FORUM Magazine, Special Edition | Page 12

By Kevin Ahern After nearly fifteen years of involvement in IMCS, it is not easy to think of one event or moment that captures my deep feelings for the mission and charism of IMCS (and ICMICA). My engagement in the movement began in 1998 through IMCS-USA (NCSC) and the UN Team in New York where I worked with Ed Kirchner, the president of IMCS in 1939. Ed knew some of the founding members of the movement, including Fr. Joseph Gremaud. With him, I learned much. When the IMCS team asked me to write, many images came to mind. As a member of the International Team, I had the honor to be involved in many interesting activities. With the IMCS in Italy (the historic FUCI), I stood next to the corpse of Pope John Paul II as he lay in St. Peter’s Basilica. I also had the opportunity to participate in several high level meetings of the United Nations, World Bank, UNESCO, and the Vatican to voice the concerns of IMCS and ICMICA. While these activities were interesting, the most powerful experiences for me have been the moments of accompaniment, when I literally “broke bread” with students. Like the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35), these experiences of sharing food with students revealed Christ and the real meaning of IMCS to me. I vividly remember visiting with the president of IMCS-South Africa (ACTS) at Limpopo University, where I was warmly welcomed into the student community. I was deeply moved by their generosity and hospitality—even when there were so few resources (and food) to share. Christ was present. Christ also became visible in a visit to the house of a student leader of IMCS-Bangladesh (BCSCM) in Khulna. I was moved by the Christian faith of her family and the deep generosity offered to me. Christ was also present in the many meals I had with students in other parts of the world from Hong Kong to Jerusalem. My visits to the Middle East had a deep impact on me as well. Amidst such difficulty, the Catholic students—many descended from the first Christians—witnessed to the mission of IMCS through concerns for social action, spirituality, reflection, and peace. In 2006, we organized a study visit to the young Iraqi refugees in the region. Again, even in the simple homes of refugees, I was met with generosity in the sharing of food. Christ was found in those moments where we could gather around food even when our governments were at war. IMCS is a very special movement as it brings together students from different cultures and contexts. IMCS members help to bring Christ into the world through their generosity and actions for justice. Although it can be challenging, I have faith that with our cooperation, the Holy Spirit will continue to guide the movement for another 90 years! IMCS Pax Romana | Newsletter– Special Edition| 2012-2013 www.imcs-miec.org 12