A Presence of Peace in the Heart of Tunisia

The Christian presence in North Africa has a long history, deeply marked by witness and dialogue. In 2008, the Shalom Catholic Community took a bold step by establishing its second mission in the region, in the historic coastal city of Sfax, the second-largest economic hub in Tunisia.

The mission was born from the dream of Bishop Maroun Lahham, then the local bishop, who wished to revitalize the Church in the region—which for more than 50 years had been without a permanent church building following the country’s independence. He entrusted the Community with the former, unused house of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Apparition, challenging the young missionaries to transform it into a center of welcome and communion.

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The Saint Joseph Center: A House with Open Doors

After months dedicated to language study and cultural immersion, the first five Brazilian missionaries inaugurated the Saint Joseph Center. The space, which houses the Parish of Sfax and the Pastoral Center, has become a true multicultural meeting place.

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There, evangelization takes place in daily life and in simplicity, through:

Support for University Students: Prayer groups, spiritual formation, and accompaniment of young people from Sub-Saharan Africa facing the challenges of migration.

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Human Development and Culture: Computer, guitar, and piano courses, as well as iconography workshops open to the wider population.

Solidarity and Presence: Ministry in pediatric hospitals with children undergoing cancer treatment, as well as activities for people with disabilities.