The Bienvenu Shelter in the Archdiocese of Johannesburg marked a significant milestone on April 22, 2026: 25 years of providing refuge, dignity and hope to migrant women and children.
The silver jubilee celebration brought together the staff and residents of the shelter, beneficiaries, donors, religious sisters and staff members of the Department of Pastoral Care for Migrants and Refugees in Johannesburg’s chancery, all united in gratitude for a mission that has transformed countless lives.
The celebration began with Holy Mass at Holy Angels Catholic Church, presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Stephen Brislin, the Archbishop of Johannesburg. Priests, including Father Jean-Marie Kuzituka Did’ho, the chancellor of the Archdiocese of Johannesburg and vicar for the pastoral care department, and Father Mlungisi Mabe, the parish priest, joined in the Eucharistic celebration, which set the tone for a day of reflection and thanksgiving.
Rooted in the Gospel of welcome
In his moving homily, Father Jean-Marie Kuzituka Did’ho reminded the congregation that the story of migration is not new and is woven throughout the Bible.
“Today, we gather in gratitude to God as we celebrate 25 years of Bienvenu Shelter,” he said. “Twenty-five years of refuge, dignity and hope for women and children who have journeyed through hardship in search of life.”
He emphasised that migration is not merely a political issue but a profoundly biblical and spiritual reality. Referencing Scripture, he said: “You shall not oppress a stranger… for you were strangers” (Exodus 23:9). He pointed out that figures such as Abraham, Moses and even the Holy Family experienced migration and displacement, making the call to welcome the stranger central to Christian faith.
Father Kuzituka Did’ho also addressed the realities of South Africa, describing it as both “a place of hope and a place of tension” for migrants. He acknowledged the painful history of xenophobia, calling it not just a social issue, but “a moral and spiritual crisis.”
In this context, he highlighted the role of the Church, particularly the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference, in advocating for the dignity and rights of migrants. He described Bienvenu Shelter as a living expression of this mission, a place where the Gospel is made visible.
“For 25 years, the shelter has said: ‘Here, you are not a stranger. Here, you are a sister. Here, you are a child of God.’”
He further reminded the congregation that human dignity is not determined by nationality or status, but is inherent because all are created in the image of God [imago Dei].
Looking ahead, he challenged the faithful to reflect on how they respond to migrants:
“Will we build walls of fear or bridges of encounter? Will we turn people away or act with compassion like the Good Samaritan?”
He concluded by affirming the courage of the women and children who have passed through the shelter: “You are not defined by your suffering. You are bearers of hope.”
A legacy of transformation and gratitude
Following the Mass, beneficiaries shared testimonies of how the shelter had changed their lives. Among them was Dr Bernard Uzabakiriho, a gynaecologist and oncologist, who was one of the first residents welcomed by the shelter 25 years ago.
He expressed deep gratitude to the Holy Family Sisters and the Scalabrinian Missionary Sisters for living out the Gospel message of welcoming the stranger. Today, he gives back by volunteering his medical expertise at St Charles Clinic to support vulnerable women.
A global mission with local impact
Sister Analita Candaten, the provincial counsellor of the Scalabrinian Sisters and head of the African region, travelled from Brazil to attend the celebration.
“It is an honour to be here,” she said. “This centre has achieved so much in giving life to women and children who were displaced and seeking a better future.”
She described the anniversary as a powerful testament to lives transformed over the years. Many former residents, she noted, have returned as donors and volunteers, ensuring that the mission continues.
“With so much gratitude, I see that this work, supported by sisters, staff, donors and the community, has made a huge difference not only in people’s lives, but also in the Church and society.”
A vision sustained over 25 years
Sister Cathy Murugan of the Holy Family of Bordeaux, who played a role in establishing the shelter, expressed joy and pride in its continued growth.
She congratulated all those involved and reflected on how the shelter has remained committed to caring for migrant and vulnerable women over the past 25 years.
A holistic approach to care
Lisa de Souza, Chief Operations Officer of Bienvenu Shelter, has been part of the organisation for 14 years. As a migrant herself, she brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to her role.
“We have a capacity of 45 people within the shelter at any given time,” she explained. “But our work doesn’t end when people leave.”
She highlighted that the shelter supports former residents through psychosocial services, food parcels and educational assistance. In the past year alone, the shelter reached 15 000 indirect beneficiaries through its outreach programmes.
“It’s a full care package that we provide to our women and their children,” she said.
Reflecting on the significance of the 25-year milestone, Lisa emphasised the importance of long-term commitment and trust.
“We have seen cases through for many years, sometimes over a decade, and watched people build new lives. Our donors believe in the work we do, and that’s why they continue to support us.”
Stories of hope and resilience
Lisa also shared a deeply personal story that continues to inspire her. She recalled working with a young girl on the autism spectrum who arrived at the shelter under difficult circumstances.
Through dedicated support, the child was enrolled in school and began to thrive. Despite setbacks, including family struggles and poverty, the shelter continued to support the family. Eventually, they were resettled in Canada, where the child now attends school independently and is flourishing.
“For me, that is a story where you really see the difference, from beginning to end,” Lisa said.
Bridging hope and tension
Addressing the complex realities of migration in South Africa, Lisa echoed the message from the homily that the country is both a place of hope and tension.
“I think there needs to be more open dialogue and education,” she said. “At Bienvenu Shelter, we bring South African women together with migrants and refugees so they can understand each other’s stories.”
She noted that many of the women currently supported by the shelter are South Africans, particularly survivors of domestic violence, highlighting that vulnerability transcends nationality.
“By working together and sharing experiences, we are helping to shape a future generation that is more understanding and compassionate.”
Looking ahead: The next 25 years
As the shelter looks to the future, Lisa expressed hope for continued growth and impact.
“If we don’t have hope, we don’t have anything,” she said.
Her vision includes expanding the shelter’s crèche to accommodate more children, creating specialised support for individuals with mental health needs and developing a safe marketplace where women can sell their products without fear.
“These are dreams that we believe are possible with the support of our donors and community.”
A living sign of the Gospel
The celebration highlighted the fact that Bienvenu Shelter is more than a place of refuge; it is a living testimony of the Gospel in action.
For 25 years, it has opened its doors to the stranger, restored dignity to the vulnerable and nurtured hope where it was once lost.
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