For the protection of children and vulnerable people

The prevention of abuse and attention to victims are the most relevant topics of the tenth day of the 56^th General Chapter.

Since 2015, the Order of Augustinian Recollects has been working on abuse prevention in its environments. A stable team and new tools have been developed in this regard. In 2019, the Commission for the Protection of Minors was created and placed directly under the Prior General. The 56^th General Chapter reviewed and ratified these developments Friday, 11 March.

Augustinian Recollect Daniel Medina, dean of the Faculty of Canon Law of the Catholic University of Argentina, lent his expertise on the matter, advising the Chapter as external consultant. The friar, who is vicar provincial of the Recollects in that south American country, focused on attention to the abuse victim. He also advised on the updating of protocols and documents in line with the directives of the Holy See.

The Chapter thanked the commission for its work and showed appreciation for the involvement of professionals and experts from outside the Order.

The General Chapter also reviewed the structures and organisms of the Order in view of their streamlining for greater efficiency. The capitulars expressed their views and suggestions. For his part, Fr. Medina advised on the implications to Church legislation of the suggested modifications of the Constitutions of the Order.

The Eucharist of the day was presided over by the Prior Provincial of the Province of St. Thomas of Villanova, Miguel Angel Hernandez, with the religious of the Province being remembered in a special way before the Lord’s altar.