SUVA, Fiji — More than 120 seminarians from across the Pacific gathered in Fiji for a three-day workshop aimed at strengthening understanding of Canon Law and safeguarding in the Church. 

The event was the first of its kind ever to be held at the Pacific Regional Seminary in Suva and was coordinated thanks to the Commission’s Asia-Oceania Regional Group. It followed up on commitments made earlier this year at the Asia-Oceania Regional Safeguarding Workshop, also held in Suva. 

Mons. Brendan Daly, Judicial Vicar and a leading Canon Lawyer with longstanding experience in the region, facilitated the sessions. He guided discussions on Canon Law as it relates to abuse, safeguarding responsibilities, reporting obligations, and the role of Church leadership. 

Seminarians in attendance included 63 diocesan candidates along with representatives of religious orders. The seminary draws students from Fiji, Samoa, Tonga, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands, Cook Islands, and New Caledonia, emphasizing the workshop’s regional significance. 

Participants said the sessions helped clarify difficult topics often obscured by cultural sensitivities and silence. Mons. Daly’s approach, they noted, opened space for honest dialogue on issues such as clerical accountability and misconceptions around adult consent. 

A small number of local safeguarding personnel also joined the workshop, contributing to shared learning and building connections across the region. Clergy who observed the sessions expressed interest in further opportunities for formation in Canon Law and safeguarding. 

Organisers said the workshop represents an important step in building capacity for safeguarding in the Pacific by equipping future clergy with strong theological, legal, and pastoral foundations. 

“These initiatives are not only academic. They are transformative opportunities that create safe spaces for learning, reflection, and growth.” – Mons. Brendan Daly 

In a further attempt to build the knowledge bank and its role in abuse prevention and victim/survivor assistance, the Commission’s Asia group have is also hosting online webinars to walk church personal through Canon Law procedure and practice.  

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