I met the Cabrini Sisters in one of the most challenging times in my life. It was 1989, I had just turned fifteen years of age and had moved back to the United States from Brazil with my mother. My mother – a stunningly beautiful and independent woman – had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, an often terminal form. My sister, seeking the best medical treatment for my mother brought us to the States. One month later, two weeks into my freshman year, my mother passed away and I began living with my sister. Prior to my sister relinquishing custody of me, she enrolled me at Mother Cabrini High School in New York City. At that time, Mother Cabrini High School had a bulletin board where teachers or guidance counselors would list the names of the students with whom they would like to meet. To my surprise, one day, my name was listed to see Sr. Pietrina Raccuglia, the guidance counselor.

I developed a warm relationship with Sr. Pietrina. I will never forget the time she enrolled me in a dance class to help me feel like a normal girl during an unstable time in my life. She gave me two bags full of gifts at Christmas, so that I would know I was loved. She made sure I could participate in junior Ring Day by purchasing my high school ring. Sr. Pietrina got two sponsors to pay for my tuition during the four years I attended Mother Cabrini High School. When Sr. Pietrina became the Provincial and was no longer going to be serving as the guidance counselor, during her time of departure, she was very concerned about me and in turn, introduced me to Sr. Sharon Casey.

Sr. Sharon is who I refer to as my “mother in spirit.” The love I received from Sr. Sharon was no different than the love I received from my biological mother; that is how deep and profound this love was. She is the reason I survived. When everything around me felt like it was falling apart, I always had this tremendous source of strength standing beside me. She was always there for me, no matter what. Whether it was taking me to a doctor’s appointment, guiding me during my bouts of bronchitis, staying up with me to study for a final exam, Sr. Sharon was my angel.

I feel so thankful to have had the Cabrini Sisters in my life. They nurtured me, supported me and loved me when no one else did. I am now 30 years old, earning a good living and I own my own home. I remember recently when Sr. Sharon said to me, “My prayer for you was always for you to be able to stand on your own two feet; my prayers have now been answered.” And I agree they have!

Vanessa Borges, now living in Virginia, writes from the heart about Srs. Pietrina and Sharon.

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Stories of the Heart: The Missionary Sisters are as diverse as the ministries in which we work. We are educators, nurses, social workers, campus ministers, pastoral care workers, spiritual directors, and administrators. We invite you to share in our stories.