Media Missions ware organised at St. Thomas Church, Cansaulim, and Our Lady of Patrocinio Chapel, Benaulim during their Novenas, culminating with the feast, from 31st October to 9th November. This Mission is a 10 Days unique media education and communication skills empowerment programme organised by the Diocesan Centre for Social Communications Media (DCSCM).
The programme helps participants reflect on and strengthen their interpersonal communication skills within the family and society by enhancing both communication and behavioural approaches. It also focuses on developing communication skills among children and youth.
Special attention is given to the responsible use of social media, including safety measures and cybercrime awareness. Participants are also trained to analyse news, public opinion, and advertisements to discern the truth behind the messages they encounter. A bit of awareness on distinguishing AI generated content was also given.
Keeping in line with the theme of the jubilee Year the main theme of the Mission was to be messengers of hope through our communications. Stressing how we can communicate to build bridges and uplift the families and society through the use of communications skills and media positively. All the sessions were based on Scripture and teachings of the Church regarding Social Communications Media as well as latest developments in the field of Media.
Fr. Ave Maria Alphonso, Parish Priest and Fr. Lourenco Dias Assistant to Parish Priest of St. Thomas Church, Cansaulim and Fr. Edwin Pereira, Chaplain of Patrocinio Chapel, Benaulim, expressed their gratitude to Fr. Barry Cardozo, Director of DCSCM, and his team. The parish priests appreciated the initiative, calling it the need of the hour.
Participants also shared positive feedback, noting that the programme helped them improve interpersonal communication skills, gain essential knowledge about media and understand the Church’s teachings on social communication. Some also shared personal experiences of falling victim to digital scams.
The Diocesan Centre for Social Communications Media prepares the themes and sends a team of priests for the Novenas. About three to five priests, both diocesan and religious, work together in this programme.