Diocesan Congress of Catechesis proposes creating safe spaces to protect children and vulnerable people

The need to establish safe environments for catechumens, with a particular emphasis on protecting children and adolescents, was a central theme at the III Diocesan Congress of Catechesis. Approximately 2,000 catechists from various parishes within the Diocese of San Lorenzo convened for the event, held over two days at the San Lorenzo Municipal Sports Center.

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There is a lack of accompaniment for catechists. There is also a lack of training offered by the diocese, and when these spaces are generated, often people do not participate.

Throughout the congress, participants engaged in conferences, training sessions, prayer, and the exchange of experiences designed to enhance the evangelizing efforts of pastoral workers. A significant portion of the discussions revolved around the importance of creating secure spaces within parish communities for vulnerable individuals. Father Pedro Celestino Brítez, the diocese's Catechesis advisor and parish priest of the San Lorenzo Cathedral, highlighted the need for prevention mechanisms and clear procedures for responding to potential abuse cases.

Father Brítez noted a perceived lack of support and training for catechists offered by the diocese, suggesting that participation in available programs is sometimes low. He stressed the urgency of developing a protocol to guide actions should any sensitive situations arise, particularly concerning the safety of children and minors. The congress sought to equip pastoral agents with new tools to navigate the challenges of modern evangelization and to foster a more integral form of catechesis.

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The need for a safe environment for vulnerable people, especially children and minors, was discussed. The need to develop a protocol to act if a situation eventually arises was also discussed.

The event concluded with a closing Mass presided over by the Bishop of San Lorenzo, Monsignor Joaquín Hermes Robledo. In his homily, he urged the catechists to embrace their evangelizing mission with coherence, drawing inspiration from Jesus Christ and allowing God's word to transform their lives and service. The congress emphasized an inclusive approach to catechesis, acknowledging the realities faced by families and communities, aiming for a more effective and personal transmission of faith.

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