MSFS Priests Reflect on Canon Law Reforms and Safeguarding Initiatives

Trichy, November 14, 2024: The General Secretariat for Formation of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales (MSFS), conducted a three-day ongoing formation program for MSFS priests from the 2014-2016 batches. Held from November 12 to 14 at Cluny Provincialate in Trichy, the event aimed to enhance priests' understanding of recent canonical updates, guided by Rev. Dr. Saji George MSFS, General Counselor and Secretary for Formation and Rev. Dr Patrick Jeyaraj MSFS, the Provincial Superior of the South-East India Province. The conference saw participation from 40 priests belonging to MSFS Congregation from all over India, representing 7 provinces. 

Rev. Prof. Merlin Rengith Ambrose, Secretary of the Commission for Canon Law in the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) and the professor of Canon Law at St Peter’s Pontifical Seminary was the resource person for the canonical sessions as part of ongoing formation with the theme, “A Call To Transformation”.

The event was organized with the objective of deepening participants’ understanding of updated canonical norms by Pope Francis and various dicasteries, especially Vos estis lux mundi, Norms on Grave Delicts and the Revised Book VI on Penal Sanctions in the Catholic Church. Glimpses of Complementary Norms promulgated by the CCBI and their practical applications were also delved into. Moreover, the input session also insisted on the role of the Church with safeguarding of minors and vulnerable adults and instilled in the minds of the participants the clarion call of Pope Francis by way of the Final Document of Synod on Synodality on creating a safeguarding climate in the institutions and ecclesial ambience of the Church. The final Q&A session was very beneficial to the participants. 

Rev. Dr. Abraham Vetuvelil, Superior General emphasised the importance of staying abreast of developments in Canon Law and their proper praxis and its significant role for the ongoing formation.

The conference not only facilitated significant learning but also promoted collaborative discussions, allowing participants to exchange ideas and insights on the application of canonical principles in contemporary pastoral settings.

By Rev. Dr. Merlin Ambrose