The International Union of Superiors General (UISG) organized a webinar for female religious who works in communications. The unique webinar was held in person and online. Online, there were about 180 participants from different countries. Meanwhile, those who attended in person gathered at the UISG building in Rome. Sr. M. Angela Siallagan FCJM (from Rome) and Sr. M. Yovita Manalu FCJM & Sr. M. Susanne Schrammel FCJM (from Malawi) as representatives of the Congregation participated in the webinar.

The webinar was held on Monday, February 24, 2025. The UISG presented four professional speakers in the field of communication, namely Rose Pacatte FSP, Sister Adelaide Ndilu IHM, Sister Cristina Valea FSMP, and Fr. Benedict Mayaki SI. It was moderated by Geraldine Schwarz.

This unique webinar was a valuable opportunity for participants to reflect on the extraordinary power of the media to communicate messages of hope and create deep relationships between people, transcending all geographical and cultural barriers. Participants heard unique experiences from different parts of the world, exploring how the Jubilee has inspired new perspectives in the field of communication and how stories of hope have been told in different contexts.

The webinar also highlighted the important role of the media in spreading the message of hope. As a source of information, communicators have a great responsibility to teach and show the world how to be hope.

Rose Pacatte, FSP, who works as director of the Pauline Center for Media Studies in Rome and is the author of a book on media education and cinema, shared her experiences to enrich the communicators.

He said the power of story. Our stories and narratives are hope. By telling stories, we tell the world that there is much hidden goodness, even when there is no hope.

Meanwhile, Fr. Benedict Mayaki SI, who once worked as a news journalist in the Vatican and currently serves as a communicator at the Curia of the Society of Jesus in Rome, spoke about the role of the media in spreading the message of hope. He said there are five The Role of the media in spreading the message of hope:

1. Storytelling as a catalyst for connection
2. Countering the “Attention Economy”
3. Ethical responsibility to truth: Combating false news
4. Amplifying marginalized voices
5. Fostering Community and agency

Jubilee of Communications as the first Jubilee Year Event

The priest, who is known as a person who dares to speak the truth, said that this year’s Jubilee of Communication is the first Jubilee of Communication. This decision reflects the Church’s recognition of comms as both a modern imperative and a theological priority. There are four important points to be made of the Jubilee of Communication, namely:

• Communication as the Foundation of Mission

By prioritizing communication, the Church emphasizes that how the Gospel is shared is just as vital as the message itself. The Church affirms that effective and ethical communication is crucial to its mission of evangelization. This reflects Pope Francis’s frequent calls to “go to the digital peripheries.” This decision reflects the Church’s recognition of comms as both a modern imperative and a theological priority.

• Communication as the Foundation of Mission

By prioritizing communication, the Church emphasizes that how the Gospel is shared is just as vital as the message itself. The Church affirms that effective and ethical communication is crucial to its mission of evangelization. This reflects Pope Francis’s frequent calls to “go to the digital peripheries.” This decision reflects the Church’s recognition of comms as both a modern imperative and a theological priority.

• Elevating Communication as a mission

The Church is reframing communication not just as a technical skill but as a vocation and ministry. By placing this event first, it sanctifies the work of journalists, content creators, and media professionals, inviting them to see their labor as participation in Christ’s mission.

• Setting the tone for the Jubilee year:

Effective communication is the vehicle through which the theme of hope will resonate globally. Starting here ensures that subsequent events are amplified with clarity and purpose.

• Embracing modernity without losing identity:

By engaging digital tools and platforms first, the Church balances tradition with innovation. It signals adaptability while resisting the pitfalls of tech-driven dehumanization. This mirrors Pope Francis’s critique of a “throwaway culture” while affirming technology’s potential for good.

Fr. Benedict also shared his efforts to live and talked about “hope” step by step. There are Personal Spiritual Practices, Community Building Initiatives, Digital Evangelization, Artistic/Cultural Expressions, Ecological Initiatives, Education & Formation, Advocacy, Liturgy, and Media and Technology.

Through the valuable input of the speakers, participants were invited to discover together the universal value of communication as a tool for change, unity and growth for all of humanity.

Written by Sr. M. Angela Siallagan FCJM

Edited by: Yesi Theresia Purba, S.Pd.