“Share with gentleness the hope that is in your hearts,” she said, urging participants at the workshop to disarm communication from generating fear and prejudice but to foster dialogue that uplifts and inspires.
Credit: ACI Africa
In her presentation on the topic “Communication at the Crossroads”, Sr Olga Massango appealed to Catholic Journalists to be “heralds of hope that does not disappoint” as they continue using the digital space during the Jubilee Year.
Sr. Massango spoke at length about the transformative impact of modern media, making reference to St. Pope John Paul II’s 2005 Apostolic Letter The Rapid Development.
Sr. Olga Massango presenting during the Saturday, January 25 workshop. Credit: ACI Africa
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The Mozambican Sister said that the rapid development of communication and the subsequent invention of different means of communication places the Church at the crossroads, and emphasized the need for Journalists to be “heralds of hope”
Credit: ACI Africa
“The Jubilee of the World of Communications offers an opportunity to every journalist to renew his commitment to be the herald of hope that does not disappoint,” Sr. Massango said.
Highlighting the “dual potential of media”, Sr. Massango said, “Media can either foster understanding and peace or, if misused, become a destructive force.”
She stressed the ethical responsibilities tied to communication, quoting Pope John Paul II’s assertion that truthful and free communication is vital for promoting integral human development.
Credit: ACI Africa
“Media must uphold human dignity and serve the common good,” she told participants at the one-day workshop and cautioned that ethical responsibility becomes critical amidst rapid technological advancements.
Sr. Massango emphasized the role of media professionals in shaping culture and society. She encouraged them to reflect on the content they produce, ensuring it contributes positively to moral and ethical values. She said, “The choices made in media can lead to vastly different outcomes for humanity.”
“A good communicator ensures that those who listen, read, or watch can connect with the best part of themselves and engage meaningfully,” she said.
Credit: ACI Africa
Sr. Deborah Lupinga discussed the spiritual dimension of communication, urging Christian communicators to remain open to God, themselves, and others. She emphasized that the communicators’ message must be grounded in the Word of God and lived authentically.
Sr. Deborah Lupinga. Credit: ACI Africa
“Technology cuts distance and connects people, but human beings determine the content and ways of communication. Spirituality is in people, not in technology,” Sr. Lupinga said.
She posed questions for reflection from Progression et Communio, a pastoral instruction of the Roman Catholic Church, issued by the Pontifical Council for Social Communications on 23 May 1971.
Credit: ACI Africa
“How can one avoid allowing communications made indirectly and through machinery to weaken direct human contact, especially when these communications take the form of pictures and images? When the media invite men to escape into fantasy, what can be done to bring them back to present reality?” she posed.
Credit: ACI Africa
On Artificial Intelligence, Sr. Mary Wangui Mutahi reflected on the history of the new technology saying, “As we look to the future, the possibilities for AI seem boundless. Yet, this journey reminds us of our responsibility as stewards of creation.”
Srs. Mary and Agatha. Credit: ACI Africa
Sr. Wangui added, “AI is not just a technological achievement. It is a testament to the divine gift of creativity bestowed upon humanity. Let us approach AI with wisdom, ensuring it serves the common good and aligns with God’s purpose for humanity.”
Silas Mwale Isenjia is a Kenyan journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Linguistics, Media and Communication from Moi University in Kenya. Silas has vast experience in the Media production industry. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.