On April 12, 2025, the International Young Catholic Students (IYCS) hosted a highly engaging and insightful International Webinar as part of our ongoing Webinar Series titled “Walking the Path of See, Judge, Act.” The webinar brought together over 88 participants from diverse regions across the globe, including students, chaplains, alumni, and members of social action movements, all united by their commitment to the values of justice, dignity, and faith.

The theme of the webinar, “The Cardijn Spirit: Inspiration Behind Our Movement,” focused on the profound legacy of Joseph Cardijn, the founder of the Young Christian Workers (YCW), and the development of the See, Judge, Actmethodology that has shaped the lives of countless individuals and movements worldwide.

The session began with a warm welcome by Roshan Melwyn Lobo, Secretary General of IYCS, who introduced the theme and set the tone for the discussions. The session was then opened with a prayer led by Rev. Fr. Francis, Chaplain of YCS Nigeria, invoking blessings on the webinar and all participants.

Speaker Reflection

Dr. Stefan Gigacz, a distinguished expert on Joseph Cardijn and a key figure in the Australian Cardijn Institute, delivered a compelling reflection on the life and work of Cardijn. His talk, titled “The Cardijn Spirit,” highlighted the key moments in Cardijn’s life, his deep commitment to the See, Judge, Act method, and his influence on the development of the Young Christian Workers and other movements.

Dr. Gigacz shared invaluable insights on the shock of the first holidays that deeply impacted Cardijn, which motivated him to dedicate his life to empowering young workers and university students. He also discussed how Cardijn’s influence extended to prominent figures and movements, including Marc Sangnier and Liberation Theology.

Dr. Gigacz further elaborated on Cardijn’s two main movements:

1. La Jeunesse Syndicaliste – A movement for young workers.
2. La Jeunesse Sociale Catholique – A movement for university students.

These movements marked the beginning of Specialised Catholic Action, laying the foundation for the international network of social action movements we see today.

Key Themes Discussed

• The Influence of Key Figures: Dr. Gigacz highlighted the foundational thoughts of key figures such as Félicité de Lamennais, Frédéric Ozanam, and Alphonse Gratry, whose ideas on democracy, the role of laypeople, and action-oriented faith deeply shaped Cardijn’s own vision.
• Martyrs and Politicians from the YCS: The legacy of Cardijn’s martyrs and the contributions of former YCS members in politics were discussed, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of the YCS mission in contemporary society.
• Liberation Theology: The movement’s alignment with Liberation Theology was explored, illustrating how the teachings of Cardijn have shaped social justice movements around the world.

Following the speaker’s reflection, participants had the opportunity to engage in an interactive Q&A and open discussion. This session allowed participants to ask thought-provoking questions, share reflections, and engage in meaningful dialogue about the relevance of Cardijn’s legacy in today’s world.

The webinar concluded with closing remarks by Ms. Edomobi Maria Consolata, Africa IYCS Coordinator. She summarized the key takeaways from the session, expressed gratitude to the speakers and participants, and shared details on follow-up actions and upcoming webinars. The next webinar will take place on May 10, 2025, at 14:00 (Paris Time).

The session ended with a concluding prayer led by Fr. Justo Fernandez, the Incoming International Chaplain. The prayer emphasized the call to action for justice, solidarity, and continued faith in the Cardijn spirit.