04/23/2026
On April 20, the New York City Department of Correction bade farewell to retiring Chaplain Sister Margaret McCabe, a beloved leader who spent four decades ministering to the people in our care and to staff.
The celebration for Sister Margaret, a Roman Catholic Chaplain at the Robert N. Davoren Center (RNDC) and in jails for nearly 41 years, and a member of the Holy Union Sisters order, also featured the renaming of the RNDC chapel in her honor.
Commissioner Stanley Richards praised Sister Margaret’s commitment to helping the people in our care see the inner light within them, calling her a woman of integrity, faith and courage.
“Sister Margaret, we are so grateful that you came to us in 1985 and that you chose to stay,” said Commissioner Richards. “For the last 41 years, your presence, your guidance, and your ability to see the men in our care for who they are — not for the circumstances that brought them here — has served as a beacon of hope through moments when it could have been easier to succumb to fear, anger or despair.”
Commissioner Richards, Sister Margaret and officials from our Chaplaincy Services Unit also unveiled a poster proclaiming the RNDC chapel the “Sister Margaret Chapel.” The poster featured a silhouette of a Sister with a Catholic Church in the background.
“I cannot work miracles, all I can do is pray,” said Sister Margaret, who was dressed in a sash and tiara for the occasion. “I would not be standing here accepting all of this if it was not for you. It is all of you who made me what I am today.”
Thank you for your dedicated service Sister Margaret McCabe.