English 
Milan is the heartbeat and center of attraction for young students and workers from all over Italy. Among its frenetic streets, however, lies a story of welcome and sharing that sprouts from an unexpected encounter between the needs of students and workers and the desire for openness of our community of Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate in Milan.
We had the so-called “home for those on rotations”, a place with large vacant spaces. On one hand, there was the need for a stable economic income and on the other, the growing demand for affordable housing by young people away from home.
Therefore, the paths meet… We decided to transform the “home for those on rotations” into a home for students and workers, a space consisting of six rooms with two shared toilets on the first floor and a shared kitchen with utility room and a toilet on the ground floor. The project came to life in a few weeks, work began in July 2023, thanks to the help of various people: the PIME Fathers donated beds, cupboards, desks and washing machines, the volunteers offered themselves to make curtains, assemble furniture, complete plumbing work and the sisters passing by helped us clean everything.
In September 2023, the “Domus San Siro” opened its doors. The first to be welcomed was Stefania, a young teacher from Puglia. Following, Silvia, Nunzia, Fatmah, Sharon and M. Teresa arrived. Since January 2024, the house has been fully booked: six young women from different parts of Italy, united by necessity, find themselves sharing a part of their lives together.
The atmosphere in Domus San Siro is one of great familiarity and sharing. The girls often organize dinners with typical specialties of their regions, creating an atmosphere of fraternity and mutual enrichment.
For us, the Domus San Siro represents the realization of a dream: opening the convent to the world, creating a bridge between consecrated life and the daily life of young people. An experience that brings with it not only an economic benefit, but also the joy of giving and receiving from each other and the challenge of allowing ourselves to be questioned and perturbed by the world.
The waiting list to enter Domus San Siro is long, and it is not possible to satisfy all requests. However, the sisters and girls look to the future with enthusiasm, aware that they are only at the beginning of an adventure full of encounters and mutual growth. Heartfelt thanks to all those who contributed to the creation of Domus San Siro, continue to support, and make this as a welcoming home in the heart of Milan.
Sr. Lorena Brambilla, Province of Italy
