The 5th International Meeting of Safe Environment Offices, which was held at the main headquarters in Rome with the attendance of more than 35 participants, featured workshops, conferences led by international experts, and the presentation of concrete actions by each territory.

 

From October 10 to 15, at the headquarters of the Legionaries of Christ in Rome, the 5th International Meeting of Safe Environment Coordinators, an annual gathering involving those responsible for this area in each territory, took place. This year, the meeting included participation from some Legionary priests, consecrated women, consecrated laity, and lay members of Regnum Christi from various countries such as Colombia, Chile, Mexico, Spain, the United States, Germany, Brazil, among others.

During the week’s activities, the work developed in recent years by the Legion of Christ and Regnum Christi in this field was presented, along with the work carried out at the territorial level by the respective Safe Environment coordinators.

The meeting featured several guests who shared the work they do in service of the Church in this area throughout the week. During their presentations and talks, various topics were addressed related to prevention, handling abuse cases, and victim care.

Fr. Gerardo Flores, LC, General Coordinator of Safe Environment, opened the meeting with a presentation on the work carried out globally, the progress, priorities, and goals for the future. Additionally, this first day included the presence of Father Daniel Portillo, General Director of Ceprome (Interdisciplinary Research and Training Center for Child Protection). Father Daniel gave a lecture on prevention in the Church, sharing some reflections. His presentation focused on a historical overview of how the issue of abuse in the Church has developed over recent years and how it has been addressed.

On the second day of the meeting, emphasis was placed on the importance of addressing each case with great delicacy. Each victim is unique, and each situation is experienced and handled differently. It is necessary to listen, support, and understand from a human and spiritual perspective. The goal is to seek healing and provide respectful accompaniment to the individuals.

Thus, a lecture was given by Mons. Jordi Bertomeu, official of the disciplinary section of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, where he explained the historical and cultural context that has led to the development of current legislation on abuse in the Church.

Current societal issues, the cultural revolution influenced by the development of the Internet, unlimited access to information, and its widespread dissemination as factors of societal change were discussed. The problems in the formation of seminarians and priests, emotional, human, academic, and spiritual deficiencies were also addressed. The topic of abuse of conscience and authority and the implications this has had on victims was also discussed.

On October 12, participants had the opportunity to attend the Holy Father’s General Audience in St. Peter’s Square. After the audience, they went to the Gregorian University, where Father Hans Zollner, SJ, a German theologian and psychologist, explained interdisciplinary studies on human dignity and the care of vulnerable persons. During his presentation, he emphasized the Church’s responsibility to address these cases always seeking the good of the victims and the responsibility (of the Church) to provide safe and protected spaces.

On the fourth day, several sessions focused on the necessary procedures to conduct an investigation in the event of an abuse report. From how to attend to and treat the person making the report, to how to approach the accused.

The last day of the meeting was dedicated to the presentation of each territory. On this occasion, each coordinator presented the work they have been developing, the current situation of their territory, and the work plan for the coming years.

Finally, a meeting was held with Father John Connor, LC, General Director of the Legionaries of Christ, who shared what his administration has accomplished in recent years and their priorities for the future regarding safe environments and victim care.

Father John thanked the participants for all the work they do to provide safe environments in various territories and the effort involved in prevention, response, and supervision. At the end of the meeting, there was a moment to share questions, reflections, and experiences from these training sessions.

In this way, the Legionaries of Christ and members of Regnum Christi reaffirm their commitment to establishing safe environments and timely victim support, helping to ensure that the Church is a safe home.