Session on Safeguarding of Minors for the Missionaries of Africa of the Southern Africa Province (Lusaka, Zambia: 13-30 June 2025)
Monday, June 16th 2025
In today’s morning session our confrere Peter Mateso gave us a presentation on the fidelity to our founder Cardinal Charles Lavigerie’s caring vocation of safeguarding of children and the most vulnerable. In his presentation, he made reference to Genesis 4:9, which speaks of being our brother’s keeper. He emphasised that safeguarding is about being our brother / sister’s keeper, caring for and protecting one another with love and responsibility. He explained that this ministry isn’t new; it’s part of our founder’s legacy. What is new is how we live it today, with greater awareness of its impact. Being faithful to this legacy means embracing both its joys and its challenges. Safeguarding is not just about protecting children, the elderly, or the vulnerable; it’s also about how we live with integrity in our ministry and mission, knowing that how we act mirrors the universal mission of the Church.
In the afternoon session we had Rev. Dr. Romuald Uzabumwana (Pallotine Priest), Psycho-therapist and Professor at the Gregorian Pontifical University Institute of Anthropology: Interdisciplinary Studies on Human Dignity and Care – IADC. He reminded us that Pastoral power or authority is a call to serve, not to control. He reminded us that true authority comes from Christ and should be exercised with humility, care, and responsibility. Abuse of power happens when there is imbalance, entitlement, emotional immaturity, or lack of accountability. Healthy leadership reflects Christ: it is mission-focused, emotionally mature, honest, open to others, and rooted in service. These elements are key in safeguarding ministry.
Safeguarding is our commitment
By: Okunola Michael, M.Afr., Claude Nsengiyuva, M.Afr., Eric Kambale, M.Afr., Lowrent Kamwaza, M.Afr.