A German-based Catholic campus apostolate is preparing to send missionaries to universities across Europe. Ardens, a non-profit association operating out from Bonn, Germany, will deploy four full-time missionary teams after summer 2026 to campus chaplaincies in Cork, Belfast, Passau and Vienna, as well as online support to students across 10 other countries.
David Hickson, chief executive of Ardens, said: "The name Ardens is the Latin word for 'burning' or 'on fire,' drawing directly from the Road to Emmaus narrative in Luke 24:32. Just as the discouraged disciples felt their hearts burning within them upon recognising Jesus, our missionaries meet European students where they are. In university environments, Ardens fans the flame of personal encounter with Christ, transforming searching and drifting hearts into passionate servant leaders."
