Celebrating World Communications Day in Nairobi
Catholic media organizations in Nairobi recently came together to celebrate World Communications Day, a gathering that served as a powerful reminder of the essential role of communication in fostering unity, compassion, and hope. Media representatives from various Catholic outlets participated, underscoring the importance of sharing meaningful messages in today’s digital age.
A Commencement of Faith and Unity
Held at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Thika, the event commenced with a Holy Mass led by Bishop Wallace Ng’ang’a, the Bishop Chair of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) Commission for Social Communications. The atmosphere was palpable with excitement as attendees witnessed a collective commitment to the mission of spreading the Gospel through diverse media platforms.
Bishop Wallace articulated his deep joy in seeing the Catholic media unite for a common purpose. "Your commitment in sharing the Good News through various forms of communication," he expressed, "reflects the essence of our faith." The sentiment underlined the crucial nature of media in nurturing a sense of community and understanding within the Church.
Messages of Encouragement
In his heartfelt homily, Bishop Wallace emphasized that communication goes beyond mere information dissemination; it embodies compassion and kindness. He urged media professionals to reflect Christ’s love in their messaging, particularly in a world overwhelmed with digital noise. “Our words must uplift, inspire, and bring hope to those who need it the most, especially to the voiceless,” he implored.
The Bishop’s call was a heartfelt reminder of the moral responsibility communicators bear. He encouraged all present to promote gentleness in dialogue and to root their conversations in sincerity and respect. "My prayer is that you may continue to empower our world in ways that inspire a deeper understanding of God’s love," he further added, underscoring the importance of a compassionate communication approach.
The Art of Gentleness in Communication
This year’s World Day of Social Communications theme, “Share with gentleness the Hope that is in your Hearts,” resonated deeply with the gathered communicators. Bishop Wallace elaborated on the notion of being bearers of light amidst a world fraught with negativity. “In a time when despair takes root, it is our duty to be bearers of light,” he stated, appealing to the media professionals to embody this message in their work.
He posited that the manner in which stories of hope are shared can be as impactful as the content itself. "Let us confront conflicts not with intentions of retaliation or revenge, but with understanding," he asserted, reinforcing the idea that kindness and empathy should guide every narrative.
Pilgrims of Hope
Bishop Wallace reflected on the overarching theme of the Jubilee, emphasizing the imperative for believers and communities to embody hope as a guiding force in their spiritual journeys. He reminded congregants that hope sustains us through life’s adversities and encourages a forward-looking perspective rooted in faith.
Drawing parallels between faith and communication, he urged everyone to view themselves as "pilgrims walking together towards renewal, unity, and deeper communion with God and one another." This view fosters an environment where dialogue flourishes, and diverse voices contribute to a rich tapestry of understanding.
Fostering Inclusivity
The call for inclusivity was a recurring theme in Bishop Wallace’s address. He highlighted the need for synodality—listening and dialogue—as a foundation for building inclusive communities within the Church. Encouraging participants to create environments where diverse voices are not only heard but valued, he stressed that true communion requires genuine openness to varying perspectives and experiences.
In an age of rapid digital transformation, this approach to communication within the Church is more vital than ever, ensuring that communities can flourish in love and understanding.
Witnesses of Love and Unity
Bishop Wallace concluded his message by reminding attendees of their roles as witnesses of love and unity, encouraging them to extend these virtues beyond the church’s walls and into their communities. This call to action resonates deeply with the ongoing journey of synodality and the essence of the Jubilee theme.
As the celebration of World Communications Day came to a close, the inspiring words of Bishop Wallace served as a poignant reminder of the power of hope. His message was a call to action for all—inviting them to act as bearers of light, gently sharing the hope that dwells in their hearts in a world often marked by division.
