History
The Birth of International Catholic Scouting
From the earliest days of Scouting, at the First World Jamboree in 1920 in London, Fr. Jacques Sevin from France, Jean Corbisier from Belgium, and Count Mario di Carpegna from Italy proposed the creation of an international structure for Catholic Scouts – the International Office of Catholic Scouting (IOCS).
Official Recognition and Early Membership
In 1922, the IOCS was officially recognized as the representative body for Catholic Scouts. The first members of this organization, whose rules were approved by Pope Benedict XV, included the following countries: Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Chile, Ecuador, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Spain, and Hungary.
Disruption and Renewal Post-World War II
The outbreak of World War II temporarily halted the IOCS’s activities. However, after peace was restored, Catholic Scout associations re-established contact with each other, and regular conferences resumed in 1948.
Formation of the International Catholic Scouters Conference
In the early 1960s, a formal structure for international Catholic Scout events was established. In June 1962, the Vatican approved the statutes of the International Catholic Scouters Conference (ICSC), which at that time included 45 countries as members. The World Scout Committee officially recognized the ICSC as the point of contact for issues related to Catholic Scouting.
Evolution into the ICCS
In 1977, the ICSC’s charter was updated to reflect the teachings of Vatican II. As a result, the ICSC transformed into the International Catholic Conference of Scouting (ICCS). Since 2016, the ICCS has been under the sole jurisdiction of the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family and Life.
Recent Statutory Reviews
The ICCS statutes underwent further revisions in 2017. These revisions were formally approved by the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family and Life in February 2018 and by WOSM in November 2018.
Jacques Sevin
Veneration and Legacy
In recognition of his dedication and impact, Jacques Sevin was declared venerable on 10 May 2012 by the Catholic Church. His life and work continue to inspire, and a French-language book titled “L’Itinérant de la Tente et de la Croix” provides further insights into his remarkable journey.
Early Life and Background
Jacques Sevin was a Jesuit priest, born in Lille on 7 December 1882. His early life and faith led him to a deep commitment to Catholic Scouting, shaping his future contributions to the movement.
Founding the Scouts de France and the IOCS
In 1920, Jacques Sevin played a key role in the founding of the Scouts de France, establishing it as a Catholic Scout association. At his initiative, the Scouts de France, alongside Belgian and Italian Scouts, founded the International Office of Catholic Scouts (IOCS) in 1922. This marked the beginning of a global Catholic Scout movement that would continue to evolve.
Founding the Sisters of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem
Sevin’s spiritual journey led him to the establishment of the Sisters of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem, a religious, contemplative, and missionary congregation dedicated to working with young people. He co-founded this congregation with Mother Jacqueline Brière, further cementing his legacy in both faith and youth development.
Later Life and Death
Jacques Sevin passed away on 19 July 1951 at the Priory of Boran-sur-Oise, the home of the Sisters of the Holy Cross of Jerusalem. His final years were dedicated to religious contemplation and mission work.