Buenos Aires, October 16, 2024 – The Scalabrini International Migration Network is pleased to announce the inauguration of the Casa del Migrante San Carlos, located in the city of Moreno, in Greater Buenos Aires, Argentina. This significant event marks a new milestone in the Scalabrinian Congregation’s commitment to supporting and serving migrants.
The Casa del Migrante San Carlos stands as a space of welcome, protection, care and accompaniment for those who need it most. Its facilities, formerly used for the training of seminarians, reflect the values of the Scalabrinian Congregation and its dedication to migrants, following the legacy of St. John Baptist Scalabrini, patron of migrants. This welcoming center represents a concrete manifestation of the charism of the congregation: to be at the service of the most vulnerable, providing help in critical moments.
The inauguration was attended by important representatives from both the religious sphere and international and diplomatic organizations. Among the attendees were representatives of the International Organization for Migration (IOM): Julio Croci, head of the IOM’s Intergovernmental Processes and Civil Society Unit, and Gabriela Fernández, head of the IOM mission in Argentina. Juan Gala Serra, Counselor of the Embassy of Spain, also participated, whose collaboration and support, through the IOM, were fundamental for the donation that will allow the operation of the house.
Alicia Marques, a representative of the Scalabrinian Lay Movement, highlighted in her speech the Congregation’s unwavering commitment to serving migrants, recalling that « offering a glass of water » to a migrant symbolizes the creation of bonds of support, hope and fraternity.
Likewise, the event had the blessing of Monsignor Juan José Chaparro, bishop of Merlo-Moreno, who underlined the Church’s commitment to serving the most vulnerable. During his speech, he stressed the importance of recognizing the « signs of the times, » which invite us to live and share God’s gift, putting the structures of the Church at the service of migrants.
This day was a true day of fraternity and commitment, in which, through diversity, unity was expressed to welcome, protect and accompany migrant brothers. The Casa del Migrante San Carlos is a collective initiative that reflects the effort and dedication of multiple actors, in line with the mission of the Scalabrini International Migration Network, which seeks to welcome and integrate migrants, providing them with opportunities for rest, integration and commitment.