Fortalecer y perseverar en la creación de ambientes sanos y seguros, a través de equipos interdiciplinarios, fue el enfoque común en esta convención anual 2023.
Del 6 al 10 de noviembre, Monterrey, México, fue el escenario de la International Convention of Safe Environments, evento que reunió a coordinadores de distintos territorios, directores territoriales, delegados de las ramas consagradas, así como responsables de esta área en colegios, pastorales y directores de comunicación de varios territorios.
La directora internacional de Ambientes Seguros de la Legión de Cristo, Catalina Gallego, resaltó la importancia de la diversidad de participantes de distintas áreas y países que enriquecieron las discusiones en las diversas sesiones. El enfoque común de la convención fue “strengthen and persevere in creating healthy and safe environments so that evangelization can bear the desired fruits“, expresó Gallego.
Una de las principales novedades de la convención de este año fue la introduction of the concept of comprehensive care for the well-being of those engaged in apostolic work. The aim is to guarantee a well-being that includes emotional, physical, psychological, and, of course, spiritual aspects, which can silently deteriorate due to the dynamics of current society. In light of this, Catalina Gallego affirmed that “it has been proven that the percentage of abuse situations of any kind drastically decreases in an environment where the comprehensive well-being of all people is cared for“.
In this context, caring for overall well-being plays a fundamental role in preventing adverse situations. In the words of Father Óscar Gamboa, L.C., representative of the Colombia territory and responsible for pastoral care for victims in the region, “It fills me with emotion to see the commitment that the Church, the Legion, and Regnum Christi are taking on regarding the issue of safe environments.”
Another aspect addressed during the Convention was team integration, highlighting the inclusion of territorial directors and secretaries, as well as communication directors. This constitutes a crucial part in strengthening the Safe Environments area, which not only coordinates crisis resolution but also is a team effort aimed at raising awareness of prevention and protection. Father Luis Alberto Henao, L.C., Secretary General of the Legion, emphasized that “teamwork and interdisciplinary work generate a culture of care centered on the person.”
Catalina Gallego highlighted the importance of the case study workshop, which allowed applying knowledge and learning from experience, adopting a team approach to strengthen processes.
The commitment of all collaborators in this area pointed towards working on four fundamental objectives: prevention, attention, supervision, and victim care. The International Convention of Safe Environments concluded with a firm commitment to continue collaborating united to create safe and healthy environments, where faith and evangelization can flourish and prosper.
We thank the Northern Mexico Territory for the material shared in the preparation of this note.
