Dear members of our academic community, dear directors, formators, students, and collaborators of the Schools of Leaders:
With deep gratitude to God and a renewed spirit of hope, we prepare to begin a new Academic Year in our Schools of Leaders, spread across different countries and realities of the continent. Some have already begun or will soon begin their formative journey; others, with the spirit of seeking excellence for the great mission of our Academy, are still in the process of developing their programs. I greet you all in the ineffable love of the God who calls us to serve in love, united by the same inspiration and the same purpose.
The beginning of a new academic year is not just a date on the calendar. It is, above all, a providential opportunity to refocus our hearts on what is essential: our vocation as Christian leaders, called to serve the Church and society with humility, discernment, and commitment. We come from a fruitful year, marked by generous efforts, profound learning, changes in our way of seeing and working, and visible fruits in many communities. We give thanks for all that has been sown, even knowing that much of the most valuable grows in silence.
This new cycle invites us to look ahead with hope and joy. We do not ignore the challenges of our time: the fragility of social bonds, polarization, spiritual weariness, the uncertainty that affects so many people and nations, poverty, drug trafficking, and many other social and political problems. Precisely for this reason, the formation of leaders with solid evangelical roots and a clear pastoral vision is more necessary than ever. It is not only about acquiring skills or knowledge, but about allowing ourselves to be formed integrally, as persons capable of listening, accompanying, building bridges, and generating processes that serve the common good.
The Catholic leadership we promote does not arise from ambition or a desire for prominence, but from faithful and joyful service. It is a leadership that allows itself to be challenged by reality, that discerns in the light of the Gospel, and that acts with courage and mercy. A leadership that knows how to work in communion, to value the diversity of charisms, and to walk with others, especially with the most vulnerable.
To those who are beginning or continuing this formative journey, I encourage you to live this academic year with an open spirit, with inner discipline, and with trust in the action of the Holy Spirit. May each class, each encounter, each dialogue, and each challenge be an occasion for human, spiritual, and intellectual growth. May we never lose the joy of learning or the passion for serving.
We entrust this new year to God, asking Him to bless each school, each formation team, and each student. May Mary, Mother and Teacher, accompany us on this path and teach us to safeguard hope even in the midst of difficulties.
With my closeness and prayers for each one of you, I wish you a very good beginning to the Academic Year, filled with meaning, fruitfulness, and renewed commitment in the service of the Kingdom.
With fraternal affection,
Mario J. Paredes.
President of the International Academy of Catholic Leaders