AMECEA/CCC: Safety of Children is Key: Catholic Nun at Convening of Catholic Care for Children
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
At the opening prayer session of a three-day conference on Catholic Care for Children (CCC), a nun representative from the Catholic Care for Children International at the International Union of Superiors General (UISG) has stressed on the significance of the safety of children for prevention of adversity.
“Lord, we thank you for your compassionate love. We surrender our intentions to you as we pray for the safety of our children in the world,” Sr. Nirmala Arul a member of the Institute of the Blessed Virgin Mary congregation (Loreto Sisters) prayed as the session began.
Reflecting on the Gospel of St. Mathew on Jesus love for Children when he said “Let the little children come to me…,” Sr. Arul said that Jesus loves the little children of the world since they are a gift from God and they are precious in His sight.
She asked each of the over 100 participants to reflect on what their role is especially in regard to “providing a safe, healthy environment for children, where children are given the security they need to develop and flourish, and to be able to realize their hopes.”
The member of the Loreto Sisters further stressed on the African proverb that states; “It takes a village to raise a child,” and laid emphasis on the relevance of the phrase “Every child comes with the message that God is not yet discouraged of man.”
Sr. Arul also prayed for the government officials and all those who make policies related to child care and care reform for God’s guidance, wisdom and protection to come up with helpful guidelines.
