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MEDIA EVANGELISATION WORKSHOP EMPOWERS BEC AND PROCLAMATION COMMISSIONS AT SANDESHA FOUNDATION

Mangaluru, June 7, 2025 – In a vibrant response to the call for synodality, digital discernment, and grassroots proclamation, the Media Evangelisation Workshop: Empowering BEC and Proclamation Commissions was inaugurated today at the Sandesha Foundation for Culture and Education, Mangaluru. Organised by the Regional Proclamation and BEC Commissions of KRCBC in collaboration with Sandesha, the workshop drew 45 committed participants—clergy, religious, and laity—from across the dioceses of Karnataka.

The two-day workshop, running from June 7 to 8, is envisioned as a training ground for digital missionaries, providing practical skills in media creation and communication, along with theological reflection on faith and technology.

In his welcome address, Fr. Sudeep Paul MSFS, Director of Sandesha and chief architect of the initiative, reminded the participants of the deeper purpose behind the gathering. “Sandesha is not merely a venue. It is a living mission of the Church in Karnataka—a space where faith and art meet, where culture and catechesis merge, and where we seek to communicate Christ through the beauty of media, music, theatre, and storytelling,” he said. Fr. Sudeep highlighted Sandesha’s legacy of over three decades in nurturing voices of hope, harmony, and faith through cultural evangelisation. “In recent years, we have also become a training hub for digital discipleship, where lay leaders, teachers, and clergy are equipped to evangelise using new tools and technologies,” he added. He extended a special welcome to the Chief Guest, Very Rev. Fr. Maxim Lawrence Noronha, Vicar General of the Diocese of Mangalore, and Rev. Fr. Maxim Dias, Regional Secretary for BEC and Proclamation Commissions. Their presence, encouragement, and vision were acknowledged as instrumental in shaping the scope and spirit of the workshop.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Very Rev. Msgr Maxim Noronha urged the Church to embrace digital communication as a space for communion, not confusion. “This workshop is not just about learning the latest digital tools—it is fundamentally about mission,” he said. “We are here not to master technology for its own sake, but to build vibrant ecclesial communities rooted in the Word of God, connected through communion, and committed to service.” Drawing from Pope Francis’ 2025 World Communications Day Message, Msgr Noronha reminded participants of the spiritual and moral responsibility of Christians in today’s divided media landscape. “Too often, communication today becomes a source of division, resentment, and fanaticism. But as Christians, we are called to disarm aggression and generate gentle, hope-filled communication,” he said, quoting 1 Peter 3:15 – “Share with gentleness the hope that is in your hearts.”

Delivering his message as Regional Secretary of the BEC and Proclamation Commissions, Fr. Maxim Dias affirmed the need for a Church that is not afraid to enter the digital realm with conviction. “The Church today is moving from pews and benches to pixels,” he said. “We are no longer passive viewers—we are stepping into the digital space to proclaim the Gospel with creativity and courage. From bytes to gigabytes, from screens to souls, our mission remains the same: to make Christ known.” Fr. Dias emphasised that the workshop is not merely about media training but about fostering witness, authenticity, and evangelisation. He exhorted “Let us return to our communities not just with techniques, but with the fire of witness—ready to proclaim the Good News in new ways.”

In his orientation session, Fr. Sudeep Paul explained the deeper theological and pastoral purpose of the workshop. This is not just another seminar—it is part of a larger ecclesial journey toward media literacy, synodality, and digital discernment. We are not here to go viral—we are here to become credible, compassionate, and communion-building digital missionaries.”

Inspired by Pope Francis’ 2024 theme on "AI and the Wisdom of the Heart," the workshop incorporates both technical training and ethical reflection, rooted in the Pastoral Plan of the CCBI, which prioritises empowering BECs and local commissions to actively proclaim the Gospel.
Learning by Doing: A Laboratory of Evangelisation

Over the course of the workshop, participants will:
•    Craft impactful writing for features, testimonies, and interviews using AI support.
•    Plan and script content for social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter).
•    Create posters, podcasts, and short videos using tools such as Canva, CapCut, VN Editor, and DALL·E.
•    Explore AI tools like ChatGPT and voice AI for ideation and storytelling.
•    Reflect on digital ethics and spirituality, focusing on authenticity over virality.

The sessions are designed to be interactive, collaborative, and hands-on, with participants divided into media teams tasked with creating digital content and receiving feedback. The Resource persons for the two-day workshop include: Fr. Sudeep Paul MSFS, Fr. Roshan D’Souza and Fr. Anil Ivan Fernandes.