Contributor: Sr. Ma. Jesusa "Jess" ENCIO, DC

Twenty-two Sisters from the Thailand-Laos-Cambodia (TLC) Missions, together with Fr. Ramon ENCINARES, CM, Sub-Director, gathered at the Central House in Lamlukka, Pathum Thani, Thailand, on 20–21 October 2026 for an ongoing formation session on Safeguarding, followed by an input on Data Gathering facilitated by Sr. Maria Pilar Socorro EVIDENTE, DC.

The session focused on the Safeguarding Policy of the Daughters of Charity, Province of St. Louise de Marillac-Asia. Rooted in our Constitutions and guided by Catholic Social Teaching, the policy emphasizes one of the fundamental principles of our faith and mission: the inherent dignity of every human person, created in the image and likeness of God.

Through a comprehensive presentation, Sr. Socorro explained the key elements of the Safeguarding Policy, supported by videos that underscored the importance of protecting children and vulnerable adults from all forms of abuse. Beyond acquiring knowledge and understanding the policy, the session invited each Sister to examine her personal attitudes, relationships, and ways of serving others. It was an opportunity to recognize anew the call to personal conversion, ongoing renewal, and greater accountability in creating safe spaces, becoming safe persons, and building safe communities.

As Daughters of Charity, we are entrusted with creating safe and welcoming communities where each person’s dignity is honored and where each feels respected, valued, heard, and safe. This mission calls for vigilance, compassion, and the courage to protect and care for others, reflecting Christ’s peace and hope in our service.

The participants also reflectively read the Congregational Code of Conduct, renewing their commitment to live its values in their ministries and daily lives. The Code will likewise be shared with lay mission partners, volunteers, and visitors, fostering a shared responsibility for safeguarding and the protection of all persons in our care.

May the fruits of this formation be seen in our daily lives and ministries, strengthening our commitment to protect the vulnerable and uphold the dignity of every person! May our communities become ever safer places where respect, compassion, and the love of Christ flourish!

Seventy-six religious Sisters gathered at the Holy Rosary Prayer and Reflection Center in Iloilo City from May 18–20, 2026 for the second batch of the formation seminar titled “Interior Freedom and Safe Spaces in Religious Life.” The program was initiated by Sr. Maria Socorro Evidente, DC, Head of the Safeguarding Office of the PSLM–Asia, as part of the continuing formation on safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

Facilitated by the Catholic Safeguarding Institute through Fr. James Gascon, SJ and Ms. Maria Stella Quintoz, the seminar brought together 46 Daughters of Charity and 30 Sisters from various religious congregations in a shared journey of reflection, discernment, and renewal.

More than discussing policies and structures, the formation emphasized that safeguarding begins within the person. Participants reflected on the call to create “safe spaces” not only as physical environments, but as a spirituality and culture rooted in respect, trust, freedom, and relational safety. Interior freedom, the facilitators explained, enables a person to live and love according to God’s will, becoming a source of healing and security for others.

One of the central themes of the seminar was the Tripod Safety Relational Model composed of Safe Self, Safe Community, and Safe Ministry. The model highlighted that safeguarding starts with self-awareness, emotional maturity, healthy boundaries, and self-understanding. From these “safe selves” emerge communities where members care for one another with responsibility and compassion, eventually fostering ministries grounded in accountability, mission, and faithful service.

The sessions also explored psycho-spiritual health, managing emotions, sexuality and celibate chastity, safeguarding practices, and ongoing formation in religious life. Participants were likewise introduced to the daily examination of consciousness and spiritual conversation as important practices for discernment, deeper listening, and relational safety.

The three -day formation concluded with a renewed recognition that prayer, community life, and safeguarding are inseparable foundations in building healthy, life-giving, and mission-oriented religious communities.