CREATING SAFER ENVIRONMENTS BEGINS WITH US! Province meeting of Atlantic Europe

Introduction

In the first days of October, we held our Europe Atlantic Province gathering.
This meeting was dedicated to the theme of Care and Respectful Relationships, and to deepening our understanding of the Institute’s document “Creating Safer Environments.”

On Saturday morning, enlightened by the parable of the Good Samaritan, we sat together around the table to listen deeply to one another and to share honestly about our own experiences of respectful treatment—or lack thereof.
Because all of us, without exception, have at times been “robbers of life” for others through our words or gestures.
We have sometimes been indifferent to the needs of others, passing by situations of mistreatment or injustice.
But we have also been, and above all learned to be, like the Good Samaritan—discovering through Him new gestures and attitudes of care.

In the afternoon, we listened to Sr. Mar Sáenz, who encouraged us to create “micro-climates” of respectful relationships.
These “micro-climates” gradually heal wounds and build safer environments for everyone, bringing “the oil of consolation and the wine of hope” (Preface: Jesus, the Good Samaritan).

That same day, as we celebrated the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, we ended with an Eucharist for and with Creation.
Our Common Home constantly reminds us that we are its guardians, called to care for the One who cares for us through the gifts of the earth and all creatures.

This gathering was a true time of listening and sharing, which culminated in a time of adoration in the form of a penitential celebration.
During this adoration, we all renewed our commitment to enter into the dynamic of the new life born from His forgiveness—a life that fills us with hope and strengthens our desire to care, as women who are healed and who help to heal.

SATURDAY MORNING

In the opening prayer, we were invited to contemplate the parable of the Good Samaritan “as if we were present there” (Spiritual Exercises), placing ourselves in the position of each of its five characters: the wounded man, the Levite, the priest, the Samaritan, and the innkeeper.
The aim was to recognize that, at different moments in our lives, we can be each one of them.

Afterwards, we shared in small groups—mixed intentionally to foster open dialogue—reflecting on a few questions:

In our relationships, what do I understand by mistreatment? What should we avoid in order to build a culture of respect? What are the consequences of not becoming involved in caring for others?

In community, what do I understand by respectful treatment? What steps should the Institute take to build a culture of care and respect?

It was a very rich and sincere sharing.
We realized that not all of us understand “mistreatment” in the same way, and that talking about it helps us broaden our view and grow in sensitivity.

The conversation made us more aware of the impact our words, gestures, and attitudes have on others.

A true grace—to be able to speak and go deeper together about respectful relationships, protection, and mutual care.

Presentation of Mar - “Respectful Relationships as Prevention of Abuse”

SATURDAY AFTERNOON

Sr. Mar Sáenz spoke to us about “Respectful Relationships as a Way to Prevent Abuse.”
She reminded us that as respectful relationships take root within our relational systems, mistreatment will increasingly feel “out of place” and unable to grow.

Among other points, Mar highlighted the importance of creating “micro-climates” of good treatment—not only to protect against abusive relationships but also to help us see and live life and our relationships in a new way.
And this, she reminded us, depends on each one of us!

How do we promote respectful relationships?
By living them out in the way we relate to others, choosing how we want to be present, and building relationships based on recognizing others as “legitimate others.”

To help us in this, Mar offered seven “building blocks,” inviting each sister to think of personal examples and situations: having a positive outlook toward others; living cooperation; fostering a sense of belonging; exercising authority responsibly and promoting the growth of others; examining how we communicate and create opportunities to talk and listen; addressing conflict constructively; living with humor and enjoying simple things together.

In the presence of the Lord, during adoration, we remained in silence to listen to what resonated within us and to renew our commitment to continue building safer environments.

MASS FOR THE CARE OF CREATION

We ended the afternoon by celebrating the Eucharist using the liturgical form for the Mass for the Care of Creation, recently approved by Pope Leo XIV.
It was the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, marking the close of the Season of Creation and the 10th anniversary of Laudato Si’.

We were deeply grateful for all that we had lived that day, and confident in the transforming love of Jesus.

VOICES OF SOME SISTERS

“Personally, I experienced these two days of the Provincial Encounter in Palmela as an opportunity to deepen the theme of Care and Respectful Relationships, in my vocation as a Handmaid and as part of this body that is the Institute.

Care and respect are a way of life, a desire to ‘go about doing good.’
The moments of sharing, enlightened by the parable of the Good Samaritan, as well as the times of adoration so carefully prepared, and even the attentive listening during the conference, all invited us to live and act in this spirit in our daily lives.

I am grateful for these days that helped us pause and take the pulse of the Institute, to perceive what each community is doing and desires to continue doing, and to renew our commitment to walk this path together—with all those with whom we share life and mission.

“It was a wonderful and well-organized weekend that helped us deepen our understanding of the culture of care.
Mar’s talk was inspiring and clarified how our actions can either help or hinder our capacity to be people who truly care for others.

Sunday morning was particularly enriching. Each community shared how we are implementing health and safety protection in our schools and pastoral ministries—even here in the house with Jo and the caregivers who come.
We are all at different stages, but we work hard to maintain good practices and a true culture of care.

The Europe Atlantic Province devoted two fruitful days to exploring ways of creating safe and nurturing environments where every form of life is respected and supported at every stage of its journey.
Taking as our starting point the parable of the Good Samaritan, we prayed and reflected on the responses and motivations of each character, leading to rich and meaningful dialogue.

Later, we were privileged to enjoy Mar’s beautiful presentation on being “constructive builders” in one another’s lives.
We explored the foundations that give life and create safe environments, as well as those that can wound and foster toxic spaces.
In the end, we were invited once more to renew our commitment to creating safe environments.
May it be so!

“I found the theme of ‘safe environments’ very timely and deeply appreciated the chance to reflect on the culture of care and respectful relationships.
It reaffirmed for me that only love heals all wounds, that we must care for ourselves in order to care for others, and that every person entrusted to us is sacred ground.