There was a video synthesis of yesterday’s activities with confreres being interviewed regarding the International Missions.
Then, Fr. Stephen M. Grozio, CM, Visitor, Eastern Province, USA began his presentation on the protection of minors with an English and Spanish video presentation the included testimonies of children who had been abused as well as from abusers. The videos helped the visitors to better understand the gravity and effects of child abuse. The assembly was divided into four groups as the video was subtitled in Polish, Portuguese, and Vietnamese. From start to conclusion the Visitors were able to identify with the cries of this victims.
The video presentation was by small group sharing that was focused on the following two questions: (1) What was your feelings when you heard the testimony of the victims? (2) How were the victims affected?. This was followed by a plenary session where there was further reflection and discussion of this issue. Then there was a second video that explored some ways how to protect God’s children.
After the morning break the assembly resumed their discussion in small groups and focused on the following two questions: (1) What are some signs you can be alert to? (2) What are ways you can protect children and vulnerable adults? This was followed by another plenary session for further reflection and discussion.
In his presentation, Fr. Grozio shared some statistics with regard to children and young adults being abused all over the world. He shared reflections on Pope Francis’ letters dated August 20, 2018, and Feb 24. 2019, regarding the protection of minors. He exhorted everyone to be active in this matter and be advocates who will bring a halt to child abuse. Then the assembly was divided into language groups to further reflection on the following questions: (1) What is the reality of abuse in your area? (2) What is the extent of the abuse? (3) What are the forms of abuse?
The reflection and discussion on the letters and Motu Propio of the Pope and other church guidelines were then addressed in the afternoon session. Fr. Grozio presented possible guidelines for Visitors to consider as they confront this problem in their own Provinces. Fr. Miles Heinen, CM, a member of the General Council, shared with the participants another website that can provide information regarding the protection of minors in the church.
Then there was a video presentation by Fr. Andrés Motto, CM, Director of CIF, (International Formation Center). He clarified the role of CIF and highlighted the different aspects being addressed by the on-going formation that is provided to confreres. He suggested that CIF should also be available to the other members of the Vincentian Family and spoke about the possibility of conducting this formation outside France.
Fr. Francisco Javier Álvarez, CM, a member of General Council reported about SIEV, Secrétariat International des Études Vincentiennes (International Secretariat for Vincentian Studies). Among its activities: provide articles for Vincentiana, establish a virtual library that will provide information about Vincentian matters, formation of new Vincentian experts through the Masters Vincentian Studies program which he explained at length.
The day was concluded with Evening Prayer being led by Fr. Yoka, CM.
Fr. Raymundo Regua, CM
Chronicler
Province of Philippines
