Safeguarding Sunday – “Love Protects”
Dear Parishioners and Friends,
This weekend, the Church marks Safeguarding Sunday. It is an important opportunity for us to pray for all those who have experienced abuse, for their families and friends, and especially for those who continue to live with the pain and consequences of what happened to them.
We also acknowledge with humility and sorrow the harm that has been caused by people in Church settings. We cannot change the past, but we can learn from it. We can listen, we can be vigilant, and we can work together to ensure that our parishes and communities are places where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.
The theme for this year is “Love Protects.” These simple words remind us that Christian love is much more than a feeling or a good intention. Real love acts. It listens carefully, notices when someone is vulnerable, speaks up when something is wrong, and does everything possible to protect those entrusted to our care.
The Gospel this Sunday speaks to us about forgiveness. In the context of abuse, forgiveness must never be misunderstood. No survivor should ever be pressured to forgive or made to feel that forgiveness means forgetting what happened. Forgiveness does not excuse wrongdoing or remove the need for truth, justice and accountability. Above all, the Church must stand alongside those who have been hurt and support them on their journey of healing.
As Parish Priest, I want St Bernadette’s to be a community where every person feels safe, welcomed and respected: where children are cherished, young people are listened to, older and isolated parishioners are cared for, and people who are vulnerable in any way are never overlooked.
Safeguarding is an expression of our Christian faith and of the love of Jesus Christ. It is not limited to policies and procedures. Each of us has a part to play in creating a culture where people are safe.
May the Lord give us open eyes to recognise vulnerability, open ears to listen to those who have been hurt, and courageous hearts to do what is right.
May our parish always be a place where love protects, and every person is valued as a precious child of God.
Fr Silvio