Congratulations to Sr. Hermenegild Makoro, CPS, who was reappointed to the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors (PCPM) by Pope Francis last February. Born in South Africa and currently the Secretary General of the Southern African Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Sr. Hermenegild visited Rome on 17-22 April 2018 to attend the PCPM meeting with its newly appointed members.
In the blog of Cardinal Seán O’Malley, OFM Cap., President of the PCPM, the Cardinal stated: “Our Holy Father, Pope Francis, has given much prayerful consideration in nominating these members. The newly appointed members will add to the Commission’s global perspective in the protection of minors and vulnerable adults. The Holy Father has ensured continuity in the work of our Commission, which is to assist local churches throughout the world in their efforts to safeguard all children, young people, and vulnerable adults from harm.”
“The Holy Father has chosen these eight women and eight men from a multi-disciplinary field of international experts in safeguarding children and vulnerable adults from the crime of sexual abuse. Representatives from several new countries will now offer their insights and experience to the Commission, reflecting the global reach of the Church and the challenge of creating safeguarding structures in diverse cultural contexts.”
“From the beginning of the Commission’s work, the spiritual and pastoral care of all those who have been victims of sexual abuse, together with their families and their communities, has been of primary importance to the Members of the PCPM.
Prayer is a central, important part of the healing process for victims/survivors and for the whole community of believers. Moreover, public prayer is an important way of raising consciousness in the Church.” Let us pray this Simple Prayer (II) composed by the PCPM’s Working Group on Theology and Spirituality for the victims and survivors of sexual abuse:
Heavenly Father, who loves and cares for all of your children, especially the smallest and most vulnerable, we entrust to you the lives of the many children and vulnerable adults, who have been sexually abused, and whose trust and innocence have been destroyed. Help us to hear their cries of pain and to take responsibility for so many broken lives.
We pray that within their communities and families they may find understanding and support so that with the help of your grace their wounds may be healed, and they may again know peace.
Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who shared our weakness in all things but sin, and lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit forever and ever. Amen.
Watch this interview by Spotlight.Africa on 22 February 2018 after Sr. Hermenegild’s reappointment to the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors (PCPM).
“Working for the Church requires a spirit of service,” says Sr. Hermenegild as she addresses the bicentennial celebration of the Catholic Church in Southern Africa held at Khanya House in Pretoria, South Africa on 2 May 2018.
