In
an African life context, the 90th anniversary of a
person’s life is a time to share the tested and
proven wisdom, a time to celebrate as we pass on the lifegiving heritage to the next generations. I expect the same
from IMCS. I hope we would look at the ups and downs of
our ninety year journey and learn from them and use what is
like food and drink for the journey ahead.
When IMCS was founded in 1921 in Fribourg, Switzerland,
it was committing students in Universities and in Tertiary
Institutions to exercise leadership and to take responsibility
in the mission of the church and in the world.
It was an evangelizing movement in the student milieu
through its testimony and openness to the situation of their
time of post World War I.
Today more than ever before we need leaders, good leaders I
must say, especially in Africa. We know from our experience that good leadership brings development -– spiritual,
human, social, as well as economic development. It enhances respect, freedom and human dignity and allows for
prosperity. It liberates from chains of oppression – poverty,
ignorance and diseases. It unites and brings peace.
Bad leadership causes havoc. It divides and destroys. It is diabolic.
By their fruits you will know them (Mt. 7: 15-20 and Lk. 6: 43-44).
With this pedagogy of see, judge and act; and having an international presence in more than 90 countries in the world, the IMCS’
90th anniversary is indeed a vantage point for making a difference in
a divided world.
Being guided by the ‘preferential option for the poor and its commitment to justice, peace and human development. Aims like Jesus
Christ at being at the service of the poor and the marginalized.’
And chaplains, like Christ are spiritual counselors and formators of
Christian leaders of today and to-morrow, play an important role in
memory transmission and of helping IMCS members to live their
Christian faith in their concrete situations.
The 90th anniversary is a concrete pedagogical situation which tells
us how far we still have to go!
Fr. Fratern M. Masawe is a Tanzanian Jesuit, he is the Pan African Chaplain for the IMCS. He is
currently based in Rome as an advisor to the General Superior of the Jesuits on issues pertaining to
Africa
IMCS Pax Romana | Newsletter– Special Edition| 2012-2013
www.imcs-miec.org
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