By Lissy Maruthanakuzhy,
Panaji, Oct 10, 2022: The Archdiocese of Goa and Daman celebrated the Day of Mass Media apostolate by stressing the proper and safe use of social media.
“The media is often used to promote personal agenda or create public opinions that are advantageous to those in power or for the benefit of business houses,” said vicar general Father Jose Remedious Fernandes, the main celebrant of the October 9 Mass at Lar De Estudantes, Altinho, Panaji, the state capital.
In his homily, he urged more than 40 lay people, mostly animators from various parishes, use mass media, especially social media, in a positive way.
He said people should critically analyze any message before believing it and verify the facts for any wrong information or fake news.
“It is not just to pay attention to sensational news but to information and news that promote the welfare of society,” he said and asked all to be sensitive to others while sharing any information.
He highlighted the need to educate people in the proper and safe use of media and invited everyone to use media for the betterment of society. He said the diocesan center for social communications is at the service of priests and laity to impart media education in parishes.
Father Barry Cardozo, director Diocesan Centre for Social Communications, introducing the center to the participants, said the center’s mission is to help the local Church to fulfill the task of proclaiming the Good News within the reality of the archdiocese.
It has to be a link between different parishes, and between different religious groups, he added.
Referring to social media he said, “Do not forward news items we are not sure of. It can hurt someone. As lay faithful our responsibility is to be true and active witnesses of Christ in the media.”