Seminarians commit to safeguarding of minors and vulnerable

Apr 18, 2025

PENANG: College General, Regional Major Seminary, organised a seminar on the Safeguarding of Minors and Vulnerable Persons for seminarians on March 22. The seminar aimed to raise awareness on safeguarding issues.

Lawyer Christopher Kushi covered recent legislative developments on the protection of minors, including the Holy See’s Universal Guidelines, child sexual abuse materials, sexual offences against children, stalking, cyberbullying, harmful online content, grooming, and anti-sexual harassment laws. Dr Mary Bharati, a psychiatrist, shared insights on the psychological effects of child abuse, addressing physical, emotional, sexual, and neglect-related abuse.

The Very Rev Fr Ryan Innas Muthu, rector, emphasised the importance of safeguarding awareness for seminarians as they prepare for roles of spiritual leadership and guidance within their parish communities. He stressed that seminarians must be able to recognise, prevent, and address risks effectively. Understanding the psychological effects of abuse equips them to offer empathetic support to survivors. Fr Ryan highlighted that seminarians must be proactive advocates for safety, as their vocation is rooted in care and compassion, especially for the most vulnerable.

Cardinal Sebastian Francis, President of College General Regional Major Seminary, Penang, together with Rector Fr Ryan and Fr Surain Durai Raj, Dean of Studies, have further strengthened the Safeguarding Standards adapted from the Diocese of Penang. They have introduced five additional standards to promote a culture of respect and safety. These include upholding a zero-tolerance policy for any form of abuse; advancing the principles of Catholic Social Teachings, which emphasise the inherent dignity of every child and vulnerable adult; implementing proactive measures to minimise opportunities for harm; maintaining boundaries in all digital interactions with children and vulnerable adults while refraining from using electronic devices in any manner that is disrespectful, discourteous; and to avoid exploiting positions of trust, power, influence or authority.

Fr Surain shared that the seminar on Safeguarding offered the seminary community an opportunity to reflect on the responsibility that comes with being ministers of the Church. He reiterated the accountability required of priests and seminarians as they serve people from diverse backgrounds. Meanwhile, Gerard Abraham, a second-year Philosophy seminarian, highlighted the growing need for families and society to provide continuous care and attention to children, especially given the rising online dangers, such as interacting with strangers through social media. He emphasised the importance of addressing technological risks alongside traditional safeguarding measures.

1st Year Philosophy seminarian Andy Anthony Masuil reflected on the session’s valuable insights into the rights and laws designed to protect minors and vulnerable individuals. He emphasised that abuse cases in Malaysia must be taken seriously, as the trauma can persist for years and takes time to heal.

Initiation Year seminarian Marcus Leong noted that during their parish pastoral assignments, they may encounter cases of abuse. He stressed the importance of understanding the legal steps to address such issues and being vigilant for signs that may indicate a history of abuse.

1st Year Philosophy seminarian Vincent Yip shared that the seminar deepened his understanding of safeguarding and provided practical advice for personal protection, such as meeting in open spaces and exercising caution with text messages. He emphasised that these precautions protect not only minors and vulnerable adults but also oneself. He was also reassured to learn that dioceses have Professional Standards Offices for guidance and support.

All seminarians acknowledged and signed the Safeguarding Personal Declaration of Seminarians document, with the rector Very Rev Fr Ryan Innas Muthu, serving as the witness.