On 11 December, the Bienvenu Shelter had the honour of welcoming, His Eminence Cardinal Stephen Brislin, Archbishop of Johannesburg. Widely recognised for his strong commitment to social justice, Cardinal Brislin also serves as President of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference and is a respected voice within the Catholic Church in South Africa.
Cardinal Brislin visited both the Training Centre and the Shelter, where he was introduced to the mission and daily work carried out in support of migrant and refugee women and children, accompanied by the Chair of the Board and the MSCS Sisters. Throughout the visit, he took time to meet with staff members, volunteers, and beneficiaries, engaging with them with genuine attentiveness and offering words of encouragement that were warmly received.
One of the most moving moments of the visit was the presentation prepared by the children of the Crèche, who shared the history of the Scalabrinian Mission through songs and storytelling. Their presentation left a strong impression on Cardinal Brislin, reflecting the deep sense of community, care, welcoming, hope and belonging that characterises the Bienvenu Shelter.
The visit was an uplifting moment for the Bienvenu Shelter Team, reaffirming the central values of welcoming, dignity, and solidarity that continue to guide the Shelter’s mission.
