All of this is done as per the indications of the Church, Pope Francis, and the Rector Major, Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime, as well as the Croatian Bishops' Conference and the Conference of Croatian men and women religious. Therefore, the Special Measures and Guidelines for the Protection of Minors and Vulnerable Persons, presented to all members of the Province, were also accepted. So that this would not remain an isolated step, it was decided, with the help of the Center for the Promotion of Vulnerable Persons at the Croatian Catholic University in Zagreb, to organize the meetings for all Salesians, all teachers, and employees of the various educational-training works. During the year 2022, three days were organized: in Žepče (Bosnia and Herzegovina) for 60 teachers and employees of the Don Bosco Catholic School Center (13/05/2022); in Rijeka (Croatia) for 40 teachers and employees of the Salesian Classics Secondary School (30/06/2022); and in Zagreb (Croatia) for about 20 teachers and employees of the Salesian Primary School.
Last Monday, February 13, at the premises of the Salesian Community of Zagreb-Jarun, the first group of thirty Salesians from all the presences of the Province gathered to participate in the Day of Education for the Protection and Welfare of Children and Vulnerable Persons on the theme "Promoting the Well-being of Children and Vulnerable Persons in the Catholic Church." The event began with a greeting from psychologist Barbara Mirković, who is intimately familiar with the work of the Salesians as she has long been involved in their work at the Oratory and parish of Mary Help of Christians in Zagreb-Knežija.
The speakers included members of the Center for Prevention at the Catholic University of Zagreb, UPS Rome alumnus Josip Bošnjaković, a priest from the Diocese of Đakovo and an expert in psychology, professor of psychology at the University of Zagreb and supervisor of the Center for Prevention, along with the president of the same Center, Anita Dučkić Sertić, and a collaborator, psychologist Jelena Zadro. In addition to the lectures (Understanding the Maltreatment of Persons in the Light of the Spiritual, Theological and Pastoral Mission of the Ordained Minister; Limits in Interpersonal Relationships; Violence on Vulnerable Persons; Understanding Power in Church and Social Institutions; How to Live After Abuse), practical times were organized with work in small groups to discuss the issues heard in the lectures or to exchange their own experiences and knowledge. The speakers also presented some practical cases, as well as guidance on what to do if you become aware of a case of abuse.
Another day will be organized in early March for those Salesians who were unable to attend the meeting.
