Rome, 10 May 2025 — The International Young Catholic Students (IYCS) extends its warmest congratulations to our sister movement, JECI-MIEC (International Coordination of Young Christian Students – International Movement of Catholic Students), on the occasion of 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 meaningful visit to the Jesuit Residence in Rome, where participants were warmly welcomed and had the honour of meeting Fr. Fratern Masawe, former International Chaplain of IMCS. The encounter offered a reflective moment, grounding participants in the shared spiritual and historical roots of the student movements.

In the afternoon, celebrations continued at Domus Mariae, the headquarters of Italian Catholic Action. Greetings and messages of solidarity poured in from international partners, both in person and online, highlighting the unity and shared mission of Catholic student movements across continents.

Messages were delivered by:

• Emanuela Gitto and Elena Giannini of Italian Catholic Action and MSAC;
• William Nokrek (IMCS);
• Roshan Melwyn Lobo (Secretary General of IYCS – via video);
• Karin Indrogo (JECI-MIEC Latin America – via video);
• Bertha Samponu and Suman Gale (IMCS Asia Pacific – via video).

The event featured two plenary sessions—one reflecting on the rich history of JECI-MIEC and the other focusing on its ongoing mission and present-day challenges. Former members shared moving testimonies about their involvement in the movement and its role in shaping their values, vocations, and commitment to social and spiritual transformation. Speakers included:

• Stefano Ceccanti (FUCI, Italy);
• Richard Francis Apeh (IYCS/YCS Nigeria);
• Fr. Fratern Masawe (Former IMCS Chaplain);
• Johan Vanhove (KSA, Belgium);
• Johannes Maximilian Nießen (AKH, Germany);
• Eirini Freri (EKNE, Greece);
• Xavier Carles and Catalina Mas Llull (MUEC, Spain).

The current European Team also presented a summary of recent activities, affirming the revival of engagement after the pandemic and laying out the path forward. The team emphasized the need for greater participation, inclusion of new associations, and implementation of the newly drafted Orientation Guidelines set 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. The evening ended with a fraternal dinner, where participants continued their reflections and fellowship.

IYCS celebrates the inspiring legacy of JECI-MIEC and reaffirms its commitment to continued collaboration in empowering young Catholic students worldwide to live out their faith through dialogue, peacebuilding, and social transformation.

Long live the spirit of Catholic Student Movements!