Towarzystwo św. Franciszka Salezego wobec zagrożenia nadużyciami seksualnymi względem nieletnich

The Catholic Church, as no other community, undertook decisive actions, in order to judge sexual abuses by clerics. The Church aims also to secure environments for raising and evangelization young people. The Society of St. Francis de Sales have also undertaken proper steps and strategies in recent years to purify its ranks, and to face the truth about minors sexual abuse. The important reference point in initial religious formation are records in the salesian Constitution upon consecrated chastity. It is also necessary to firmly apply rules included in Ratio formationis. The problem concerns proper recognition of vocation and human formation in an emotional and sexual space. Remaining in chastity requires also spiritual commitment and lifelong asceticism within the framework of so called permanent formation. However if a sexual abuse happen, it is necessary to face the problem i.e. to show compassion and help to the victims and to explain the whole truth about what had really happened. If a Salesian is guilty of a crime then, in the name of love and truth, it is necessary to apply canonical penalties. Crisis, which touched the Church and the Society of St. Francis de Sales, is an opportunity to thorough personal and communal purification. At the same time it is a reminder that only remaining in Jesus Christ- a Vine Bush can bear good fruit of apostolic service to the youth.