Welcome to the May 2026 update from Cardijn Community Australia. This month, we delve into the rich history of our movement—from the foundational years in Melbourne to the global architects of youth ministry—while looking forward to the evolving role of the laity in the modern Church.
Featured News
Jozef Michalik: The Architect of World Youth Day
We reflect on the profound legacy of the late Polish Archbishop Jozef Michalik. As the first head of the Youth Section of the Pontifical Council for the Laity, Michalik was instrumental in developing the World Youth Day format we recognise today. His collaboration with the YCW movement during the 1980s helped shape a global vision for youth engagement within the Church. Read the full tribute here
Recent Webinars & Digital Archives
Pope Leo on Lay People in the Church
In this insightful webinar, Fr Max Vodola explores the catechesis of Pope Leo regarding the essential role of the laity. The discussion focuses on Lumen Gentium, examining how the Church’s self-understanding shifted to empower lay people as active participants in its mission rather than mere observers. Register for the webinar
Melbourne YCW Origins: 1941
Take a journey back to the beginnings of the movement in Australia. Historian Dr Val Noone presents his research into the 1941 origins of the Melbourne YCW, shedding light on the early influence of Fr Frank Lombard and the lay leaders who adapted Cardijn’s vision to the Australian context. View the presentation
Catholics and the Bible
Dr Paul Lentern discusses the “scriptural revolution” within Catholicism following the Second Vatican Council. This session examines how Dei Verbum encouraged the faithful to engage directly with the Word of God to find answers to contemporary social and personal challenges. Access the video
Our Global Family
The Cardijn movement is a truly international endeavour. We encourage you to explore the work being done by our sister organisations across the globe:
- IYCW: The International Young Christian Workers, continuing the mission of dignity for all workers.
- IYCW ASPAC: Focusing on the specific social and economic challenges within the Asia-Pacific region.
- CIJOC: International Coordination of Young Christian Workers, linking national movements in solidarity.
- IYCS-JECI: The International Young Catholic Students, bringing the “See, Judge, Act” method to schools worldwide.
Join Us: Become a Paid Member
The Australian Cardijn Institute and the Cardijn Community Australia rely on the generosity and commitment of our supporters to continue our work of formation, advocacy, and historical preservation.
Become a paid member today and directly support our various actions, such as organising webinars, historical document archiving, and resources for future Australian lay leaders. Contact Mark Ager at markager4@gmail.com or 0422 246 361 to find out more.
Why join?
- Promote the “lay Apostolate.”
- Support the promotion of the “See, Judge, Act” methodology in Australia.
- Help preserve our unique Australian YCW and student movement history.
- Strengthen the voice of the Cardijn approach to being Catholic.