For the current person responsible for this area, it is essential to “continue helping to build a culture of safe environments for everyone and keep promoting concrete actions”

Catalina Gallego Barbier, lawyer, with a Master’s in Pastoral Prevention in Ecclesial Environments and specialist in Family Law, is the new General Director of the Safe Environments department of the Legionaries of Christ. Originally from Colombia, for over five years she has been serving as the Coordinator of Safe Environments for Regnum Christi in the territory of Colombia-Venezuela.

She has completed various studies and diplomas related to canon law and safe environments, among which the following topics stand out: Canon criminal law, Prevention of child sexual abuse in educational settings, Theology and prevention: study on sexual abuses in the Latin American church, National, diocesan, and congregational commissions for the protection of minors and vulnerable persons; Child and adolescent law, Safe environments with a psycho-pastoral approach, Prevention in the Latin American church, Canon law of consecrated life, Intervention in child maltreatment and sexual abuse, among others.

She is also the author of the chapter “Safe Environments in Schools” in the book “Prevention in the Church,” published by Buena Prensa and Ceprome.

Catalina replaces Father Gerardo Flores, LC, who has been the General Coordinator since 2017, and who now assumes responsibility for the Initial Formation Area of the General Directorate. Regarding this, Father John Connor, LC, director general of the Legionaries, stated that Father Gerardo “has successfully institutionalized this area, forming a professional team of safe environment coordinators worldwide.” Concerning Catalina’s appointment, he affirmed that “I thank her for accepting this appointment and all the challenges it entails for her and her family.”

For a time, Catalina will also be in charge of coordinating the Safe Environments in the Colombia – Venezuela Territory, while the transition process with the new coordinator is underway.

We welcome Catalina with an interview where she shares some aspects of her life and the work to be developed in this important area.

• Catalina Gallego Barbier, new General Coordinator of Safe Environments for the Legionaries of Christ. Who is Catalina?

I was born in Medellín (Colombia), I am a lay member of Regnum Christi, I am married and have a seven-year-old daughter. I am a lawyer by profession and feel a strong commitment to the topic of safe environments, not only in the church but also in society in general. I am also a very inquisitive person academically, which has led me to undertake several studies on this subject.

• What is your experience in prevention and creating safe environments?

I started to delve into this field because I worked in a family police station. In Colombia, family police stations are the administrative body responsible for restoring the rights of family members who have suffered some form of abuse. Since 2017, I have had the opportunity to be the coordinator of Safe Environments for Regnum Christi in the Colombia-Venezuela territory. It has been a very beautiful experience because I have been involved from the beginning, collaborating with the implementation not only of a structure but also of a prevention and care culture for minors and vulnerable adults.

• What are the best practices to achieve the creation of safe environments? How to strengthen what has been worked on?

The best practice will always be transparency and genuine commitment from everyone interacting with minors and vulnerable adults, both personally and institutionally, not only in creating safe environments but also in timely and appropriate care for victims. Safe environments should be a commitment that each person must assume as a priority, thus generating a consciousness of attention, listening, and prevention.

• Will you support the work of various Safe Environments coordinators worldwide? How do you approach this challenge?

With great enthusiasm to continue generating synergies and a cross-cutting service mission. I approach it with a strong responsibility to support them so that the processes of attention, listening, and creation of safe environments can continue.

• What excites you about this new challenge you are taking on?

I am excited to support victims in their healing processes, continue promoting policies and actions that lead to transparent prevention and care processes. Additionally, to contribute to forming and strengthening support networks that help not only the church but society in general. To help build a culture of safe environments for everyone.

• In closing…:

Favorite quote from a saint: “We have been called to heal wounds, to unite what has been broken, and to bring home those who have lost their way” (St. Francis of Assisi).

Last book you read: When Values Clash, by Joseph P. Chinnici

Best thing about Colombia: The people for their joy and strength in facing different situations.

Hobbies: Traveling, reading, and cooking.