“This training underscored that the Internet is not merely a tool but a vast mission field, because most of the Christians especially the youths are on the Internet in large numbers,” Fr. Sichinga is quoted as telling the Seminarians.
The Internet “also offers global reach, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness which are important in creating vibrant online communities that support Spiritual growth and foster meaningful engagement,” he added.
The member of the Clergy of Malawi’s Catholic Diocese of Mangochi, where he serves as the Youth Chaplain is said to have called upon Church leaders to accompany the faithful engaging social media forums so that authentic Catholic faith is shared in the digital spaces.
According to a related report that St. Peter’s Major Seminary also published on February 21, the Malawian Catholic Priest is also said to have emphasized the value of digital spaces, which he said provide the possibility of online pastoral ministry. Fr. Sichinga also reiterated the need to guide digital evangelizers.
In that report, Gabriel Kamlomo is quoted as telling the Seminarians that evangelizers engaging digital media can “defend and explain the official teachings of the Church."
Through digital spaces, the Bureau Chief at Malawi’s Blantyre Newspaper Limited (Lilongwe Bureau) said, “non-Catholics, who may be attracted to our teachings and wish to join us", can be catechized.
During the training, representatives from the Malawi Communications Regulatory Authority (MACRA) provided insights into media laws and ethics. This ensured that participants understood the importance of responsible engagement with digital platforms, aligning with both faith and national laws.
The three-day training also underlined the need to safeguard personal information, the value of “responsible digital behavior, and the importance of protecting oneself and others from cyber threats to maintain both personal security and the integrity of Church communications,” the MCCB report indicates.
“With more than 5.9 million people connected to the internet in Malawi, the Church recognizes the need to meet believers where they are, online,” the report states, and adds, “By equipping seminarians with skills and knowledge of using digital tools for evangelization, the Church ensures that its mission to spread the Gospel remains relevant and impactful.”
Other aspects addressed during the three-day training included forming faith through online platforms, digital devotions, online pastoral ministry, cyber hygiene, data protection and access to information, among others.
