The mission of the Scalabrinian Missionary Sisters in Johannesburg, South Africa, tells the story of 20 years of welcoming and caring for refugee women and their children through this book: Bienvenu Shelter: 20 years of welcome, care and empowerment.
Organized by Sr Marivane Chiesa, MSCS, director of the Bienvenu Shelter, and in partnership with CSEM - the Scalabrinian Centre for Migration Studies, the commemorative book brings together elements of the institution's history, the fruit of research, and many testimonies from people who have contributed to the institution's trajectory.
In the words of Archbishop Buti Tlhagale of Johannesburg, the Bienvenu Shelter is an important welcome center, “because it represents the love of God who gives himself, serving and protecting the lives of those in need, people whom Jesus Christ chose to represent his love: “I was a stranger and you took me in” (Mt 25:35). The Welcome Center is a living sign of God's love among us. It is an important tool that gives hope to migrant and refugee women and children and helps them integrate into the host community” (excerpt from the book's presentation).