In 1887, Blessed John Baptist Scalabrini, Bishop of Piacenza (Italy), founded the Missionaries of St. Charles Borromeo – Scalabrinians to pastorally care for Italians moving into the Americas. His commitment to the plight of migrants brought his missionaries to build churches, schools, hospitals, orphanages and agencies to respond to the most urgent and immediate needs of those leaving their homeland and arriving in the new world.
Despite his premature death (June 1, 1905), Blessed Scalabrini’s presence is still alive and effective in the many activities and places where his missionaries operate.
In the last 60 years, the Scalabrinian Congregation has embraced many other cultures and languages and is currently serving migrants and refugees in 34 countries, in 5 continents.
For this reason, the Scalabrini Fathers and Brothers have also established new ministries to help people on the move:
-
Migrants centres at many border areas, especially between Mexico and USA
-
Centres for Migration Studies to promote research and awareness on migrants and refugees
-
and finally the Scalabrini International Migration Network (SIMN) to advocate for migrants’ rights and organize activities to welcome, protect, promote and integrate new comers wherever they are.