The mission of the Scalabrinian Missionary Sisters in Johannesburg – South Africa narrates its story of 20 years of welcoming and caring for refugee women and their children through the book: Bienvenu Shelter: 20 years of welcoming, caring and empowering.
Organized by Sr. Marivane Chiesa, mscs, director of the Bienvenu Shelter and in partnership with CSEM – Centro Scalabriniano de Estudos Migratórios, the commemorative book brings together elements of the institution’s history, the result of researches, and many testimonies of people who contributed to the trajectory of the institution.
In the words of Mgr. Buti Tlhagale, Archbishop of Johannesburg, the Bienvenu Shelter is an important Shelter, because “it represents the love of God who gives of himself, serving and protecting the lives of those in need, people that Jesus Christ chose to represent his love: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matt. 25,35). The Shelter is a living sign of God’s love in our midst. It is an important tool that gives hope to migrant and refugee women and children, it also helps them to integrate into the host community.” (excerpt from book presentation).