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.