C.M. Paul
Bangalore, November 24 2024: Bangalore City hosted the first National Catholic Media Conference dedicated exclusively for Clergy and Religious at St John’s Medical College from November 23 to 24.
The conference, entitled “ILLUMINAIRE: Nurturing Digital Stewardship in the Era of Artificial Intelligence,” was organized by the Salesian Communication departments in Rome and India, in collaboration with the Vatican Dicastery for Communication and other national Church communication bodies.
Among 16 experts who shared their perspectives on using social media and artificial intelligence for pastoral ministry with some 300 participants, were Member of Parliament from West Bengal Mr. Derek O’Brien who urged clergy and religious leaders to embrace digital tools while staying true to their mission and authenticity.
Member of Vatican Dicastery for Communication and director of its Theological Pastoral Department Dr. Natasa Govekar encouraged participants to integrate the values of faith and communion into the digital realm, offering a vital framework for those engaged in digital ministry today.
Recalling the great media apostles in the church, Daughters of St Paul Sr. Joeyanna D’Souza, a Social Media Ethics Specialist from Mumbai, emphasized the need for consecrated persons to prioritize community goals rather than personal recognition, share uplifting content that inspires and motivates others, and maintain a balanced online presence.
Renowned human rights activist and writer, Jesuit Father Cedric Prakash spelt out challenges Church leaders face in speaking truth to power in digital discernment. Highlighting the socio-political challenges of our times, including abuses, persecution, and ethnic wars, he called upon Church leaders to examine their fears.
Digital Evangelist and Tech Entrepreneur Ms. Poorva Jain, captivated the audience with her insightful presentation on Digital Ministry and Outreach in the Age of AI “to take over Martha’s role, allowing us to be more like Mary, but AI can never replace us because we are God’s creation.”
Associate Professor of Psychology and Principal of the Indian Institute of Psychology and Research (IIPR) Bangalore, Dr. Elizabeth Jasmine, spoke on the practice of using digital devices in a healthy and balanced way. Managing screen time, she said, helps digital resilience.
A dynamic panel discussion led by Media Psychologist Salesian Father Raj Kumar Fernando of Chennai alongside four college students, shed light on the Challenges and Opportunities of Engaging with the Alpha Generation and Generation Z in the Church’s Mission. Both generations, unique in their traits, pose new challenges for the Church, emphasizing the need for tailored approaches to bridge the gap and foster meaningful connections.
Both days offered six hands on workshops to participants to choose workshops of their choice to hone their social media skills for pastoral ministry. A session on success stories in digital ministry as well as another session on Media Resources and Services by various national Catholic bodies and institutions offered useful information.
I missed out a word in my comment. The second sentence must read as: “The organizers could have included some “renowned lay catholic journalists” also.”
The conference was “dedicated exclusively for clergy and religious”. The organizers could have included some “renowned lay journalists” also. But it was not done. This is how “clergy-laity divide” keeps widening. It is a sad state of affairs in the Indian Catholic Church.
Seems to be wonderful and useful topics were discussed. May the clergy and religious use the Social media in the right sence… Take wow no more useless forwards, paste moderately dressed DP, avoid the use of mobile after 9.30 pm till you finish the morning prayers and mass… Many more.