On April 14-17, 2026, the Italian Province of the Immaculate Conception (Sicily-Calabria) conducted a Spiritual Chapter, in two sessions, on the “Protection of Minors.” The event took place at the Kolbe Center in Carini (Sicily) Italy. It was organized by the Safeguarding Office, which was recently established by the Provincial Definitory.
Fifty-five friars from thirteen friaries participated in the Chapter. The new Safeguarding Office was created following a Motion passed at the last Provincial Chapter, in May of 2025. The Provincial Definitory appointed the Vicar Provincial, Friar Rocco PREDOTI, as coordinator and tasked him with identifying qualified individuals to form the Safeguarding Office staff. The new staff members are Valentina MACRÌ, a lawyer; Olga VICARI, a neuropsychiatrist; and Giuseppina PIRAINO, a psychologist.
The four-day training course addressed various issues related to protecting minors. The three experts in this field presented significant case studies. They will be guiding the religious Province on how to treat situations regarding safeguarding and case management that could cause moral and institutional harm.
The Procurator General, Friar Maurizio DI PAOLO, gave a very helpful lecture that explored and explained the guidelines that the Minister General, Friar Carlos A. TROVARELLI, issued to the entire Order. These guidelines outline the legal, canonical, and procedural implications, together with tools for prevention, psychological support, and operational methods.
The new Safeguarding Office has already begun carrying out its mandate from the Definitory. It will handle cases concerning the protection of minors and vulnerable persons, with the aim of supporting these individuals in situations of risk and addressing the issues that arise in the environments in which they live—particularly in ecclesial, parish, educational, and sports settings. Furthermore, the Safeguarding Office staff will be a primary resource for prevention, listening, possibly reporting, and offering support grounded in legal, psychological, and psychotherapeutic expertise. Finally, the new Safeguarding Office is committed to protecting the health, well-being, and safety of minors from physical, psychological, sexual, and economic abuse through the adoption of codes of conduct, staff training, and clear procedures for handling cases of bullying, mistreatment, and manipulation.
Friar Paolo FIASCONARO
