In the diocese of Novaliches, the Salvatorian Pastoral for Children programme helps women and children overcome trauma. The experience, run by nuns and volunteers, has spread to 73 parishes in the Philippines. The person in charge is Sister Mary Adeline Abamo: “A relevant and necessary ministry.”
Manila () – Children and women who have been victims of sexual abuse find hope, comfort and healing in the Sisters of the Divine Saviour of the Diocese of Novaliches, in Quezon City, near Manila. Thanks to the Salvatorian Pastoral Care for Children programme at the Parish of the Good Shepherd, a group of nuns and their volunteers provide much-needed relief. “These children and women need mental health care, as well as other support, to cope with their lives and move forward,” explains Sister Mary Adeline Abamo, head of the programme, which has been extended to 73 other parishes in the country.
According to the nun, if a child or woman affected by sexual abuse in society does not share or vent to others, their mental health is disturbed. This represents a key social ministry of the Sisters of the Divine Saviour. After 18 years of work, the nun affirms that these children and women are at risk of poverty and other types of vulnerability. However, they need healing that is not only physical: through forgiveness and pastoral care, they can start their lives anew with the grace of God, with the support of their families, communities and the Church. “We are delighted with the interest that the programme is generating. At least 12 vicariates are participating in the programme in the diocese of Novaliches, sharing the commitment to make parishes more welcoming to children,” she adds.
Volunteers, youth, collaborators, former victims and their families support the care and protection of children in the parish community. The idea of caring for abused children and women emerged from the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines in 1991 and the pastoral letter of the Philippine Catholic Bishops’ Conference on the exploitation of Filipino children. In 1998, both articulated the social teachings that underpin Salvatorian Child Ministry. 2,584 child rights activists were instructed on these social teachings during training sessions and conferences.
Pope Francis raised the profile of child protection by establishing the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Children in March 2014 and holding what was billed as a high-level summit on the topic in 2019. In 2014, the 15th year of the program, the Salvatorian Sisters extended their pastoral care of children to two more parishes in the Diocese of Novaliches. Bishop Antonio Tobias established the pastoral care program for children and vulnerable adults, which now operates under the Diocesan Commission for Social Action.
In response to Francis’ request in 2019, Bishop Roberto Gaa of Novaliches founded the Diocesan Safeguarding Office in 2022, with protocols recorded in a manual for the protection of children and vulnerable people. Between January 2001 and January 2024, the Salvatorians’ Pastoral of Children programme helped 512 children who had suffered physical, mental, psychosocial or sexual abuse. Some were left homeless, abandoned or had their births registered after the fact. Some received medical or educational assistance. Twelve other cases have gone to trial, but are still pending. The Sisters of the Divine Saviour face many challenges and resistances. But they face them with fortitude and courage.
“Our ministry to these children and women is pertinent and necessary,” adds Sister Abamo. The sisters also work closely with other religious organizations or ecumenical churches. The Salvatorian Sisters are committed to promoting the rights of children, ensuring their well-being and promoting their future. They follow the participatory approach to empowerment. The guiding principle is that no child experiences any form of neglect, abuse, violence, exploitation or discrimination; instead, all children live in safe, healthy, caring and protective environments. A child-friendly parish, drawing on community engagement and child protection expertise, takes into account Filipino culture and conditions in impoverished areas. “We encourage and cultivate a loving and supportive environment for children in families and communities,” says Sr. Abamo.
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