Session on Safeguarding of Minors for the Missionaries of Africa of the Southern Africa Province (Lusaka, Zambia: 13-30 June 2025)
Monday, June 23rd 2025
In today’s morning session, Mr. Noel Kondwani Mtoza gave a presentation on safeguarding of minors as a justice issue in our pastoral contexts. He highlighted that we cannot separate work of evangelisation from the ministry of Safeguarding, they must go hand in hand. Our words and actions must align. He insisted on this point by making scriptural references to Amos 5:24; and Luke 4:18-19. He insisted that injustice is a safeguarding concern as poverty, conflicts, and inequality heighten the risk of being abused.
In the afternoon session, Fr. John Paul Kimes gave a presentation on the Preliminary Canonical Investigation on abuse cases and case management. This presentation focused on understanding the preliminary investigation as a key tool in safeguarding. He journeyed with us on what a preliminary investigation is, how it serves to protect the people of God, and how to properly initiate and conclude it. His presentation also covers the major elements involved on the appropriate steps to take once the investigation is complete.
The day ended with a Eucharistic celebration presided over by Fr. Jean-Marie Chisugi. In his homily, he reminded us not to be judges over each other but to look at each other with eyes of love. In the context of safeguarding, he said that we are not safeguarding delegates so that we can judge our brothers and sisters, but rather to love and protect them.
Safeguarding is our commitment
By: Okunola Michael, M.Afr., Claude Nsengiyuva, M.Afr., Eric Kambale, M.Afr., Lowrent Kamwaza, M.Afr.