Empowering the Laity: IMCS Pax Romana at the Lay Mission and Vocation Conference on Synodality 

Rome, Italy | October 9–13, 2024

From October 9 to 13, 2024, IMCS Pax Romana had the privilege of participating in the Lay Mission and Vocation Conference & Catholic Social Forum on Synodality, held at the beautiful Villa Lante in Rome, Italy. This gathering brought together over 35 lay leaders from around the world, including current and former members of Pax Romana (IMCS and ICMICA), to explore the role and mission of laypeople in a synodal Church.

This was not just a conference—it was a moment to reflect, connect, and collaborate. It reaffirmed our shared mission to make the Church more inclusive, participatory, and reflective of the vision set forth by Vatican II.

A Strong Representation by Pax Romana
We were proud to see a strong presence from Pax Romana at the forum. Current and former leaders included:

• Fasika Lachore Laba, Secretary-General of IMCS Pax Romana.
• Alex Muthobi, former Pan African Regional Coordinator of IMCS Pax Romana.
• Rev. Fr. Fratren Masawe SJ, Pan African Chaplain and Vatican Envoy of IMCS Pax Romana.
• Iris Almeda Cote, former President of IMCS Pax Romana.
• Helen Ting, former Secretary-General of IMCS Pax Romana.
• Prof. Ana Maria Bidegain, current President of ICMICA Pax Romana.
• Prof. Kevin Ahern, former President of both IMCS and ICMICA Pax Romana.
• Fr. Luis Maria Goicoechea, current Chaplain of ICMICA Pax Romana.

Their collective insights and experiences enriched the discussions, highlighting the lasting impact of Pax Romana’s mission across generations.

Forum Highlights

1. A Platform for Lay Movements:
   A key session, “The Lay Apostolic Movements and Their Current Action,” brought together representatives from various Catholic lay organizations to share their activities, challenges, and hopes for the future.
   IMCS Pax Romana showcased its work in empowering youth and fostering leadership, while also contributing to broader conversations on collaboration among lay movements.
2. The Domitilla Declaration 2024:
   A major milestone of the forum was the adoption of the Domitilla Declaration 2024, titled “Protagonists of Synodality: A Message from Lay Leaders to the Second Session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod.”
   This declaration emphasized:
   • The centrality of the baptismal vocation in the Church’s mission.
   • The importance of methodologies like see-judge-act and the Review of Life.
   • The need to recognize and support lay-led structures as vital expressions of synodality.
3. Discussions on Vatican II’s Legacy:
   Participants reflected on the teachings of Vatican II and their relevance in today’s Church. There was a shared call to build a Church where all the baptized are empowered to take on active roles, particularly in the lay apostolate.

What We Took Away

1. A Renewed Commitment to Lay Leadership:
   The forum reminded us of the transformative potential of lay leadership. As IMCS Pax Romana, we are inspired to deepen our efforts in empowering young Catholics to lead with faith, integrity, and courage.
2. The Power of Synodality:
   The conversations reinforced the importance of creating spaces for dialogue, listening, and collaboration. Synodality isn’t just a concept—it’s a way of being Church together.
3. Continuity Across Generations:
   Seeing former and current leaders of Pax Romana come together was a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of our mission. It’s a call to ensure that this legacy continues to grow and evolve for future generations.

Looking Ahead
The Lay Mission and Vocation Conference was more than just an event—it was a celebration of the laity’s vital role in the Church. For IMCS Pax Romana, it was a moment to reflect on our own contributions and reaffirm our commitment to building a Church that truly embodies the principles of Vatican II.

As we move forward, we carry with us the insights, friendships, and renewed energy from this gathering. Together, we are ready to continue the journey toward a more inclusive and participatory Church.