By Daniel Roy Santiyagu
THE Jubilee of the World of Communications brought together global Church communicators in an inspiring Conference of Presidents and National Directors of Episcopal Commissions for Communication from Jan 27-29. As the Chairman of the Episcopal Regional Commission for Social Communication of Malaysia-Singapore- Brunei, I was blessed with the privilege of representing our region at this significant event.
Hosted by the Dicastery for Communication, the conference convened bishops, clergy, religious, and lay leaders engaged in the Church’s communication efforts. The event was an opportunity for reflection, dialogue, and renewal in our mission to bring the Gospel to the digital frontier.
Key discussions covered the impact of social media on faith formation, artificial intelligence in religious communication, and the vital role of storytelling in shaping narratives of hope. Renowned speakers, including Maria Ressa and Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, shared profound insights on how the Church can navigate the complexities of modern communication while remaining rooted in Gospel values.
A highlight of the event was the private audience with His Holiness Pope Francis, who imparted a compelling message on the responsibility of Church communicators. Addressing us on Jan 27 at Clementine Hall, the Holy Father emphasised the importance of fostering hope in a world often clouded by despair.
What are we doing to encourage others to look forward to a future that is not predetermined? Are we capable of communicating that hope is not an illusion? Hope never disappoints. Are we communicating this? Pope Francis challenged us. He urged us to avoid the pitfalls of division and sensationalism, reminding us that communication within the Church should not be dictated by corporate marketing strategies but must instead be inspired by prayer and love. Pope Francis left us with two keywords: together and network. He called on Catholic communicators to work collaboratively across continents, emphasising that Christian communication must be a living witness of fraternity and unity, not an insular dialogue among ourselves.
“We must let the Lord out – He is knocking at the door to be let out,” he remarked, inspiring us to ensure that our communication efforts reflect a missionary Church, engaging with the world beyond our own communities.
The Jubilee of the World of Communication was more than a conference; it was a call to action. As we return to our respective dioceses, we carry with us the responsibility to create narratives that build bridges, foster reconciliation, and testify to the Kingdom of God. In an age where misinformation and divisiveness threaten unity, our mission as Catholic communicators has never been more crucial.
The words of Pope Francis will continue to resonate as we strive to make our digital spaces a place of encounter, dialogue, and evangelisation. May our commitment to truth, love, and unity guide us as we communicate our faith in this ever-evolving digital age. – Herald Malaysia
