritual of appreciation and a commissioning of the laity back to their homes and missions. Sr. Barbara Staley thanked the laity for their presence and dedication to mission.

After a weekend of rest, on July 11, work continued with a better understanding of the report from the International Formation Coordinating Team (IFCT). The Sisters of the IFCT shared their experience of working on the team and were open to questions from the assembled Sisters.

The day also included discussion on the statistics compiled by the General Secretary as well as the Desiderata and Recommendations of the Provinces and Region. Prayer for the mission and the common good ended the day.

On July 12, Sr. Joan McGlinchey, MSC, with the contribution of Sister Melanie Di Pietro SC, presented a report on the Constitutions consultation results. The delegates discussed the issue of possible modifications to the Constitutions. A small team was assigned to formulate a draft mandate for comprehensive review.

The Chapter delegates also began the process of drafting the mandates and recommendations for mission for the next six-year period. It was an afternoon of intense, enriching work which emphasized the aspects needed to formulate the mandates and recommendations that will guide us in living our missionary life into the future.

The General Chapter Proceedings Continue

On Monday, June 27, 2022, the Opening Ritual of the XVI General Chapter of the Missionary Sisters took place. Sr. Barbara Staley, MSC, General Superior, welcomed all the Sisters and laity and officially declared the opening of the Chapter.

Mark Davis, facilitator of the Chapter, invited the table groups to share information about themselves: who they are, our mission, and our desire for this moment in the Institute.

Fr. Mariano Sedano Sierra, a Claretian Missionary, provided spiritual input as he delved into the call of mission. He invited the Sisters and laity to look at things with both eyes and to go to greater depth. The dynamics of mission call the Institute to go beyond superficiality and [for each of us to consider] what does the mission ask of me?

Sr. Barbara Staley provided a report on the work, development and state of the Institute over the past eight years which was followed by small group discussion. This was followed on June 29th with a report from the small groups to the larger assembly.

A financial report was presented by Sr. Stella Maris Elena, General Treasurer and Mr. Greg Lane, Chief Financial Officer.

Presentations were made on inter-congregational collaboration in service of migrants and refugees as well as those who have been victims of human trafficking. Additionally, a presentation was made by Sr. Albertina Ghislieri Goulart on the mission in Uganda.

On June 30th, Sr. Concepcion Vallecillo, MSC presented on the International Health Commission which recounted Mother Cabrini’s dream and the origin of the Cabrinian mission in healthcare.

Rounding out the day were presentations of the three Provinces: Mater Gratiae, Guadalupe and Santa Francisca Cabrini and the Holy Spirit Region. Each reality accented the advances being made as well as the challenges that must be faced.

On July 1st, the laity were invited to dialogue with each about the needs surrounding their formation, while the sisters met to dialogue on specific aspects of religious life.

The Chapter participants highlighted the sharing of life, and the witness of the laity in the experience of the Cabrinian charism, expressed in the various missions.

On July 4th, the Chapter entered the second week of activities which began by praying and reflecting on the topics discussed in the first week.

Individual and collective reflections on discernment were let by Mr. Chris Lowney, who helped the participants to recognize that we live in a volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous world (VUCA) which entails various challenges. The reflection on discernment, following the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius accented learning to identify our consolations and desolations. He encouraged everyone to move forward like Mother Cabrini unloading our unhealthy baggage, recognizing that we are all responsible for the mission, regardless of our roles and from whence we might be.

Feast Day Festivities in Dobbs Ferry, NY

Cabrini of Westchester celebrated the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 24th with a liturgy led by Pastoral Care Director, Fr. Ron Galt, in the Cabrini Chapel. This year, the liturgy was very special as it was the first time in two years that residents were able to gather in the chapel to celebrate this feast day due to the distancing guidelines that were in place because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sr. Arlene Van Dusen, MSC was invited by Fr. Ron to share a reflection after the Gospel in which she said, “As the church celebrates the Feast of the Sacred Heart, remember that we are bound heart to heart with Jesus and His mother Mary. This feast is not so much about Jesus’ heart, but about our own hearts, which Jesus wants to be like His.”

After the reflection, the Missionary Sisters who were present during the Mass renewed their vows and several Cabrini Lay Missionaries renewed their commitments.

The festivities continued into the afternoon as the Missionary Sisters enjoyed a wonderful lunch prepared by Director of Food Service, Daryl Foriest and his team. This delicious meal was offered to the residents as well. A joyous Feast Day was had by all.

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