With the arrival of 2025, the Claretian Missionaries have renewed the Congregational Vademecum, which includes the Manual for the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Adults and the Protocol for Action in the Event of a Possible Sexual Abuse Offense.
The new Vademecum updates the previous edition from late 2019, incorporating new directives from the Church, accumulated experience, and insights gained from and with victims. The Congregation’s firm commitment to fostering care and respectful treatment is reflected in a dozen key areas, including relationships with individuals (with special attention to minors and their families), the initial and ongoing formation of anyone representing the Congregation who interacts with minors (Claretians, pastoral agents, employees, collaborators, etc.), and the establishment of appropriate norms and control mechanisms. In line with the Church’s wishes, the text places special emphasis on survivors and their rights, while also considering those accused of offenses or inappropriate behavior, as well as those who have committed them.
The Superior General, Fr. Mathew Vattamattam, CMF, has promulgated the document with a letter emphasizing the value of each person as a precious treasure in the eyes of God and the evangelical duty to act with compassion and justice, ensuring that those who suffer receive the attention and care they deserve.
The Vademecum reiterates that no form of abuse—physical, emotional, power-related, or of conscience—has any place within Claretian institutions and activities. Soon, the General Government of the Congregation will remind Claretian Provinces and Delegations to review their protocols and codes of conduct in light of the new congregational framework, always in compliance with the laws applicable in each nation and context. Every Organism (Provinces and Delegations) will conduct an annual review, in coordination with Rome, to assess the extent to which the Vademecum’s directives and regulations are being effectively implemented.
In addition to the established communication and reporting channels of each Organism, the Congregation has created a dedicated email account [tutela@cmfgen.org], where anyone can share information or express concerns on these matters. This email can also be accessed through the Congregation’s official website.
