Workshop on Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Adults

The Workshop for Province and District Safeguarding Delegates, held at the General House in Rome from March 17 to 21, 2025, turned out to be a deeply enriching and meaningful experience. Over the course of the week, participants dove into the essential work of protecting children and vulnerable adults, all within a well-structured program that balanced informative sessions, personal reflection, and community connection.

Throughout the week, there were powerful conversations about how to build safe environments, handle accusations responsibly, and understand the key role delegates play in safeguarding efforts. Sessions like “Identifying Vulnerable Adults in Ministry and Formation,” “Accompanying Victims of Child Sexual Abuse,” ” A Culture of Caring”, and “Monitoring Child Safeguarding Protocols” really drove home the importance of empathy, accountability, and always striving to do better.

The workshop brought together people from the Administrative Units involved in Child Protection: Delegates from the AUs, members of Protection Commissions, some provincials, the Superior and Vicar General and some members of the General Council (see here the list of participants).

The Workshop was organized by the International Safeguarding Commission, that worked hard to ensure that the participants dealt with a variety of relevant issues and responded to the many different contexts of the Marist world.

“These days we have experienced an important meeting of deepening and international experience on the protection of children and vulnerable adults. We continue to advance and improve this issue in our Marist Institute. It is important to continue to properly address situations of abuse and energetically promote prevention in the present and future. Initial and ongoing training on this topic is key. Thanks to the commission and the participants, several Provincials among them, for their presence and service on this issue. We are encouraged by Jesus, Mary, and Champagnat with evangelical values.” (H. Ernesto Sánchez, Superior General).

“The workshop on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults has been a significant event in the life of the Institute. Creating and embedding a culture of safeguarding was at the forefront of all we discussed. All this is underpinned by our belief that promoting and implementing safeguarding practices is based on our faith in Jesus and the Gospel. It was evident that those involved in the workshop are committed to the protection and safety of the children and young people we encounter on a daily basis. The participants were attentive, enthusiastic and open to learning from each other’s experiences. The Commission needs to be thanked for the initial intuition and for all the work they have done to ensure the success of the workshop with the hope that such events will have a positive impact on our mission.” (Br. Ken McDonald, Vicar General)

“The workshop on ‘Protection of minors and vulnerable adults’ has been an opportunity to advance our Marist Institute’s commitment to the safety and care of children and young people. We have often recalled the Pope’s phrase that places this issue at the heart of the gospel… and for us, as Marists, this is a core and identity issue, as shown by its inclusion in the first chapter of our Constitutions, when defining ‘who we are’ (num. 4). In this context, having the opportunity to share, reflect together, train and update ourselves, 65 Marist brothers and laypeople, gathered in Rome for a week, has been very positive and hopeful. The topics presented, the dialogues, the depth of the discussions invite us to look to the future, and work not only on our protocols and policies (so valuable) but above all on an authentic ‘Marist culture of care’ that places the person at the center, starting with the most vulnerable.” (Br. Óscar Martín, General Councillor)

“One of the highlights was the chance to connect with others—Province and District leaders, professionals from different backgrounds—all coming together to share insights, best practices, and encouragement. The atmosphere was one of collaboration and shared purpose, with a strong focus on fostering a culture of care and responsibility. With its thoughtful mix of prayer, learning, and open dialogue, the workshop not only supported personal growth but also strengthened everyone’s collective commitment to creating safer, more compassionate communities.” (Br. Ben Consigli, General Councillor).