The Prelature of the Holy Cross and Opus Dei is committed to ensuring a safe environment for minors and vulnerable persons in all its apostolic activities.
This commitment is rooted in the Christian understanding of the dignity of every human person and, in a particular way, in the spirit of Opus Dei, which seeks to help people encounter Christ in ordinary life. Faithfulness to this mission requires special care for those most vulnerable, especially minors. Any form of abuse constitutes a grave offence against God and against the dignity of the person, and is incompatible with the message of the Gospel. For this reason, the Prelature promotes a culture of prevention, vigilance, and responsibility, and seeks to respond with promptness, transparency, and justice to any concern or complaint.
In Trinidad and Tobago, the Prelature has established a Minor Protection Protocol, which sets out clear procedures for the prevention of abuse and for the handling of complaints or reports involving minors. This protocol reflects the guidelines of the Church and the commitment of Opus Dei to foster environments where minors can grow in a safe and supportive way.
Anyone who has knowledge of possible abuse or inappropriate conduct involving a minor is encouraged to report it. The Minor Protection Coordinator of the Prelature of Opus Dei in the Caribbean Region is Rev. Dr. Noel Franceschi Franceschi, and the Deputy Coordinator is Dr. Noiralih Cardozo Acosta. Complaints may be submitted to the Minor Protection Coordinator at the following email address: safeenvironmentTT@gmail.com.
The Coordinator will contact the person making the report, receive the account of the complaint, draw up a written record, and forward it to the Regional Vicar, who, if appropriate, will decree the opening of the canonical process. In making this decision, the Regional Vicar is assisted by an Advisory Committee composed of five professionals with expertise in the fields of law and healthcare.
In accordance with the laws of Trinidad and Tobago, when a report concerns conduct that may constitute a criminal offence, the matter is referred to the competent civil authorities.
Particular attention is given to the care of victims, who are at the centre of this commitment. Those who report abuse are received with respect, understanding, and compassion, are listened to attentively, and are offered pastoral, psychological, and, where appropriate, medical assistance. The Prelature seeks to ensure that victims and their families are supported throughout the process and helped in their recovery.
At the same time, the rights of all persons involved are safeguarded. Every person is presumed innocent until proven otherwise, investigations are conducted with rigour, prudence, and confidentiality, and the good name and dignity of all persons are respected.
Opus Dei in Trinidad and Tobago fully respects and complies with civil legislation regarding the protection of minors. When appropriate, and in accordance with applicable laws, information is shared with civil authorities, and full cooperation is provided in any investigation. At the same time, canonical procedures are carried out in accordance with the norms of the Church.
The protection of minors is a responsibility shared by all. Parents, educators, and all those involved in apostolic activities are called to contribute to creating environments of trust, respect, and care, in keeping with the Christian spirit that inspires the work of Opus Dei. Through these efforts, the Prelature seeks to ensure that every minor can grow in a safe environment, where they are respected, accompanied, and helped to develop fully as persons.
The full text containing the norms established for the investigation of these complaints can be found at the following link: Protocol for the Investigation of Complaints and Other Reports of Abuse of Minors in Apostolic Activities and Christian Formation Carried Out by the Prelature of Opus Dei.