SIGNIS Asia Assembly 2025 Calls For Communicators to be “Missionaries Of Hope” in The Digital Era

Manila, Philippines, October 30, 2025: Nearly 75 Catholic media professionals from 11 Asian countries gathered in Manila for the SIGNIS Asia Assembly 2025, held from October 21 to 25 under the theme “Whispers of Hope: Communicating Peace, Building Futures.” The annual gathering served as a platform for reflection, dialogue, and collaboration among Catholic communicators working to bring faith, media, and mission together across the continent.

The assembly opened with a solemn Mass at the Manila Cathedral, celebrated by Fr Carmel “Jek” Arada, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Manila. In his opening message, Fr Dr Stanley Kozhichira, President of SIGNIS Asia, highlighted the vital role of Catholic communicators in shaping narratives of peace and compassion in an increasingly polarised and digitalised world.

The keynote address by Bishop Marcelino Antonio Maralit Jr., Chairperson of the CBCP Commission on Social Communications, focused on the transformative power of artificial intelligence in the modern media landscape. Describing AI as the “next industrial revolution,” he urged Catholic communicators to become “missionaries of hope” who bring ethics, truth, and empathy into the digital conversation.

A panel discussion titled “The Listening Post: From Conversation to Consensus,” moderated by Sr Rose Agtarap, FSP, explored the significance of listening, storytelling, and dialogue in faith-based media. Participants reflected on how authentic listening can help bridge divides and foster peace in diverse Asian societies.

An interactive workshop, “From Attention to Action: Communicating Hope in the Digital Economy,” facilitated by Pie Mabanta-Fenomeno, challenged participants to go beyond chasing views and viral content to create communication that inspires trust, builds relationships, and drives meaningful action. The guiding message that resonated throughout the session was: “Stop competing and start connecting—with trust.”

In its final statement, the assembly reaffirmed its commitment to:

Strengthen human connection and compassion in all communication,

Promote media education rooted in truth and responsibility,

Amplify the voices of the poor and marginalised, and

Communicate peace, harmony, and trust with gentleness and empathy.

Cultural immersion experiences, including visits to Tagaytay City, the SVD Farm, and the National Shrine of Jesus Nazareno in Quiapo, added spiritual depth and regional context to the week-long event. The assembly concluded with a thanksgiving Eucharist at St Paul’s Cathedral, presided over by Bishop Maralit, who reminded participants that communication rooted in faith must always lead to communion.

The SIGNIS Asia Assembly 2025 stood as a testament to the enduring mission of Catholic communicators — to listen deeply, tell stories of hope, and build bridges of peace in a fragmented digital age.

By Dr. Magimai Pragasam