Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (JD/MS)

Udupi, May 29: “Modern day media highly influences the life of human beings. There is necessity to convey the good thoughts and pro-social activities through media, instead of staying away from it. Today’s media workshop is an important step taken by Udupi diocese in that direction,” said Fr Ferdinand Gonsalves, Vicar General of Udupi diocese.

Fr Ferdinand spoke after inaugurating the church and media workshop that was held at the Anugraha parish centre near Ambagilu organized jointly by Udupi diocese, Deepa Trust, Ujwad Konkani fortnightly, social communication commission and Signis India.

Addressing the gathering, Fr Dr Roshan D’Souza, chancellor of Udupi diocese said, “This is the age of media. It is not possible for Catholic Church to stay away from it. It is very rare to find the programmes carried out by the Catholic Church in media. But in recent days many political parties reach commoners easily through media. The Catholic Church should give more attention in order to make their presence felt in media.”

PRO of Udupi diocese Fr Denis D’Sa welcomed the gathering and did the introductory speech. Fr Sudeep Paul, director of Sandesha Foundation Mangaluru, Dr Ronald Anil Fernandes, member of KPSC and Rohini, assistant commissioner of information department were present.

Resource persons Fr Sudeep Paul spoke on relation between media and church in present times, KPSC member Dr Ronald Anil Fernandes on church and print media, founder of Daijiworld Walter Nandalike on church and web social media and director of TV9 group Clifford Pereira spoke on church and visual media.

The valedictory function of the workshop was presided over by bishop of Udupi diocese Dr Gerald Isaac Lobo. In his address, he said, “Udupi diocese is completing 11 years. It is not possible to even think a life without media. In the past 11 years, Udupi diocese has kept good relations with the media friends. If we, together, utilize the media for good purpose, through the inspiration of this workshop, our diocese will also rise to highest level. Lord Jesus Christ was an excellent communicator. He came to spread the good word of God. Let, we the followers of Jesus Christ also spread the good news.”

Speaking on the occasion, Fr Victor Vijay Lobo, president of Signis India and chief guest of the programme, said, “We must convey truth in media. After today’s workshop, let us not wait till someone else reacts. Let us start the process of raising opinions in our social media. Let us speak truth. There is a great need to speak truth in the present times.”

Fr Valerian Mendonca, rector of Kallianpur Milagres Cathedral, who was the guest of the programme, said, “Now there is a huge responsibility on the shoulders of chief of catholic church. We need to be careful when we communicate. We must use the media for good work. It is very important to convey our opinions through media. In addition, we also have the responsibility of knowing the truth.”

Bishop released ‘Poyli Bet’ first compilation of small stories of Fr Royson Fernandes, editor of Ujwaad fortnightly.

Fr Alwyn Sequeira and Joshita Menezers compered the event. Fr Royson Fernandes rendered vote of thanks.