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From New York City to New Orleans:
Mother Cabrini High School Students Spend Spring Break Dedicated to Service |
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The young missionaries spent the week working to restore areas of Cathedral Academy, the first elementary school to reopen after Hurricane Katrina. Teams worked on numerous areas that desperately needed attention, including renovations to both the elementary school and the pre-school. The pre-school classrooms were remodeled and painted, as well as re-organized and sorted. The students improved the first floor flood-damaged bathroom by stripping the paint and plaster, as well as preparing it for restoration by gutting it. The kitchens were emptied and cleaned to provide a safe and sanitary environment for the students to eat. Numerous work projects were also done outside of the school. The fire escapes were restored and painted. Landscaping, plant removal and tree planting was performed to beautify the school grounds. Perhaps the most unique project of the week was the restoration and placement of the four saints’ statues, including a 75 pound statue of the Virgin Mary which was raised at the front entrance of the school. A 500 pound stone Statue of Mother Cabrini was also raised in the front garden at the entrance of the pre-school. Campus Minister Matthew Bizzaro reflects, “Cathedral Academy is just one of the many facilities still in need of repair and it will be quite some time before New Orleans is fully restored to the city it once was. The young missionaries brought their smiles and their willingness to serve unconditionally. They had faith in their mission and the spirit of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini was brought to life through all the work they did.”Cabrini senior Carolina Mateo said, “This was my second time visiting New Orleans and the city has come a long way since last year.” One thing that has not changed is the cheerful spirit the residents of New Orleans carry with them. They were so grateful and welcoming to the idea that we wanted to help. I am blessed to have been given this opportunity to carry out a true education of the heart.” ~Submitted by Cheryl Hallenback
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