The Father John Connor, L.C., General Director of the Legionaries of Christ, shared his reflections on Christian leadership before 150 executives of the Regnum Christi International University Network (RIU).

With this central idea, last May, under the hospitality of the Anáhuac Mexico University and within the framework of its 60th anniversary, the 1st Meeting of Executives of the Regnum Christi International University Network (RIU) was held. This event, which gathered approximately 150 leaders from various RIU institutions, aimed to reflect on the future of higher education in the context of Regnum Christi and to renew the commitment of the leaders to keep their respective universities as benchmarks of academic excellence and comprehensive formation.

Speech by the General Director of the Legionaries of Christ

Connected from Rome, Father John shared his reflections on Christian leadership, based on a letter addressed to the legionaries, with the goal of guiding how to apply these points in the daily lives of leaders and rectors of our institutions.

(Of interest: Strong and Courageous Leadership – A Conversation with P. John Connor, L.C.)

Father John structured his message around four fundamental points of leadership:

1. The Talent of Leadership:

Personal Development: Personal formation as Christian leaders is fundamental. Each individual must develop their talents given by God and always seek to bear abundant fruit. This process includes constant self-assessment and the pursuit of spiritual and personal growth.

Development of Others: Helping others develop their leadership capacities is an essential mission. This includes not only academic training but also the testimony of life and exemplary behaviors. Authentic leadership is reflected in the ability to inspire and guide others toward their maximum potential.

Leadership in Society: Guiding those with greater responsibilities in various social spheres and fostering leadership through evangelical testimony via charitable works. This type of leadership has the potential to transform communities and create a lasting impact.

2. Broadening Horizons of Thought:

Vocation to Thought Leadership: Universities should be centers of thought and culture, illuminating reason with the Gospel. This includes actively participating in contemporary debates such as artificial intelligence and developing a psychology based on Christian anthropology. The challenge is to integrate faith and reason in a way that enriches both.

Promotion of Intellectual Debate: Father John emphasized the importance of fostering an environment where critical thinking and intellectual discussion are promoted, always guided by the principles of the Gospel. Regnum Christi universities should be spaces where innovative solutions are developed for contemporary problems.

3. Broadening Horizons of the Heart:

Integral Cultural Renewal: Beyond academic content, it is crucial to help people know and live the values of the Gospel, forming apostles who reflect the love and mercy of Jesus Christ in their actions and decisions. This comprehensive educational approach aims to form complete individuals capable of leading with compassion and justice.

Formation in Virtues: Education in values and virtues is essential to develop leaders who are not only competent in their fields but also integrous and morally responsible. Christian virtues should be the foundation upon which all academic formation is built.

4. Network Leadership:

Collaboration and Community: Foster the creation of networks and Christian communities within and outside the university environment. Collaboration among institutions is essential to have a more effective impact on society. Father John highlighted the importance of working together to face global challenges and build a better world.

Support Network Development: Creating support networks among universities and alumni is crucial to maintaining a strong and united community. These networks not only provide professional support but also spiritual and moral support.

Dialogue and Questions

The event also included a Q&A session, where participants from various institutions raised questions about how to integrate leadership training in an academic context and how to face current challenges such as artificial intelligence and cultural transformation. The questions addressed topics such as:

• Personal and community leadership training: How to balance the development of one’s own leadership with the promotion of leadership in others. Participants discussed strategies to ensure personal growth does not stop while fostering the development of others.

• Contemporary challenges: How to approach comprehensive formation in a rapidly changing world, especially in the context of artificial intelligence and social networks. Ways to prepare students to face an uncertain future with a solid foundation in Christian values were explored.

• Inclusion and equity in leadership development: How to design admission processes and programs that promote inclusion and mitigate any perception of elitism. Participants shared their experiences and best practices to ensure all students have the opportunity to develop their leadership potential.

Inspiring Testimonials

Among the shared testimonials, the importance of comprehensive formation in Regnum Christi universities was highlighted, which seeks not only academic excellence but also the development of human and Christian virtues. The balance between daily operation and leadership vocation was discussed, emphasizing the need for mentors and a professional perspective to guide personal and community growth.

The event concluded with an emotional final message and a prayer from Father John Connor, who expressed gratitude for the dedication and love for the mission of all present. He underscored the importance of always seeking divine guidance to be apostles who evangelize society with love, faith, and hope. In his closing words, Father John stated:

“I invite all of you to reflect on your personal calling in this mission and to always seek the grace and strength of the Holy Spirit to form Christian leaders who transform the world with the love of Jesus Christ.”

This message resonated deeply among the participants, motivating them to continue their work with renewed vigor and commitment. He reminded everyone that true leadership is based on service and compassion, emphasizing the importance of remaining firm in Christian values and being beacons of light in a world often dark and chaotic. He added:

“Our commitment as Christian leaders is to form not only brilliant minds but also hearts full of love and compassion. We are called to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world, bringing the message of Jesus Christ to all corners of society. Let us continue working together, supporting each other, and always trusting in the guidance of the Holy Spirit.”

This encounter between P. John Connor and some leaders of the RIU marked a milestone in consolidating a community of university leaders committed to academic excellence and Christian leadership, laying the groundwork for future collaborations and joint projects that continue to inspire and transform society. The day served as a powerful reminder of the importance of collaboration, Christian leadership in higher education, and a call to all present to keep working together for a better future.

With information from the communications offices of Anáhuac University and the Regnum Christi International University Network