Interview with Fr. Gerald Desire SMM: the New Graduate in Safeguarding

Published by Fr. Jailos Augustine Mpina, SMM in Rome · Thursday 06 Aug 2026 · 7:15
Tags: NU, GEN, 1367

[FR] [ES]

ROME, Italy - Fr. Gerald Desirè SMM after finishing his specialization in Safeguarding at the Pontificia Università Gregoriana (PUG) in Rome, is preparing to return to his entity of origin. Fr. Jailos Augustine Mpina, SMM caught up with him in a Q & A interview. The excerpts:

May you briefly tell us your background? What was the purpose of your coming to Rome?

My name is Desire Gerald; I am a Montfortian missionary priest and I come from Madagascar. Before coming to Rome, I served as an assistant parish priest in Tamatave (Sacré-Cœur).

The Congregation sent me to Rome to undertake a specialization in Safeguarding at the Institute of Anthropology – Interdisciplinary Studies on Human Dignity and Care (IADC) at the Pontifical Gregorian University. Earlier, I also had the grace to participate in a year of training at the AFRN (Year of Formation for Novice Masters) in France. This training focuses on supporting people and on responsibility within religious formation.

These different experiences complete each other very well: AFRN provided me with a solid human and spiritual formation, whilst my studies in Rome enabled me to explore the academic and practical dimensions of Safeguarding in greater depth.

What is your thesis all about?

The title of my thesis is: Cultural Challenges for Safeguarding Formative Dynamics at the Montfortian Seminary in Madagascar.

In this research, I aimed to explore an important question: how can we promote a genuine culture of safeguarding within the context of Montfortian formation in Madagascar? To this end, I analysed certain elements of Malagasy culture to demonstrate that, whilst they represent a great source of richness, in certain situations they can also be misinterpreted or used in ways that facilitate abuses of power or other forms of abuse.

Based on this analysis, I have put forward concrete safeguarding practices appropriate to our cultural context and inspired by the Montfortian charism, so that our formation houses may become places that are ever safer, more fraternal and more respectful of the dignity of every person.

Congratulations for passing with Magna cum laude. What are your experiences in Rome? In terms of community life combined with academic studies, languages …

Those two years in Rome were a very enriching experience, both academically and personally.

I have very beautiful memories of community life. For me, the community has always been a source of energy, encouragement and motivation. The simple moments we shared together – sharing a meal, playing UNO, having a pizza or gelato, or simply chatting after a day’s study – helped to create a real sense of brotherhood. It is often these ordinary moments that provide the greatest support on a demanding journey.

The course was very intensive and required a great deal of work, but this sense of brotherhood made the process easier.

The language was certainly one of the first challenges. At first, I had to learn to speak English for my studies and Italian for everyday life, as I came from a mainly French-speaking background. That took a lot of effort. But I also discovered that you don’t have to master everything before moving forward. Thanks to the patience of my professors, fellow students and friends, I gradually gained confidence.

How will your entity benefit from your studies? Where are you going to serve immediately from here?

First of all, I give thanks to God and to the Congregation for the trust placed in me by enabling me to complete this course.

I now wish to put the knowledge, skills and experience I have gained at the service of my Province and the Congregation. For me, safeguarding is not just about putting procedures in place. Above all, it is a way of promoting healthy relationships, the responsible exercise of authority and a culture of respect for human dignity. I hope to be able to contribute, alongside my confreres, to raising awareness within our communities, to developing or improving safeguarding policies where necessary, and to supporting initiatives that will help create environments that are ever safer.

Upon my return, I look forward to carrying out whatever mission my superiors entrust to me, with the aim of putting this new knowledge to work in meeting the practical needs of the Province.

As the Company of Mary, we have Standards for safeguarding, the office of safeguarding and the commission. Each member of the congregation signs the safeguarding policy in his entity so that we are vigilant, compassionate, and proactive in creating safe environments where everyone, especially children and vulnerable adults, feel safe, valued, and empowered. Are you satisfied with these steps and the policies and procedures? Any room for improvement? Recommendations!

I am pleased to see that the Society of Mary has already made real progress in the area of safeguarding.

We now have a Safeguarding Officer at Generalate level, an international commission, and safeguarding policies that are gradually being implemented across the various entities. This is a significant commitment that demonstrates our determination to promote safe and respectful environments for everyone.

I believe, however, that safeguarding is an ongoing process. It is not simply a matter of having policies or documents, but of continuing to train people, raising awareness within communities and fostering a genuine culture of safeguarding.

I think we are already well on our way, and that is encouraging. Like any process of institutional transformation, it requires time, perseverance and the commitment of everyone involved. I would also like to emphasise that, although the term ‘safeguarding’ is relatively recent, its spirit is not new to the Montfortians. Saint Louis-Marie de Montfort has always called us to stand alongside the poor, the little ones and the most vulnerable. Safeguarding is therefore deeply in harmony with our charism.

Our challenge today is to put this spiritual insight into concrete practice, adapted to the cultural, ecclesial and legal realities of each country where we are present.

How do you advise the Montfortians who will be coming to Rome for studies?

I would tell them to come with an open mind and a desire to learn

Studying in Rome is a demanding experience. There will certainly be challenges: the language, the academic schedule, being far from home, or adapting to a new culture. However, one should not be afraid of these challenges. They are part of the formation process and help one to grow.

I would also advise them not to limit themselves to their studies. Community life, meeting classmates from different countries, discovering new cultures and pastoral experiences are also an extraordinary source of enrichment.

Finally, I would encourage them to always bear in mind that these studies are not, first and foremost, a personal project. They are a mission entrusted to them by the Congregation. That is why it is important to approach this period with a sense of responsibility, humility and gratitude, so that everything one receives can subsequently be put at the service of one’s Province, the Congregation and the Church.

What are your hobbies and your favourite food?

When I have time, I particularly enjoy doing sport. I like to go for a run of a few kilometres or simply go for a long walk. It’s a time when I can relax, reflect and renew my energy. I also like to do a bit of weightlifting or a workout to stay in good physical shape.

As for food, I have to say I really enjoyed Italian dishes during my time in Rome. To be honest, it’s hard to pick just one favourite dish, because I found Italian meals to be absolutely delicious. I made the most of them over those two years (laughs).

Fr. Jailos Augustine Mpina SMM

Communications - Rome

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