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Ladies of Charity Visit Miraculous Medal House

Ladies of Charity presentation for seminarians at the Miraculous Medal
Mary Ann Dantuono speaks to the seminarians about the Ladies of Charity work.

St. John’s University Ladies of Charity recently visited Miraculous Medal House in Queens, N.Y., to meet with Vincentian seminarians studying at the University. This gathering of two branches of the Vincentian Family fostered collaboration and mutual learning.

The afternoon featured presentations on the history and work of the Ladies of Charity, an organization founded by St. Vincent de Paul and Louise de Marillac in 1617 in Châtillon, France. This organization was the first of what is now recognized as the Vincentian Family. 

The seminarians explored the extensive programs implemented by the Ladies of Charity at St. John’s University, both locally and on national and international levels. 

The day concluded with a productive discussion about potential collaboration between the two groups. Both parties look forward to future meetings together.

By Kathleen Prager

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    Trunk or Treat 2025

    The Ladies of Charity and Junior Ladies of Charity at St. John’s University embraced a Sesame Street theme for this year’s St. Mary’s Hospital Annual Trunk or Treat, held on October 20th. And our trunk was Cookie Monster! Kudos to our members who decorated the trunk!

    At the end of a fun-filled day under beautiful skies, it was difficult to decide who enjoyed the event more—the Ladies and Juniors of Charity, or the Halloween Trunk or Treaters in their delightful costumes!

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    Junior Ladies of Charity Visit St. John’s Bread & Life

    Juniors president, Ariana Yepez, and LC Juniors Co-Moderator Anna Rocchio
    Juniors president, Ariana Yepez, and LC Juniors Co-Moderator Anna Rocchio

    Easter break in April provided a unique opportunity for the Junior Ladies of Charity from St. John’s Preparatory School. Accompanied by St. John’s University Ladies of Charity Junior moderators Pat Mulé and Anna Rocchio and LC member Jen Borg, the Juniors visited St. John’s Bread & Life in the Bedford-Stuyvesant section of Brooklyn. The experience left an indelible impression on the group. Juniors president, Ariana Yepez, reflected on the day’s events:

    “I had the opportunity to work in the kitchen, where we helped prepare and pack lunches for people in need. The meals we put together included cereal, milk, cookies, and fruit, seemingly ordinary yet substantial items that could bring comfort and nourishment and make a difference in someone’s day. I was responsible for carefully placing the food into containers, ensuring each was filled properly and neatly, knowing that these packages would soon be handed out to individuals and families who rely on this support. 

    “Though the service hours we earn through school are part of a requirement, that’s never why we do it. What matters most is the feeling of purpose and connection that comes from helping others, even in a small way. 

    “It’s humbling to take part in something that directly touches lives, and being behind the scenes in the kitchen gave me a deeper appreciation for the volunteers who show up consistently, not for credit, but simply to give.”

    The Juniors plan a return visit to St. John’s Bread & Life in June.

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  • December 2020 Newsletter

    December 2020
    Merry Christmas
    As we prepare for the birth of our Lord, the Ladies of Charity at St. John’s University wish you the gift of HOPE for Christmas.
    We have been blessed by the guidance of our Spiritual Advisor, Fr. Patrick J. Griffin, C.M., who led us in a virtual Advent Retreat to discover the meaning of HOPE in these challenging times. As he taught us, “hope gives strength to the present … it summons us to use our resources well …it is a commitment to life. Hope orients us to the future.” HOPE is a special gift from God.

    2020 challenged us in so many ways — our lives revolved around remote learning, zoom meetings, social distancing and hand sanitizer. We mourned the loss of loved ones and prayed for the speedy recovery of others. We learned how to pivot (the buzz word of 2020) and engaged in outreach projects that redefined service.
    The Ladies of Charity at St. John’s University wish you and your loved ones, a Merry Christmas and New Year filled with Peace, HOPE and Love.
    Our Service Projects
    Since 2009 we have cheerfully celebrated the spirit of giving with the School Sisters of Notre Dame Educational Center (Woodhaven, Queens) at an annual Christmas Party. This year we were not able to host our traditional Christmas breakfast but we were able to continue our tradition of offering gifts to each of their students. Practicing social distancing we put gift bags together for 50 women and took a moment to reflect on the spirit of Christmas.
    Working together at Our Lady of Fatima Food Pantry
    The Junior Ladies of Charity at St. John’s Prep in Astoria, Queens, learned how to make lap blankets by hand through a zoom tutorial lead by Anna Rocchio. These blankets will be distributed to residents at Ozanam Home in Queens. Since October the Ladies of Charity have lovingly knit more than 50 blankets for our brothers and sisters.
    MOMMAS HOUSE
    In 2019 we honored Patricia Shea, the Founder and Executive Director of Mommas House with the Spes Unica award at our Evening of Hope event. Mommas House began in 1986 with a home in Malverne, NY offering support to young mothers (ages 18-24) and their babies. Mommas House provides physical shelter and a stable environment to young mothers who are nurtured and taught to provide child care and parenting skills while encouraged to obtain schooling and job training.
    The Ladies of Charity at St. John’s University celebrate Life and the joy of Christmas with Mommas House. This year we cheerfully and safely collected gifts for for new Moms and their babies.
    Prayer & Spirituality
    We pray for grace in performing all actions to help our neighbors with charity, humility, and simplicity. Our prayers focus on love and unity, so needed in our world and our country today.
    Visit our website to download a copy of The Ladies of Charity Prayer
    Join us, every Monday at 5 pm via Zoom. We continue to pray for our loved ones, neighbors, our country and our world. For more information on how to participate, email Pat Mulé

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    2026 Evening of Hope Registration

    Evening of Hope 2026

    The Ladies of Charity at St. John’s University invite you to the 2026 “Evening of Hope,” at Terrace on the Park, Flushing Meadows Park, on Thursday, May 7, 2026, 5:30 pm – 9:30pm.

    This year we are delighted to confer the “Spes Unica” Award on Lisa A. Gatti, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Pal-O-Mine, a comprehensive therapeutic equine program using horses to facilitate growth, learning and healing for children and adults with disabilities, persons who have been abused, Veterans, and people experiencing poverty. Lisa combines her love of education and horses to bring hope to individuals, families and communities. She exemplifies St. Vincent’s expression, “Love is inventive even to infinity.”

    Individual tickets at $150 include cocktail hour, dinner and premium bar. Business attire. Sponsorship information is available here.

    We look forward to welcoming you to our Evening of Hope.  

    Registration is open, please click on the invitation to register or follow this link: Click Here

    Terrace on the Park, Flushing, NY

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    Lisa A. Gatti to be Honored with 2026 Spes Unica Award

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    Lisa Gatti, Riding Diva at Pal-O-Mine

    The Ladies of Charity at St. John’s University will present the St. Louise de Marillac Spes Unica Award to Lisa A. Gatti, founder of Pal-O-Mine, at the annual “Evening of Hope” on Thursday, May 7, 2026. The event will take place at Terrace on the Park in Flushing, Queens, from 5:30 to 9:30 pm. Ms. Gatti will deliver the keynote address.

    Lisa A. Gatti has had a lifelong love affair with horses — a passion that inspired her to launch Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, a nonprofit that provides a comprehensive therapeutic equine program using horses to facilitate growth, learning, and healing for children and adults with disabilities, veterans, people on the autism spectrum, individuals with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers, cancer survivors, and others. 

    The organization has grown enormously since its founding in 1995, with 25 horses, a vocational program, and much more at its 13-acre farm in Islandia, N.Y.

    Gatti, who began her career as a special education teacher, helps local government identify the most crucial issues facing the special needs population as a member of the Town of Islip Disability Advisory Committee, and she chairs the Board of Directors of global equine-assisted psychotherapy organization EAGALA. 

    Gatti served on the board of Autism Communities, lending her expertise on vocational opportunities for those on the spectrum. These experiences helped Gatti shape Pal-O-Mine into one of the nation’s most-trusted therapeutic equine organizations. She has an 18-year-old daughter, the pride and joy of her life.

    “Evening of Hope” begins at 5:30 pm. Participation will support the charitable works of the Ladies of Charity at St. John’s University. Tickets will be available for $150.00. Registration will open soon,

    Sponsorships are much welcomed. Please click here. 

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