The Diocese of Tonga was approved to begin implementing the Memorare Initiative and aligning it with the Universal Guidelines Framework.

The proposal for the pilot project in the Pacific Island country was presented and subsequently approved during the Oct. 7-11 Plenary Assembly of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors in Rome.

“It Is a Blessing for Tonga”

In early July, the regional team – comprised of Commission member Sinalelea Fe’Ao and regional expert Daniele Donnini –  visited Tonga to present the Commission’s work.

During their visit, the team met with local church authorities in charge of Safeguarding, evaluated Safeguarding protocol and procedures, discussed the Universal Guidelines Framework pilot project in Tonga, and introduced the Memorare Initiative (MI). They also identified potential advisors to help implement the MI.

The regional team of Asia/Oceania learned of the approval during the weeklong meeting in Rome and expressed the local church’s joy.

“The bishop of Tonga (Cardinal Soane Patita Paini Mafi) is calling it a blessing for Tonga to have both the Memorare (Initiative) and the Universal Guidelines Framework being approved,” Sinalelea said.

In the coming months, training on the Universal Guidelines Framework and the Memorare Initiative will begin with local church authorities in Tonga.