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Vatican subjects controversial communities to new supervision!
Sister Simona Brambilla oversees two communities of the “Family of the Incarnate Word.” Allegations of abuse in focus.
Vatican subjects controversial communities to new supervision!
Vatican City, January 11, 2025 - As part of her first actions as the new head of the Vatican religious authority, Sister Simona Brambilla has placed two communities of the "Instituto del Verbo Encarnado" (Institute of the Incarnate Word) under long-term supervision. This was announced on Saturday. The decision affects both the male and female branches of the community, which were founded in Argentina in the 1980s. This drastic measure is a response to the community's ongoing crisis, which has characterized the community since abuse allegations against its founder Carlos Miguel Buela were uncovered in 2010, as Kathpress reports.
The communities now under surveillance, known as the “Family of the Incarnate Word,” have now become part of a comprehensive investigation. Argentine Bishop Jose Antonio Satue Huerto has been appointed as papal delegate for the priestly community, while the female community will be under the leadership of Sister Clara Echarte. These measures aim to stabilize and support the communities in the areas of training, religious discipline and leadership. The Vatican has already taken the leadership of the community into its own hands in the past and appointed papal delegates.
Background and effects
The “Institute of the Incarnate Word” pursues the mission of proclaiming the Gospel and has established itself worldwide. The community had branches in the USA, Europe and Asia until the abuse allegations were discovered and has up to 1,600 active members, including priests and religious sisters. Buela's internal abuse scandal led to a massive reorganization within the community, while his punishment for psychological and sexual assault continues to cast a lasting shadow over the order, as evidenced by information from Wikipedia.
As the reports indicate, former abuse victims' communication with the community remains key, as they often express sadness and frustration with the Order's decisions and actions. It remains to be seen what further steps Vatican oversight will take in the coming months to repair the fragile state of the community and restore members' trust.