IMCS Asia Pacific embarked on a collaborative journey with its national movements and contact groups, engaging in meaningful consultations and collecting vital statements. These consultations allowed us to deeply understand the challenges, realities, and aspirations of each movement. By actively listening to their voices, we’ve been able to gather valuable insights into what members hope to achieve from the upcoming IMCS Global events and the momentous Papal audience.
“In the wake of unprecedented challenges—from the long-lasting impact of the pandemic to the growing cultural opposition to faith on university campuses—the movement has faced significant obstacles in engaging students and fostering Catholic identity. The struggles of under-resourced leadership, diminishing student participation, and societal pressures have made it difficult to sustain a vibrant Catholic presence in the universities. Yet, these challenges also highlight the vital role of the Church in supporting young people, particularly in education and formation. We believe that the Church, alongside IMCS Pax Romana, must play a more active role in accompanying student movements. Through spiritual, pastoral, and intellectual formation, as well as providing the necessary resources and guidance, the Church can help renew the mission of the movement and similar groups. With the support of IMCS Pax Romana, we seek to not only rebuild but to strengthen our efforts in empowering young Catholics to be confident in their faith, to engage critically with the world around them, and to become leaders of positive change, rooted in Gospel values. Together, we hope to inspire a new generation of Catholic students to boldly live their faith and serve the common good.”
“As a movement, we face the challenge of navigating diverse academic schedules across universities, making it difficult to foster collaboration and shared activities among student groups. While each institution is unique, there is a pressing need for creative and innovative initiatives that can engage students across different campuses. For our student members, balancing academic pressures with participation in faith-based activities remains a struggle. Many students lack a strong sense of faith or connection to the Church, making it harder for them to engage meaningfully with others in our community. Our chaplains and animators are still in the early stages of building relationships and establishing a core student network, which is essential for future growth. Their efforts are crucial, yet the journey requires patience and nurturing to create lasting bonds. In these challenges, we look to the broader IMCS Pax Romana network for support. By sharing successful and engaging activities from other movements, we can learn and adapt strategies that resonate with our students. We seek not only assistance but inspiration to cultivate a stronger sense of faith and community among our members, empowering them to grow as leaders and active participants in their faith journey.”
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