“True awareness is not just information, but transformation.”
On 28 November 2025, an important Awareness Programme on POCSO and POSH was conducted for the entire seminary community in the Aula Magna from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The programme was organised to help the brothers understand the legal, moral, and pastoral responsibilities involved in protecting children, ensuring safe environments, and responding to issues of harassment with sensitivity and integrity. Dn. Solomon Ishwarary served as the MC for the evening, maintaining good order and introducing each segment with clarity. The session began with a warm welcome by Bro. Srikant from First Year Theology, who highlighted the importance of being well-informed future ministers of the Church. The resource person then led an in-depth session on both POCSO and POSH, explaining the key provisions of the Acts, the responsibilities of individuals and institutions, real-life cases, preventive measures, reporting mechanisms, and the need for moral maturity in handling vulnerable persons. The talk also emphasised the role of clergy and religious in promoting safe pastoral spaces, reminding everyone that “awareness is a duty, not an option.”
After the main presentation, an interactive discussion followed, during which many brothers confidently expressed their thoughts, raised practical questions, and shared their concerns relating to ministry, mission stations, schools, and parish settings. The resource person patiently addressed every question, offering clarity and assuring them that legal knowledge, combined with pastoral sensitivity, builds confidence in ministry. This interaction made the session lively, meaningful, and relevant to the formation of upcoming priests. Towards the conclusion of the programme, our Rector, Fr. Aquin Noronha, along with Fr. Cyprian Creado, felicitated the resource person with gratitude for her valuable guidance and expertise. A brother then delivered the Thanksgiving Speech, acknowledging the organisers, the resource person, the staff, and the entire community for their active participation. The evening concluded with a group photo session, capturing the significance of a programme that not only informed the community but also strengthened its commitment to creating safe, respectful, and responsible pastoral environments.
