At the end of the 19th century, while European migrants were fleeing from hunger, the reformist Giovanni Battista Scalabrini helped change the way they were accepted. For his work, he will be canonized on Sunday in St. Peter's Square.
FATHER LEONIR CHIARELLO
Superior General, Scalabrinians
Our founder saw that migration is a structural and not a circumstantial phenomenon. At that time, many said: “Italian migration will pass, it is a very quick process.”
We know that migration is a structural process, but there are very rapid changes in some migratory patterns, such as what is happening in Venezuela. Political change is enough to provoke a massive movement of migrants. So we must pay attention to what is happening.
Scalabrini founded a charitable institution for men and women focused on caring for migrants. They became known as the Scalabrinians.
His canonization on Sunday is an important event for the group as they consider their founder's message be as relevant today as it was 100 years ago. In fact, the UN warns that we are witnessing the worst figures of people who have left their homes in history.
SISTER NEUSA DE FÁTIMA MARIANO
Superior General, Scalabriana Missionary Sisters
I ask that the canonization of our founder, Blessed Giovanni Battista Scalabrini, be prepared for and lived intensely in all areas of the congregations, provinces, delegations, and communities through new initiatives, whether they are formative, celebratory, or vocational through novenas, triduums, and Eucharistic celebrations.
The Scalabrinians are present along major migratory routes in more than 30 countries. The group continues to serve migrants, following in the footsteps of their soon-to-be cannonized founder.
CA
TR: MG
