Brazil: Scalabrinian Sisters welcome migrants fleeing Venezuela

Source: Fides

A few years ago they welcomed migrants from Haiti. Nows, In Boa Vista, in the north of Brazil, the Scalabrinian Missionary Sisters are assisting people fleeing Venezuela. New arrivals are offered not only a roof, but also legal advice, language lessons, help with job hunting and above all, friendship and prayers.

Some Venezuelan families are transferred,on scheduled flights organised by the Brazilian government, to the 'Casa Madre Assunta' of Vila Prudente, in Sao Paulo, Brazil. This was once an orphanage for children of Italian emigrants, but now houses a group of six Venezuelan families while another 30 people will arrive by the end of February.

Sister Neusa de Fatima Mariano, superior general said: "We have started to look for more temporary accommodation, from three to six months. We want to involve other religious Congregations, institutions, parishes and families. We want to create a very open project, aware that the space that we have will not be sufficient and will not be able to meet the needs of many people looking for temporary shelter. So we ask for everyone to get involved. The Venezuelan situation is very critical and the path of solidarity that involves Brazil is a challenge for us to follow."