Strategic Dialogue with Mr. Marcel C. Akpovo

Geneva | June 22, 2024

On June 22, 2024, our IMCS Pax Romana International team had the honor of meeting with Mr. Marcel C. Akpovo in Geneva. Mr. Akpovo is not only a former Pan-African Coordinator of Pax Romana IMCS-MIEC but also a highly respected Regional Director of the United Nations for East Africa, Representative to the African Union, and member of the IMCS IT Advisory Committee.

Joining the meeting were International President Mr. William Nokrek and Secretary General Mr. Fasika Lachore Laba. It was an inspiring conversation about shared values, collective responsibility, and a vision for empowering young people as leaders and changemakers.

Key Themes from the Discussion

1. Youth Empowerment as a Catalyst for Change:
   We discussed the vital role young people play in shaping the future. Mr. Akpovo highlighted how youth bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and boundless energy to the table. His passion for empowering the next generation reminded us of the need to create more spaces for young voices to be heard and their potential to be realized.
2. Strategic Leadership Development:
   Together, we explored ways to foster leadership that goes beyond titles, focusing on values like inclusivity, collaboration, and creativity. The goal isn’t just to prepare young people for leadership but to equip them to lead with empathy and integrity in an ever-changing world.
3. Collaborative Opportunities Across Borders:
   Drawing from his extensive experience with the United Nations and the African Union, Mr. Akpovo shared valuable insights about the importance of partnerships. He encouraged us to think globally while acting locally, creating connections between grassroots movements and international organizations to amplify our collective impact.

The Annual Meeting with Moderators of Associations of the Faithful, Ecclesial Movements, and New Communities

Vatican City | June 13, 2024

Introduction:
IMCS Pax Romana had the honor of attending the Annual Meeting with Moderators of Associations of the Faithful, Ecclesial Movements, and New Communities at the New Synod Hall in Vatican City on June 13, 2024. Representing our movement were Mr. William Nokrek (President), Mr. Fasika Lachore (Secretary-General), and Ms. Federica Damatte (Lay Animator, JECI MIEC Europe).

This year’s theme, “The Challenge of Synodality for Mission,” brought together faith-filled leaders to explore how synodality—journeying together—can strengthen the Church’s mission and create deeper connections in our communities.

Key Moments and Insights:

1. Opening Mass with Cardinal Kevin Farrell:
   The meeting began with a beautiful Mass at Saint Peter’s Basilica, led by Cardinal Kevin Farrell. His homily focused on charity, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and the importance of genuine love and respect for one another. His words reminded us that charity isn’t just an ideal but something that should guide every decision and action we take.
2. A Message from Pope Francis:
   One of the most moving moments was hearing Pope Francis speak. He encouraged us to be open to others, to avoid becoming insular or too focused on our own groups, and to see synodality as a way to renew our hearts and our mission. He called on us to listen more, to work together, and to serve with humility and love.
3. Sharing Stories of Synodality in Action:
   Throughout the day, different associations shared their experiences with synodality. We heard how communities have practiced discernment, fostered co-responsibility, and developed new ways to bring faith and action together. It was inspiring to see the variety of approaches while recognizing our shared goals.
4. Focus on the Mission of the Church:
   The discussions repeatedly brought us back to the Church’s mission: to serve others, especially those on the margins. Synodality isn’t just about internal processes; it’s about equipping us to be better witnesses and servants in the world.

Our Role as IMCS Pax Romana:

• Bringing the Voices of Students and Young People:
  At IMCS Pax Romana, we are passionate about amplifying the voices of youth and students in the Church. During the meeting, we shared how young people are key to revitalizing the Church and how our movement is helping them embrace leadership roles in faith and service.
• Contributing to Dialogue:
  Our representatives—William, Fasika, and Federica—engaged in meaningful conversations with leaders from other movements. It was a joy to exchange ideas and learn from their experiences.
• Offering a European Perspective:
  Federica shared insights from her work in Europe, focusing on the challenges and opportunities young Catholics face today. Her contributions highlighted how local realities can shape global strategies for the Church’s mission.

What We Learned and How We’ll Move Forward:

1. Building Relationships:
   This meeting strengthened our connections with other associations and movements. We are excited to collaborate on future projects and initiatives that reflect the spirit of synodality.
2. Bringing Synodality to Life in IMCS:
   We’ll introduce workshops to help our members explore synodal leadership and decision-making. These will focus on listening, dialogue, and co-responsibility as key tools for building stronger communities.
3. Mission-Driven Action:
   Inspired by the meeting, we will continue to align our work with the broader mission of the Church, ensuring that everything we do supports both our members and the communities they serve.

Conclusion:
This gathering reminded us of the beauty and strength of the Church when we walk together. It was a privilege to represent IMCS Pax Romana and share our journey while learning from the inspiring stories of others.

As we move forward, we hold close the words of Cardinal Farrell and Pope Francis, embracing charity, humility, and openness as we work to empower young people and foster hope in our Church and the world.

International Youth Ministry Congress

For a Synodal Youth Ministry: New Leadership Styles and Strategies. 

Rome, Italy | May 22–26, 2024

Introduction: The International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS Pax Romana) proudly participated in the International Youth Ministry Congress held at Casa di Accoglienza “Il Carmelo” near Rome, Italy, from May 22–26, 2024. Represented by Secretary-General Mr. Fasika Lachore and Barbara Faller, former National President of KHJÖ, we contributed to this vital assembly of global youth ministry leaders under the theme, “For a Synodal Youth Ministry: New Leadership Styles and Strategies.”

Highlights of the Congress:

1. Synodality and Vocational Discernment: The Congress emphasized the significance of synodality and vocational discernment as cornerstones for an engaging youth ministry. Reflecting on Christus Vivit, the event underscored the importance of listening, dialogue, and inclusion to empower young people as protagonists in the Church.
2. Youth as Agents of Renewal: A pivotal message from Pope Francis resonated throughout the Congress: young people are not just the future but the now of the Church. He urged participants to foster environments where youth can authentically express themselves, lead, and revitalize the Church with their unique energy and creativity.
3. Reflections on Pastoral Strategies: Key sessions delved into innovative approaches to youth ministry:
   • Strengthening leadership roles for young people.
   • Developing tools for spiritual accompaniment.
   • Bridging generational gaps in communication.
   • Highlighting the importance of cultural contexts in pastoral planning.
4. Preparation for Future Milestones: Participants reflected on the success of World Youth Day Lisbon 2023 and discussed preparations for the Youth Jubilee in 2025 and World Youth Day Seoul 2027. This continuity underscored the Church’s commitment to fostering a global community of faith and action.
5. Pope Francis’ Audience: During a special audience, Pope Francis highlighted the essential role of youth in shaping a synodal Church. His call to “walk together” resonated deeply, urging us to embrace listening as a form of pastoral care and a path to spiritual growth.

IMCS Pax Romana’s Contribution:

• Advocacy for Global Youth Concerns: IMCS Pax Romana presented a strong voice for students and young professionals worldwide, particularly advocating for inclusive strategies in pastoral programs.
• Synodal Leadership: Highlighting our long-standing experience in fostering synodality within our organization, we shared best practices in leadership and collaborative decision-making.
• Engagement in Workshops: Both Mr. Fasika Lachore and Barbara Faller actively participated in workshops and discussions, sharing insights from IMCS’s work on the ground in diverse cultural and socio-political contexts.

IMCS human rights internship program in Geneva for Sri Lankan HRDs

March 2024

Ruki Fernando

From 3^rd to 10^th March 2024, International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS) – Pax Romana hosted and supported team of seven Sri Lankan Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) for a human rights internship to learn, experience and use UN human rights mechanisms based in Geneva, Switzerland. The team included me as team leader, an interpreter and diverse team of five young HRDs. The five HRDs were all grassroots activists, visiting Europe for 1^st time (most overseas for the 1^st time). They were from different areas in Sri Lanka and were victims of rights violations or from victimized communities. They attended 55^th session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), made two oral statements during the UNHRC, submitted one written statement to the UNHRC, met UN staff from Special Procedures, Treaty bodies and Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). They also met a British diplomat who have been working on Sri Lanka for long time, Geneva based NGOs, two HRDs from Rohingya community and Manipur and attended side events at the UNHRC.

IMCS assisted with providing accreditation to the UN, making arrangements to submit the written statement and make two oral statements. During the weekend, IMCS hosted them in IMCS International centre in La Roche, France, for some rest and de-briefing session. IMCS also assisted with logistical arrangements such as accommodation, transport, welcoming at airport, occasional interpretation and general accompaniment. The five participants were selected from amongst more than thirty who had undergone an introductory course on UN Human Rights mechanisms in Sri Lanka in December 2023 – January 2024. Participants are now in process of engaging in follow up activities in Sri Lanka.

My involvement in conceptualizing and organizing this initiative was inspired by my participation in Pax Romana human rights internship in Geneva many years ago and subsequent attempts at training HRDs from Sri Lanka and Asia on UN human rights mechanisms and assisting individual HRDs in undertaking lobby visits to Geneva. Outgoing and former IMCS team members Ravi and Budi provided valuable assistance and advise in organizing the program in Geneva.

The initiative was sponsored by Bread for the World (BfW) in Germany. After the visit in Geneva, BfW had organized a visit to Berlin in Germany, including meetings with the German foreign ministry official working on Sri Lanka, a German MP, German NGOs and Sri Lankan diaspora in Germany. The team also had a chance to join a customized study tour about memorialization for past rights violations in Germany and session on European institutions dealing with human rights.

Links:

Oral statement during interactive dialogue with Special Rapportuer on Freedom of Religion or Belief

https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k16/k160flweyj – Mins 01.02.18 onwards. Text in Annex 1

Oral statement during interactive dialogue with Special Rapportuer on Right to Housing

https://webtv.un.org/en/asset/k15/k15m87qyxk – Mins 01.18.09 onwards. Text in Annex 2

Written statement https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/g24/029/39/pdf/g2402939.pdf?token=xqHdQ8IGbxNS2tcP4H&fe=true – 

Pax Catholic Forum, Rome 2024