The Safeguarding of Minors and Vulnerable Adults has been developing as a culture in our Order since the decisions taken by the General Chapter of 2021 mandating the creation of a Commission, along with a mandate that each entity develop a written code of conduct for its friars, and written policies and procedures for responding to allegations of abuse, as well as ensuring the training of friars in this regard.
"The protection of minors and vulnerable persons is an integral part of the Gospel message that the Church and all her members are called to spread throughout the world. Christ Himself, in fact, has entrusted to us the care and protection of the least and most defenceless: "whosoever receives one child like this in my name receives me" (Mt 18:5). We all have a duty, therefore, to welcome children and vulnerable people generously and to create a safe environment for them, with priority regard for their interests. This requires a continual and profound conversion, in which personal holiness and moral commitment can contribute to promoting the credibility of the Gospel proclamation and to renewing the Church's educational mission"[1]
[1] Pope Francis, Motu proprio On the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Persons, 26.03.2019
President of the Commission
(Custody of Christ the King - SWISS)
Secretary of the Safeguarding Office
(Province of Ireland)
Director of the Safeguarding Office
(Province of St. Michael the Archangel - UKRAINE)
(USA)
(PHILIPPINES)
(Province of Ireland)
(Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe - USA)
(Custody of St. Anthony - SINGAPORE)
(Province of St. Francis Solano – ARGENTINA)
(Province of the Assumption of the BVM - BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA)
(Custody of the Good Shepherd - ZIMBABWE)
(Province of the Immaculate Conception - POLAND)
President of the Commission
(Custody of Christ the King - SWISS)
Secretary of the Safeguarding Office
(Province of Ireland)
Director of the Safeguarding Office
(Province of St. Michael the Archangel - UKRAINE)
(USA)
(PHILIPPINES)
(Province of Ireland)
(Province of Our Lady of Guadalupe - USA)
(Custody of St. Anthony - SINGAPORE)
(Province of St. Francis Solano – ARGENTINA)
(Province of the Assumption of the BVM - BOSNIA-HERZEGOVINA)
(Custody of the Good Shepherd - ZIMBABWE)
(Province of the Immaculate Conception - POLAND)
As Friars Minor we recognize the fundamental value of the dignity of each person and his or her rights as a being created in the image and likeness of God (Gen 1:27). For this reason, each one of us deserves to be treated with respect and care[1].
Those of us who have made a commitment to a more radical following of Jesus Christ are called to be a prophetic memory in the Church. We stand for the Life and Dignity of all people, particularly the most vulnerable.
Our commitment as Friars Minor to safeguarding is an actualised form of living our charism of minority by renouncing any kind of abuse of power towards others[2].
Therefore, we are guided by the fundamental values of:
[1] Cfr. Final document, GC 2021, no. 18.
[2] CCSS Art. 45.
[3] CCGG Art. 9.
