The PUENTE project, promoted by Hospitality Europe and the European Union, is establishing itself as a transformative initiative in the care of refugees from Ukraine. With the participation of centers in six European countries (Spain, Poland, Portugal, Italy, Austria, and Belgium), the program seeks to build a “bridge of hospitality” from the heart of Europe to those who need it most.
Since May 2025, the project’s official website has been available in eight languages. This space provides information on activities, practical tools, and training and integration programs for refugees, combining the experience and expertise of the participating centers—including our Congregation, the Sisters Hospitallers of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Order of Saint John of God.
In addition to the development of PUENTE, Hospitality Europe continues to move forward with other key initiatives. In recent months, multiple international meetings have taken place in cities such as Graz, Krakow, and Rome. The work of various European groups is also noteworthy in areas such as mental health, bioethics, social inclusion, communication, and vocational schools. These spaces promote professional exchange, synergy building, and the development of shared projects.
A milestone for mental health was the visit of Dr. Michelle Funk from the World Health Organization to the hospital centers of the Sisters Hospitallers and the Order of Saint John of God in Sant Boi de Llobregat. The visit, part of the Quality Rights program, promoted a human rights–based approach to mental health care. This meeting reaffirmed both institutions’ commitment to more ethical, dignified, and person-centered care.
