Capacity-Building Programmes Equip Church Leaders and Missionaries to Create Safer Environments

MUMBAI/PUNE, India — Caritas India has expanded its safeguarding formation efforts through a series of training programmes designed to strengthen the protection of children and vulnerable adults across Church institutions, social ministries and overseas mission settings.

A three-day safeguarding workshop, held from 13–15 May 2026 at the Sarvodaya Capacity Building Centre in Mumbai, brought together 31 participants from Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Jharkhand and the North East, alongside members of the Caritas India team. The participants were trained as regional safeguarding resource persons, equipping them to support dioceses, Church institutions and social ministry organisations in developing stronger safeguarding awareness, policies and practices.

Building Regional Safeguarding Expertise

The workshop focused on practical aspects of institutional safeguarding, including organisational stakeholder mapping, complaints-handling and investigation procedures, case-study analysis, and strategies for strengthening safeguarding systems within Church and social service settings.

Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop Emeritus of Bombay, led a session on the implementation of Vos Estis Lux Mundi within the Indian Church context, helping participants understand current Church accountability mechanisms and safeguarding responsibilities.

The programme also featured contributions from Sr Arina Gonsalves RJM, a member of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, who shared emerging safeguarding initiatives and examples of good practice from across Asia. Her sessions focused on promoting a survivor-centred approach to safeguarding and explored practical ways institutions can strengthen safeguarding systems while addressing implementation challenges.

Safeguarding Preparation for Overseas Mission Personnel

Particular emphasis was given to safeguarding formation for Church personnel preparing for international mission assignments.

A dedicated safeguarding programme was conducted at Ishvani Kendra, Pune, on 10–11 June 2026, bringing together 48 religious and priests preparing to serve in overseas mission contexts. Participants included 24 men religious and 24 women religious who are scheduled to undertake ministry across Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania and the Americas.

The formation programme was designed to ensure mission personnel are equipped to meet safeguarding expectations in diverse cultural and institutional environments before their deployment abroad.

Training sessions addressed key safeguarding topics, including:

• Creating safe environments for children and vulnerable persons;
• The application of Vos Estis Lux Mundi;
• Cyberbullying and digital abuse;
• Safeguarding case studies;
• Group discussion and practical reflection exercises.

Organisers said the programme aimed to help missionaries understand their safeguarding responsibilities and promote consistent standards of protection and accountability in international ministry settings.

A Collaborative Pathway to Safer Church Communities

Together, the Mumbai and Pune programmes reflect Caritas India’s ongoing commitment to building safeguarding capacity throughout the Church and its social ministries. By developing regional safeguarding resource persons and providing specialised preparation for overseas missionaries, the initiatives seek to strengthen safeguarding culture at multiple levels.

The programmes form part of a broader collaborative effort to support dioceses, religious congregations and social ministry organisations in creating safer environments where children and vulnerable adults are protected, respected and able to participate free from harm.