It was my first time to meet everyone, being new to the role. And it was an honour. The Provincial Safeguarding Representatives of the European Conference have been working closely together for over two years, and this was their second time meeting in person at the annual Safeguarding meeting. We gathered at the Carmelite Mission, in the beautiful city of Barcelona, from the 21^st to 25^th October. Our 3-day programme was officially opened by Enric Puiggròs, SJ., the Spanish Provincial, who share his experience and challenges with us.

During the following days together the safeguarding delegates from each of the 13 provinces which were represented gave an overview of the safeguarding work that they have been involved in over the course of the year. Despite coming from diverse sub-regions of the continent, with varied cultures and historical contexts, we found important common ground through the sharing of our obstacles and challenges, as well as our progress and best practices.

There was a special focus on healing and accompaniment. Fr. John Guiney and Dr. Sandra Racionero-Plaza presented an update on the status and content of the PCCP (Promotion of a Consistent Culture of Protection) Programme, soon to begin its pilot phase in 4 schools in Europe, as well as in all other Conference at a global level.

For me, it was a time of learning, of great humility and spiritual reflection, energised by a shared dedication and commitment to safeguarding, as we continue to build our community of practice within the European Conference.

A special thanks to the organising committee for this event: Susana Pradera, Tomaz Mikus, SJ., and Julie Ashby-Ellis. And to the JCEP Socius, Hermínio Rico, SJ., for his presence and guidance throughout.

We concluded our meeting with a reflection of where we feel we are at as a community, and of our shared hope and ambition for the year ahead:

“Dear Lord,

Teach us to be close and attentive to those who ask for and expect our care.

Teach us to be a passageway for your love and care for every whole and fragile person.

….. to welcome and care for the beauty of the earth so that everyone feels like a beloved son or daughter” - P. José Maria Brito, SJ.

Brian Cranmer

Safeguarding Coordinator JCEP.