On 10 May 2025, JECI-MIEC celebrated its 70th Anniversary. This historic celebration was held at the conclusion of the JECI-MIEC Congress Week in Rome, Italy, bringing together former and current members, partners, and friends from around the world.
The day began with a morning visit to the Jesuit residence in Rome. It was a meaningful moment, enriched by the opportunity to meet Father Fratern Masawe, a former IMCS chaplain. The welcome we received was warm and heartfelt, offering us a first glimpse into the roots of the student movements.
In the afternoon, celebrations continued at Domus Mariae, the Italian Catholic Action headquarters. Greetings and messages of support from international partners, offered both in person and online, reflected the strong sense of unity and common mission among Catholic student movements worldwide.
Below is a list of the messages shared:
- Emanuela Gitto (the national vice-president of the Youth sector of Italian Catholic Action) and Elena Giannini (the national secretary of the MSAC);
- William Nokrek (IMCS);
- Roshan M Lobo (IYCS – video);
- Karin Indrogo (JECI-MIEC Latin american coordinator – video);
- Bertha Samponu and Suman Gale (IMCS Asia Pacific – video).
Afterwards, we held two main plenary sessions: one reflecting on the history of JECI-MIEC and the other focusing on its current activities. It was inspiring to hear testimonies from former members, who recalled how JECI-MIEC played a role across different historical and cultural contexts, but always united by the identity of being young Catholic students committed to dialogue and impact in the world.Speakers included:
- Stefano Ceccanti (FUCI – Italy);
- Richard Francis Apeh (IYCS International Secretariat/YCS Nigeria);
- Father Fratern Masawe (IMCS Former International Chaplain);
- Johan Vanhove (KSA – Belgium);
- Johannes Maximilian Nießen (Former European Coordinator, AKH – Germany);
- Eirini Freri (Former European Coordinator, EKNE – Greece);
- Xavier Carles (MUEC – Spain);
- Greetings from Catalina Mas Llull (Former European Team Member, MUEC – Spain).
The current European Team presented a summary of recent activities, highlighting both the progress made and the challenges that remain. We emphasized the revival of engagement after the pandemic, which has enabled the movement to reconnect, broaden participation, and resume regular initiatives. At the same time, we acknowledged that much work still lies ahead, as we aim to welcome new associations and continue delivering impactful activities for all our member movements. Looking ahead, the Team reaffirmed their commitment to implementing the newly drafted Orientation Guidelines, scheduled for adoption at the upcoming European Committee in Madrid (2–5 October 2025).
The celebration concluded with a visit to the Italian Catholic Action offices, a joyful Holy Mass, and the distribution of participation certificates and commemorative souvenirs. It closed with the hope of spreading awareness of JECI-MIEC and its enduring values across past and future within our national movements.
We ended the day with a joyful dinner, an opportunity to continue exchanging ideas and reflections in a fraternal atmosphere.
Rome, 10 May 2025 – 70th JECI-MIEC Anniversary.
Rome, Italian Catholic Action headquarters, 10 May 2025 – 70th JECI-MIEC Anniversary.