Formation on Safeguarding in the Catholic Church

by Resti Ma. M. Bautista

The annual Sowing Seeds Workshop was held on March 7, 2026 in Pansol, Quezon City.  Organized by married couple missionaries Cecilia and Resti Bautista, the workshop gathered Verbum Dei disciples who are serving in apostolates for children. From the Missionary Journey in Pasig, 9 delegates attended with their apostolate head, Sr. Juvy Tenorio, FMVD.  The Pansol Kids School of the Word had 10 participants, led by married couple Lichel and Sherwin Layoso. 

Resti Bautista opened the activity with prayer guidelines centered on the "Good Sower." Drawing from Isaiah 55:10-11 and the Parable of the Sower, he encouraged participants to trust that God’s purpose will always succeed, even in seemingly impossible circumstances. "We have a Good Sower who cares for us and gives his life for us," he shared, calling for a conversion of heart to remain rooted in Christ.

"Whoever receives one child like this in my name receives me." Guided by this call from Matthew 18:5, guest speaker Ms. Maria Lynette Mendoza led a vital formation on Safeguarding. She explored the complexities of abuse within Filipino culture and introduced a holistic framework for building safe spiritual communities. The session ended with an active dialogue on practical ways to safeguard every child and teen in our care.

Mechie Quinal shared both her gratitude for the conversation and her concern that current reports represent "only the tip of the iceberg." Acknowledging the challenge of moving from guidelines to action, she reminded the community that safeguarding is a collective responsibility. “May we continue building a Church that protects, listens, and cares for the most vulnerable,” she concluded.

Kitel Mendoza felt the combination of factual data and God’s Word provided the hope and faith necessary for her to confront the current crisis. She also shared, “I look forward to our next steps, and I am more than willing to extend whatever help I can in establishing localized guidelines, including referral pathways, legal references and a directory of resources.”   

Gabriel Lanada, a disciple leading programs for teens in Pansol, reflected on the need for continuing formation on safeguarding. “Young people need more knowledge and awareness to prevent abuse, respond properly to risks, and create environments where trust and respect can flourish.”

As we work together as a community to ensure safe spaces for minors and the vulnerable in our apostolates, we rest in the words of Jesus in John 15:4, “Abide in me, and I in you.” We pray to continue to grow in trust and confidence in God, who is our Good Sower.

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The Pasig Missionary Journey is held every third Sunday from 1PM-3PM at the Verbum Dei Center for Formation, 53 Elpidio Santos, Palatiw, Pasig City. The Kids School of the Word at Pansol is held every Saturday from 10AM-12PM at 58 Pansol Ave, Quezon City, Metro Manila.  
For donors and inquiries on how to help in these apostolates, contact us via [email protected].