-St. Cabrini Nursing Home, Dobbs Ferry, NY -
~ submitted by Sr Arlene Van Dusen, MSC and Fr. Ron Galt
-Cabrini Health, Australia -
The Feast of the Sacred Heart is a profound moment each year where Cabrini Australia feels at one with Cabrini’s ministries globally. We are acutely aware that Sr. Theresa Cervasio is the lone Missionary Sister in Australia and we strive to surround her with love overflowing. At our Feast Day Mass Sr. Theresa renewed her vows in front of Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Melbourne and Cabrini Board member, Fr. Tony Kerin. Sr. Theresa prayed:
May the Holy Spirit transform this consecration of mine into a commitment of love, an offering of praise, adoration and reparation in the Cabrinian spirit, so that I may bring the love of the heart of Jesus to the world.
Following Sr. Theresa’s renewal, Cabrini staff and volunteers affirmed our commitment to carry on our shared mission, celebrate Mother Cabrini’s life as our inspiration, and bring God’s love to the world by providing exceptional care for our patients, the community and each other.
All of this was summed up by Fr. Tony’s beautiful words in his homily: People come to Cabrini for more than just excellent healthcare. It reinforced for all of us what is special about Cabrini…we care about people not just for them.
~ submitted by Margaret Stewart, Group Director, Identity and Mission, Cabrini Health
Mother Cabrini Shrine, Golden, CO -
Mother Cabrini Shrine welcomed the community for two days of prayer and celebration in honor of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 11 and 12.
The celebration began in partnership with the Archdiocese of Denver as Catholics joined others across the nation in the Consecration of the United States to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The day included Adoration, confessions, a bilingual Liturgy of the Word, the Consecration Prayer, a procession, and Benediction.
The following evening, the Shrine's annual Feast of the Sacred Heart Mass was celebrated in both English and Spanish, bringing together familiar faces and first-time visitors alike. Seven priests concelebrated the liturgy, and three Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart renewed their vows: Sister Alice Zanon, MSC; Sister Bernadette Anello, MSC; and Sister Meseret Naba, MSC. Music from a combined choir of the Shrine's three Sunday liturgies added to the beauty of the celebration.
Following Mass, guests participated in a procession to the Sacred Heart statue overlooking Denver—a new addition to the Feast Day observance. The evening concluded with Benediction and a reception at the Shrine.
Together in prayer, the community honored the Sacred Heart of Jesus and prayed for God's blessings upon their families, communities, and nation. The Shrine looks forward to continuing this special tradition in the years ahead. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us and bless our nation.
~ submitted by JoAnn Seaman, Executive Director and Molly Seaman Johnson, Special Correspondent
National Shrine of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini, Chicago, IL -
At the National Shrine, Bishop Daniel Turley, OSA, presided over the Feast Day Mass. Sr. Joaquina Costa, MSC and Sr. Laura Baldini, MSC renewed their vows. A light reception followed the Mass.
~ submitted by Laurie Halaska, Executive Director, National Shrine
St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Shrine, NYC
St. Frances Cabrini Shrine in New York held a family night in honor of the Sacred Heart. The goal was to bring Catholic families together and teach kids a bit about devotion to the Sacred Heart. Crafts, gentle catechesis, a bit of prayer time and a barbecue were all part of the program.
A huge tent was already set up on the lawn for the Cabrini Immigrant Services fundraiser scheduled for the next day, so we ate fresh-grilled hot dogs and hamburgers beneath it. Then God did something utterly magnificent: He sent a rainstorm. It was tremendous, stupendous, and utterly irresistible. The 25+ children squealed with glee and, almost as one, darted out onto the grass to dance in the rain. They ran in circles. They raced in and out of the tent, shouted to each other, held their mouths open to the sky to drink in the gift. It was joy, pure joy.
The parents were transfixed by their children’s exultation. Moms began to talk to moms, and dads to dads. “They will always remember this,” one mother said to another, “the time they were under the big white tent and danced in the rain.” Yes, our programming created connection, but God had a much bigger vision of what was possible.
We do not, alas, have a single photo of the event. All eyes and hearts were so busy relishing the experience that not one parent took a photo.
~submitted by Julia Attaway, Executive Director, St. F.X. Cabrini Shrine, NYC
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