The Foundation of the Cabrini Children’s Society:

Founded in 1887, the original name for the Cabrini Children’s Society was the Southwark Catholic Rescue Society and I remember collections for the orphans in their care when I was a child, but times and the name have changed and it is now Cabrini Children’s Society. The omission of ‘Catholic’ is the result of the law banning discrimination against same sex couples who wish to adopt or foster children. lf the Society had not complied with this law it would lose vital local authority grants and would not survive.
Mother Francesca Xavier Cabrini, was dedicated to helping children. An Italian nun, she was sent by Pope Leo XIII to the USA, where she founded many orphanages and also in South America and Europe.

The Society has adapted to the changing needs of society and works in finding, preparing and supporting families for children who need to be adopted or fostered. They support people who were adopted, or were in their care homes, to access their records. They provide a home for adults with learning disabilities and offer a personalised catechetical programme to children and adults with learning disabilities. They also run a counselling service for schools and provide a diverse range of services to communities through long standing neighbourhood projects.

Twenty or more years ago the Society appealed for parishes to set up support groups to which a small group at St George’s responded and have been raising money ever since.  We would welcome more members so if you are interested in helping please contact me, Ellen Bonner (485435)

The Cabrini Lunch, held 14th August 2011, raised £492.00 for the Cabrini Children’s Society.  We would like to thank all those who supported it by coming to the meal, giving donations or running the Raffle.  The organising of the event was hard work but well worth the effort.
Ellen Bonner

Photographs – Margaret Gearing
See Photo Gallery for more Photos