Bishop Julius Gitom launches new Diocese of Sandakan website on the 55th WCD
By SOCCOM Diocese of Sandakan
May 20 2021
SANDAKAN – In conjunction with the 55th World Communications Day, the Diocese of Sandakan launched its very first website. It was officially launched by Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom right after the church’s Eucharistic celebration which also commemorates the Solemnity of Ascension of the Lord on Saturday, 15 May 2021.
Bishop Julius expressed that it was a blessing in the Diocese to celebrate World Communications Day. He deliberated that the theme for this year’s 55th World Communications Day is “Come and See” (John 1:46), Communicating by Encountering People Where and as They Are.
Before Jesus ascended into heaven, he imparted his final instructions to his disciples, to preach the good news and make disciples of all nations. In response to Jesus’ instruction in our present time, Bishop Julius stated that we must make use of all the communicating tools, such as the internet, which is the essential platform of evangelization, especially in today’s modern world.
The newly launched website will also allow the church to connect digitally with the rest of the world so that the gospel is made known far and wide.
A website can be created, but it would be no use if there is no news and no updates. – Bishop Julius Gitom
Bishop Julius also shared to the parishioner few messages extracted from Pope Francis’ message on the 55th World Communication Day:-
“‘Come and see’ is the simplest method to get to know a situation, it is the most honest test of every message, because, to know, we need to encounter, to let the person in front of me speak, to let his or her testimony reach me.
The internet, with its countless social media expressions, can increase the capacity for reporting and sharing, with many more eyes on the world and a constant flood of images and testimonies. Potentially we can all become witnesses to events that otherwise would be overlooked by the traditional media, contribute to society, and highlight more stories, including positive ones. Thanks to the internet we have the opportunity to report what we see, what is taking place before our eyes, and to share it with others.
At times where good news is shared, there is also the risk of misinformation being spread on social media which has become evident to everyone. All of us are responsible for the communications we make, for the information we share, for the control that we can exert over fake news by exposing it. All of us are to be witnesses of the truth, to go, to see, and to share.”
At the end of his speech, Bishop Julius thanked all parishioners present for the launching of the Sandakan Diocesan Website and the technical team for their efforts in creating the Website. He urged all parishioners from all the various parishes, to share their views and news so that it can be published and updated on the website.
