About CICIAMS

CICIAMS, the International Catholic Committee of Nurses and Medico-Social Assistants (Comité International Catholique des Infirmières et Assistantes Médico-Sociales), is an International Private Association of the Faithful. Founded in 1933 in Lourdes, France, the organization’s headquarters are in Vatican City. It collaborates with the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, and the Secretariat of State of the Vatican.

CICIAMS is a Non-Government Organization (NGO) at the United Nations. Roster Consultation Status (ECOSOC, 1954) and the 2023 Co-host of the 7th Annual International Nurse’s Day Celebration (2023) held in the Delegate Dining Room at the United Nations.

Learn more at CICIAMS.org.

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HISTORY

1928: At a meeting in Basle, Switzerland, the Presidents of several national associations of Catholic nurses proposed the formation of an International Professional Catholic Organization

1933: The International Study Committee of Catholic Nursing Associations was officially founded at the first congress held in Lourdes, France and attended by nurses from ten countries. Its statutes were approved by the Holy See and a committee was elected.

1933 – 1950: The International Committee extended its work into various continents and brought together a considerable number of Catholic nursing associations despite cessation of much of its work during the Second World War.

1950: The Committee’s name was changed to CICIAMS to include medico-social personnel which reflected the changing nature of nursing and the interprofessional nature of health care.

1954: Consultation Status with The Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) which is at the heart of the United Nations system to advance the three dimensions of sustainable development – economic, social, and environmental. It is the central platform for fostering debate and innovative thinking, forging consensus on ways forward, and coordinating efforts to achieve internationally agreed goals.

MISSION STATEMENT

Informed by the moral and social teachings of the Church, CICIAMS is committed to:

  • Giving Christian witness
  • Promoting the initiation of and participation in professional research and development towards the achievement of optimum care and well-being.
  • Respecting the religious convictions of others and accepting their rights to practice their
    beliefs.
  • Developing a positive vision of life from conception to death
  • Representing Christian and professional values in our work with other national and international associations

AIMS

  • Endeavour to promote basic and advanced nurse education and professional research
  • Promote the enhancement of spiritual welfare and ethical values
  • Promote health and social measures following Christian principles and professional
    development
  • Promote co-operation between member associations.

MEANS

  • Organize seminars on relevant topics
  • Encourage and support member associations in their efforts to participate in professional activities and undertakings
  • Support members in their work in developing countries and/or regions in which there is
    instability or natural disasters
  • Facilitate prayer and liturgical worship as appropriate in connection with its activities
  • Publish a newsletter at regular intervals to disseminate information and promote unity
    among member associations