MANGALORE, APRIL 07: As part of the Pastoral Consultation of Diocesan Clergy in Mangalore Diocese, a study session was held on the sexual abuse of women and children and it’s implications on the forenoon of Thursday, April 7, 2022 at St Joseph’s Seminary, Jeppu, Mangalore.
The resource person Sr Dulcin Crasta, UFS, Child and Women Rights activist spoke on “Sexual Abuse and Formation of Clergy.” She brought out various types of sexual abuses of children and women in the Church. She shed light on the social and legal implications of the sexual abuse and penalties for the offences under the act.
She also gave some practical guidelines to control the sexual abuse both at the individual and institutional level.
Rev. Dr Victor George D’Souza, renowned Canonist and Chancellor of the diocese made a presentation on the pastoral and canonical implications of the sexual abuse.
As a response to the matter from the perspective of laity faithful on the issue of sexual abuse was shared Dr Norbert Lobo, Associate Professor of Economics, St Aloysius College (Autonomous), Mangalore presented his personal views. He said, “The matter of Sexual abuses in the Church common needs to be attended seriously.”
He urged the priests to acknowledge the fact that the matter is very pertinent and prominent and thus save the Church from these scandalous issues.
Advocate Vijetha Pinky Dsa shared her reflections on the issue of sexual abuse. She said, “It is very shocking to hear the cases of sexual harassment by priests and religious leaders. It has become a crisis in the Church on an international level. It is embarrassing and disturbing to note scandals in this regard.” She also gave practical suggestions to confront and control sexual abuses in the Church.
Rev. Fr Vijay Victor Lobo, procurator and Secretary of the Parish Union Trust of The Diocese of Mangalore conducted the annual general body meeting and placed the statements of accounts.
Rev. Fr Stany Pinto, Campus administrator, St Philomena College, Puttur compered the programme.
Rev. Dr Joseph Martis, secretary, Council of Priests rendered the vote of thanks.
