Burundi – Africa | Project #10 of 72

In the heart of Burundi, a new social enterprise has come to life through the partnership between spazio + spadoni, which funded the project, and a community of sisters determined to build a future of independence and dignity. An event hall has been created: a welcoming, versatile space that not only generates a stable income to support the religious community but also represents the first step toward a model that can be replicated in other communities of the same congregation. This place, symbolically called OPERA M Hall, is much more than a setting for celebrations: it is a place of hope, a culture of work, creativity, and mercy. Every event hosted there is an opportunity to introduce people to the Works of Mercy and the mission of spazio + spadoni, which developed this project together with the sisters, inspired by the riEvoluzione of tangible charity. The profits generated will help launch new sustainable economic activities in other religious communities—SisterChain—strengthening a model that combines faith and social enterprise. In Burundi, where many people are still excluded from opportunities, this initiative is a living witness to how mercy can become a shared future.

Sister Hyacinthe belongs to the “Congrégation des Sœurs du Cœur Immaculé de Marie”, more commonly known as the “Suore Bene Mariya”. Founded in Burundi in 1958, it has approximately 380 sisters living in 53 communities across Burundi, Tanzania, Italy, Chad, and Niger.

Their charism is “To make the Christian spirit flourish in the families of the world”, and this charism is expressed through their various activities. They run schools for children, hospitals, counseling centers, and vocational schools such as cutting and sewing schools. They also carry out farming and livestock activities.

Even before coming to take part in the project, Sister Hyacinthe already knew Italy well after several years of study in Rome. From July 2021 to January 2022, she completed the HIC SUM project training at Misericordia di Sansepolcro while also coordinating the experience of two other sisters from the same Congregation in the Arezzo area.

From November to December 2022, she took part with Sister Assumpta (a fellow sister) in the training on the Works of Mercy and the Economy of Communion organized by spazio + spadoni in Loppiano (FI), Italy.

Learn more

Burundi, Bujumbura | The riEvoluzione of the Works of Mercy That Creates a Future

Burundi, OPERA M Center | When spazio + spadoni Becomes Family

UISG | Interview with Mother General Daphrose Kiraniguye (Burundi)

Burundi | The OPERA M Center: A Gift of the Jubilee Year of Hope

The OPERA M Center in Burundi: A Social Enterprise and Community Hub

spazio + spadoni’s “Adotta una suora” Project | Sister Alice’s Graduation

Suore Bene Mariya on Mission in Italy

Biographical Note on the Late Sister Henriette (1955–2023) of the Bene Mariya Congregation in Burundi

Burundi, First National Forum of Families – Part 2

Burundi, First National Forum of Families