Ave Maria Law Visits Rome and Pope Francis

A Monumental Moment in Time

Ave Maria Law reached a special moment in history. Members of Ave Maria Law had the opportunity to travel to Rome to participate in the Forum of Catholicinspired Non-Governmental Organizations focused on human rights. Staff and faculty included President and Dean Kevin Cieply, Professors Brian Scarnecchia and Ligia Castaldi and Ave Maria Law’s Chaplain Monsignor Frank McGrath. Professor Scarnecchia gave an impactful talk reporting on the two year-long work of the Human Rights working group comprised of Catholic Inspired NGOs (non-governmental organizations) accredited with the United Nations from around the world.

Ave Maria Law students Jennifer Sosa ’20, Carmen Tate ’21, and Joseph Krawczyk ’21 have worked with the Rome Forum one semester each over the course of a year (spring, summer, and fall of 2019 respectively) to help research and finalize the content of the final report from the seven working groups — i.e., on human rights, development, health care, education, migration and youth — as well as facilitate two lead up conferences in Rome and the final general assembly of the Rome Forum. Ave Maria Law’s contribution in this regard was publicly acknowledged by the president of the Forum Committee before the general assembly. We’re extremely proud of our alumnus, Geoffrey Strickland ‘09, for all of his work in organizing this forum. Geoffrey works full-time at the Vatican and is an example of the caliber of students we train at the law school to go out in the world as noble citizens. Pope Francis received members of the Catholic NGO’s in the Vatican, including our group from Ave Maria Law.

Pope Francis with a group of eighty individuals at the Rome Forum, including the Ave Maria Law group.

Monsignor McGrath with Pope Francis

Dean Cieply with Pope Francis

Professor Scarnecchia with Pope Francis

Professor Castaldi with Pope Francis

Joseph Krawczyk ’21 with Pope Francis GEOFFREY STRICKLAND, CLASS OF 2009 Secretary & Network Facilitator, Forum International

How did your education and time at Ave Maria Law impact where you are today in your career? The vision and mission of Ave Maria Law drew me to the school and remains a source of encouragement. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to study under professors who have made significant contributions to international law and human rights in light of the mission of the school. Their example and creativity were a great influence. What I cherish most, however, are the friendships and relationships that I made.

Ave Maria Law was proud to be included and attend the Catholic Inspired Organizations 2019 Forum, Toward a More Inclusive Society. What do you enjoy most about being an integral part of the Forum of Catholic Inspired NGOs and the organization it takes to put together these forums? It was an honor to welcome the Dean and the representatives from Ave Maria Law, who have greatly assisted the work of the Forum. It was special to be able to share the experience with them, particularly the time together with the Holy Father. The Forum remains grateful for their expertise offered and looks forward to continuing this collaboration as we begin our new twoyear program of activities. This collaborative element, in fact, is one of the most fulfilling aspects. As facilitator of the Forum I have the opportunity to work with experts from more than 100 Catholic inspired organizations throughout the world and facilitate their shared analysis and strategic collaboration in various fields: Education, development, family, health, human rights, migration and youth. Building relationships in various languages and cultural settings, along with the variety of themes considered, offers a unique richness of perspectives. One comes to appreciate the complexity of the dynamic interaction of themes and ideas at the basis of the juridical questions facing societies today, which then enlightens and deepens the considerations of law, faith, society and the trajectory of the answers sought. This in turn reconfirms the need for creative ways of thinking that express themselves in new synergies and the recognition that the only way forward is together.

What key advice would you share with Ave Maria Law students who are interested in a similar career track? The study of languages is an important component of international work but will also enhance any service in the legal field. Coursework in international law and human rights will provide a theoretical basis. Taking the time for personal prayer and spiritual direction is an important practice that will aid the decision making process.