The International Catholic Leaders Academy Launches its First Binational School between Mexico and the United States
In an unprecedented step, the International Catholic Leaders Academy will hold its first binational school, marking a milestone in its mission to form leaders committed to the Church's Social Doctrine. This innovative initiative, organized in collaboration with the dioceses of Matamoros-Reynosa in Mexico and Brownsville in the United States, seeks to create a space where Catholic leaders from both countries can work together to build responses to shared problems.
An Innovative Binational Leadership Training Program
The two-month leadership program will include both in-person and virtual sessions and is designed to foster dialogue and cooperation among participants from both sides of the border. During this time, leaders will address key issues affecting their communities, such as migration, organized crime, drug trafficking, violence, the culture of peace, and developing a culture of encounter.
José Antonio Rosas, General Director of the International Catholic Leaders Academy, highlighted the significance of this project: "This program is a historic achievement for us. For the first time, we are bringing together Catholic leaders from Mexico and the United States in a binational format. Participants will have the unique opportunity to be trained together, reflecting on the problems that both countries share and working on common solutions as true Catholic leaders. It is an unprecedented experience that will strengthen the ties between our communities."
Participation of Distinguished Church Figures
This joint effort will feature two key figures within the Catholic Church. Cardinal Diego Padrón, former President of the Episcopal Conference of Venezuela and recognized for his deep pastoral work, will inaugurate the program. Meanwhile, Cardinal Christophe Pierre, Apostolic Nuncio to the United States, will conclude this significant event with his presence. Both personalities will contribute their vast experience in Catholic and pastoral leadership, enriching the training of participants.
Facing Border Challenges with Faith and Action
The binational school will focus on a series of topics that reflect the major social challenges facing Mexico and the United States, particularly in border communities. Migration is a key issue, given its impact on both countries. Other topics include organized crime and drug trafficking, which affect peace and security in the region. These issues will be addressed from the perspective of the Church's Social Doctrine, aiming not only to identify problems but also to offer concrete, Christian-based solutions.
The bishops promoting this initiative are Monsignor Eugenio Lira, Bishop of Matamoros-Reynosa, and Monsignor Mario Avilés, Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Brownsville. Both, with a deep pastoral vocation, have expressed their appreciation and high expectations for this important binational school.
Monsignor Eugenio Lira emphasized the initiative's relevance, stating: "I truly believe this experience is a gift from God for both sister dioceses, so that together, clergy and laypeople, we may discern what He calls us to do in light of the Church's Social Doctrine and carry it out to contribute to building a better society and world for all. Listening to Jesus, who shares his Spirit with us, has given us the key: 'Watch and pray' (Mt 26:41)."
For his part, Monsignor Mario Avilés noted the challenges this initiative presents in today's context: "One of today's great challenges, as it has been throughout the centuries, is discernment; being able to distinguish reality, uniting faith and reason to make the right decisions at the right time and act with the commandment of love that the Lord has given us. In this way, we will understand our border reality and discover what we must do, recognizing not only the negative but also the positive aspects, to seize opportunities and salvage what is good even from negative factors. Thus, we will be able to respond creatively and with hope to the challenges of changing times, poverty, migration, injustice, and violence."
A Program That Will Foster Future Leaders
The main objective of this program is to lay the foundation for developing future Catholic leaders capable of addressing contemporary challenges with a vision rooted in the principles of the common good and human dignity. José Antonio Rosas summed it up succinctly: "We are undoubtedly sowing the seeds of future leaderships that will be able to bring the North American and Mexican communities together for the common good."
Throughout the sessions, participants will have the opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences that will allow them not only to better understand the issues affecting both nations but also to establish collaboration networks to tackle shared challenges in the border region.
An Academy with International Impact
The International Catholic Leaders Academy, present in 40 dioceses across 14 countries, has established itself as a reference in forming Catholic leaders. Since its foundation, over 35,000 students have participated in its training programs, both in-person and online, learning to lead from Christian values and with a strong social commitment.
This new binational school reinforces the Academy's commitment to forming leaders capable of transforming society, promoting social justice, and fostering integral human development in light of the Church's Social Doctrine.
Open Enrollment
Those interested in being part of this unique experience can register through the following links:
www.catholicleaders.us/brownsville
www.liderescatolicos.mx/matamoros
The International Catholic Leaders Academy continues advancing its mission to form leaders who, guided by faith and social action, contribute to building a more just and solidary world.