As the Global Young Members Meeting continues in Nairobi, participants dedicated part of their programme to an important session on safeguarding in the life and mission of the Church.
Session on “Safeguarding: A Ministry in the Church”, was given by Sr Jacinta Ondeng, SSND, on 9 July. Beginning with a prayer for the protection of children and vulnerable adults, Sr Jacinta reminded participants that safeguarding is not simply about policies or legal requirements, but is at the very heart of the Church’s mission and the Gospel message. Drawing on the teaching of recent Popes, especially Vos Estis Lux Mundi, she encouraged the young missionaries to promote a culture of care, accountability and transparency wherever they serve. The session explored the different forms of abuse, the importance of recognising vulnerability, creating safe environments, responding appropriately to concerns, and supporting victims with compassion and justice. Participants were also invited to reflect on safeguarding challenges within formation houses and pastoral ministry, recognising that every missionary has a shared responsibility to protect the dignity of every person and to help build communities where all can feel safe, respected and valued.
The second part of the presentation, titled “Safeguarding in the Spirit of Church Laws – A Look at Vos Estis Lux Mundi“, invited the young Mill Hill members to deepen their understanding of safeguarding as an essential part of missionary life and pastoral ministry.
Sr Jacinta explained that safeguarding is much more than following rules. It is a commitment to protecting the dignity of every person, especially children and vulnerable adults, while building communities of trust, justice and accountability. She highlighted that Canon Law has always regarded the abuse of minors as a grave crime and a serious sin, and she outlined how Church legislation has continued to strengthen its response over the years.
The session also explored the background to Pope Francis’ apostolic letter Vos Estis Lux Mundi (“You Are the Light of the World”), first issued in 2019 and revised in 2023. Participants learned how the document was introduced following painful experiences of abuse within the Church and how it establishes clear procedures for reporting abuse, protecting victims and ensuring accountability at every level of Church leadership.
Among the key themes presented were the duty of clergy and religious to report abuse, the establishment of safe reporting systems in every diocese, the protection of those who report concerns, care for victims, cooperation with civil authorities, and the responsibility of bishops and major superiors to act with transparency and integrity. The presentation also explained the importance of timely investigations and appropriate canonical measures when allegations are substantiated.
The session encouraged participants to see safeguarding not simply as a legal obligation but as a Gospel responsibility. As missionaries serving in different parts of the world, they were reminded that creating safe environments is part of proclaiming the Good News and witnessing to Christ’s love.
The presentation formed an important part of the Global Young Members Meeting, helping participants reflect on how safeguarding strengthens the Church’s mission and builds communities where every person is respected, protected and valued.
Cover photo: Ochwo, Valeriano MHM – Our Lady of Salvation Parish, Iloilo, Philippines
