Jubilee of Communications Unites Faithful in Chennai

Chennai, January 28, 2025 - The Archdiocesan Commission for Social Communications of the Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore celebrated the Jubilee of the World of Communications at Annai Vailankanni Shrine, Besant Nagar. Marking the Sunday of the Word of God on January 26 and coinciding with India’s Republic Day, the event intertwined civic and spiritual responsibilities, emphasizing the transformative power of Scripture and the role of communication in advancing the Church’s mission.

The day began with a solemn Holy Mass presided over by Rev. Fr. Ritchie Vincent, Secretary of the Commission, alongside Rev. Fr. E. Arulappa, Rector and Parish Priest of the Shrine. In his homily, Fr. Ritchie highlighted three themes: civic responsibility, life in the Word of God, and the mission of communicators.

Reflecting on Republic Day, Fr. Ritchie urged lay Catholics to participate actively in civic life, embodying Gospel values to promote societal well-being. He emphasized that faith must be lived out publicly, inspiring transformation within communities.

Addressing Scripture's role, Fr. Ritchie quoted John 6:63, underscoring the spiritual vitality it brings to a Christian's life. He called for a deeper engagement with the Word of God, encouraging the faithful to let Scripture guide their daily actions and decisions.

On the Jubilee theme, Fr. Ritchie spoke about Catholic communicators as builders of hope amid an era of misinformation and despair. He outlined initiatives like the "10 Commandments for Digital Wellness," the impactful work of Madha TV, and the Catholic Connect App, urging support for these platforms to strengthen evangelization efforts.

After the Mass, Mr. Regilan J, Director of Operations for the Social Communications Commission, highlighted upcoming plans, including workshops on digital media literacy, empowering Catholic influencers, and promoting platforms like Madha TV and Catholic Connect. He emphasized youth empowerment as a priority, equipping young Catholics with tools for responsible digital engagement.

A key moment was the recognition of 22 Catholic influencers for their contributions to digital evangelization. ID cards were presented to them as a token of appreciation for their efforts in spreading hope through social media. The faithful also received handouts detailing practical guidelines for digital wellness, promoting a Gospel-centered online presence.

The Commission expressed gratitude to Annai Vailankanni Shrine’s leadership, staff, and volunteers for their support in organizing the event. The day concluded with a call to deepen faith through Scripture, support Catholic media initiatives, and embrace digital tools for evangelization. This celebration not only honored the Jubilee of Communications but reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to engaging the modern world with faith and dialogue.

By Catholic Connect Reporter