Friends Gather to Celebrate in Chicago

	Sr. Joan Marie Sariti, MSC (l.) is congratulated by Cabrini Retreat Center Director Nancy Golen as Sister receives the “Heart of Service” Award.

Missionary Sisters in the Chicago area and friends gathered on the Feast Day to celebrate at Cabrini Retreat Center (CRC). Sr. Joan McGlinchey, General Councilor, Stella Maris Province, welcomed the guests. Rev. George Lane, S.J., from the Retreat Center’s Advisory Committee, presided at the liturgy. Fr. George came well prepared, sharing a history of St. Cabrini in his homily. He invited those present to say “Thank you, Jesus!” every day for the many gifts God provides. At the end of the liturgy, Nancy Golen, Center Director invited the nine local Missionary Sisters, who support the Retreat Center with their prayers, good words and donations, to stand and be recognized.

A festive dinner followed the liturgy. The CRC staff made it a special evening with festive decorations and by serving a delicious meal. Sr. Joan Marie Sariti, MSC was honored with the “Heart of Service Award.” The award was given in recognition of her many volunteer efforts on behalf of the Retreat Center serving as sacristan, and in caring for the guest linens. Sr. Joan Marie is also a donor to the Center providing not only monetary support but also updating the liturgical supplies with items such as new candles, censor, a holy water bucket and sprinkler.

Mr. Nick Vendikos, Vice President of the Cabrini Mission Foundation, was visiting from New York and had the opportunity to tour the Center and meet many guests who have devotion to Mother Cabrini and to the ministry of the Retreat Center. In recent years, the Mission Foundation has funded Project Safe Harbor, Immigrant Outreach. Faithful to the legacy of St. Cabrini, this project has provided hundreds of immigrants with the opportunity to experience a time of retreat - to hear the voice of the Spirit. The desire and interest in retreats continues to grow. As Mother Cabrini said, “prayer is powerful; it fills the earth with mercy.”

	Sr. Benigna Morais, MSC (r.) was delighted to have the company of her niece and her husband, Andrea and Renato Resende as the Feast Day was celebrated.  The couple was visiting from Brazil.

	Guests enjoying the festive Feast Day dinner are in the foreground from left: Kitty Collins of the Cabrini Retreat Center Advisory Board and Sr. Geraldine Wodezeryk, CSFN.  Pictured in the background are Sr. Edvige Sommariva, MSC and Sr. Rita Iavarone, MSC

	From left, Dr. Kameel Totonchi, Retreat Group Leader, Bob Komecki, Executive Service Corps and Nick Vendikos, Vice President of Cabrini Mission Foundation enjoy getting better acquainted at the Cabrini Retreat Center.

	Sr. Alfonsina Gomes, MSC, looks happy to be part of all the festivities.

	Sr. Joan Marie Sariti, MSC (2nd l.) dines with some good friends at the Feast Day dinner.

	A special liturgy was celebrated for the Feast Day.  The presider was Fr. George Lane, SJ.