STM Duo to Travel to European Global Summit

On September 11^th, two members of the STM community will be on a plane bound for La Roche-Sur-Foron, France. STM Campus Minister Michael MacLean was invited to attend events organized by the International Movement of Catholic Students (IMCS-MIEC) Pax Romana, a global Catholic Students Movement dedicated to promoting justice, peace, and solidarity this month.  Two members of the Canadian Catholic Students Association executive were also invited to attend, and after an application process in the spring, STM Newman Executive member Alayna Jones was chosen as one of two Canadian delegates to participate.

The events that the IMCS has organized are the Empowerment Summit, and the International Council, followed by a Private Papal Audience at the Vatican. The Empowerment Summit in La Roche-Sur-Foron, France, will be from September 12-15, and will bring together leaders from Africa, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Europe, North America, and the Middle East for a dynamic workshop focused on leadership development and cultural exchange. Following this, the International Council will convene from September 16-17, to evaluate and align the organization’s strategies and policies. The week will culminate in a Catholic Peace Forum on September 19 and a significant Private Audience with Pope Francis in Vatican City on September 20, where delegates will receive spiritual guidance and blessings.

Alayna Jones has been active for four years with the Newman Executive, and the STM Peer Health Mentors.  When asked about what lead to her participation is this global event, Alayna said, “As an executive member of the Canadian Catholic Students Association, I heard about this opportunity through CCCM leaders and was given the chance to submit an application to be selected as one of the Canadian Delegates to represent my country. As an active Catholic student I jumped on this opportunity and was so excited when I was chosen to attend the Empowerment summit this September. I am extremely grateful to represent Canada and all the Catholic students throughout our country and look forward to spreading the knowledge I gain whilst in attendance at the summit.”

When describing how she is feeling about this opportunity, she said, “I am very excited for our upcoming trip! I look forward to meeting people from all over the world and building connections with other Catholic students. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I can’t wait to share my experiences and new knowledge with my peers within STM.”

Established in 1921, IMCS-MIEC Pax Romana has built a century-long legacy of fostering activism and engagement, uniting student leaders from six continents to drive community transformation. This year, the movement is hosting a series of events aimed at revitalizing its mission and strengthening its global network through strategic planning, cultural enrichment, and spiritual renewal.

MacLean and Jones will be joined by Mackenzie Neufeld of St. Joseph’s College in Edmonton at the U. of A.  When asked for comment, Mackenzie stated, “I have been deeply involved in participating and leading Catholic student groups both at a local and national level, but never international, so I was drawn to this opportunity…I wrote the application essay and was selected to be one of the Canadian Delegates, and with the support of the CCCM (Canadian Catholic Campus Ministry), this opportunity was made possible.”  She added “I am so excited for this wonderful opportunity to travel and participate in the IMCS Empowerment Summit this September.”

The Canadian delegation will return from Rome after their audience with Pope Francis on September 21^st.  Please pray for our Canadian participants!