Tamil Nadu Church Communicators Chart Digital Mission at Regional Formation Meet

Chennai, June 17, 2026: Church communicators from dioceses across Tamil Nadu gathered at the Santhome Communications Centre in Chennai on June 16–17 for a two-day formation and planning programme aimed at strengthening the Church’s communication mission in an increasingly digital and AI-driven world.

The meeting brought together diocesan communication commission secretaries for reflection, training, and strategic discussions on the future of Catholic media ministry. The gathering was inaugurated by George Antonysamy, who underscored the critical role of Church communicators in shaping authentic human relationships amid rapid technological change.

Introducing the newly appointed diocesan communication secretaries, the Archbishop reflected on Pope Leo XIV’s recent encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas, describing it as a formative rather than merely instructive document. He highlighted its emphasis on anthropological, fraternal, and pastoral formation, stressing the need to safeguard the relational dimension of human life in the digital age.

A detailed presentation on the encyclical was delivered by Fr. Jenith Sekar, who invited participants to explore its implications for contemporary communication ministry. The theme of preserving human dignity and authentic relationships in digital spaces was further developed by Fr. Raja, Editor of Nam Vazhvu, during a session on “Preserving Human Voices and Faces,” the theme of the 60th World Day of Social Communications.

The programme also featured hands-on training in lighting and camera techniques, equipping diocesan communication leaders with practical skills for modern media production and storytelling.

Fr. David Arockiam, Regional Secretary of the Santhome Communications Centre, outlined the mission and initiatives of the regional communication apostolate. Additional sessions focused on programme planning, preparations for World Communications Day 2026, social media ministry, promotional strategies, and financial management.

A key presentation was delivered by Fr. Cyril Victor Joseph, Coordinator of the CCBI Media Apostolate, who introduced recent guidelines issued by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India for the Church’s engagement with social media and digital platforms. He encouraged greater collaboration among diocesan communication secretaries and urged them to actively promote Catholic Connect, the CCBI’s digital communication platform.

Participants described the gathering as a valuable opportunity for networking, capacity building, and discerning new pathways for evangelisation through media. The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment to harnessing contemporary communication tools to proclaim the Gospel, strengthen ecclesial communion, and engage society with the values of truth, dignity, and hope.

By Catholic Connect Reporter