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A day-long seminar on ‘Church and Media’ was organized jointly by Deepa Trust, Uzwaad Fortnightly and Commission for Social Communications in association with SIGNIS INDIA-the catholic Association for Communication at the Diocesan Pastoral Centre ‘Anugraha’ Kukkunje, Santhekatte on Sunday, 28 May 2023 from 10 am to 4.45 pm.

Fr. Denis D’Sa-PRO of the Udupi Diocese in his introductory remarks explained the reason behind organizing the seminar on Church and Media. He said that the Second Vatican Council was like the second Pentecost and the importance of media was recognized by the church. However, the church has not been able to capitalize on the media. It is important to utilize the media for Evangelization so also it is important to evangelize the media. Media has percolated in every sphere of human life. Though the church had been reluctant to use media, in modern times, it has realized that without the effective use of media, the future of the church may not be bright.  The media should be used for upholding truth, trust and tolerance.

The seminar was formally  inaugurated by Msgr. Ferdinand Gonslaves-Chairman of the Deepa Trust and Vicar General of the Udupi Diocese along with other dignitaries on the dais, Fr. Roshan D’Souza-Chancellor of the Udupi Diocese, Fr. Denis D’Sa-PRO pf the Udupi Diocese, Fr. Royson Fernandes-Editor of Uzwaad, Fr. Sudeep Pau and Dr. Ronald Anil Fernandes-Resource persons and two participants by fixing the icons of the social media on the stem of the banana plant.

Fr. Roshan D’Souza, the chief guest of the inaugural function in his address said that this is the age of media and no one can stay away from it. Though the church conducts many useful programmers, their mention is hardly found in media. Fr. Roshan wished well for the seminar on Church and Media.

In his presidential message, Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves said, “We had given  less importance to media and media persons. However, in modern times the church has found its importance. Media helps in communicating the service of the church to the society in many ways”. Msgr. Ferdinand Gonsalves lauded the efforts of Fr. Royson Fernandes and  Fr. Alwyn Sequeira (Carmelite), the Editor Designate of ‘Uzwaad’ for organizing the seminar.

Fr. Royson Fernandes  proposed the vote of thanks to the dignitaries who participated in the inaugural function of the seminar.

The seminar was conducted by four Resource Persons-Fr. Sudeep Paul-Director of Sandesha Foundation, Mangalore on the theme of “Church and Media-Present Scenario” . Dr. Ronald Anil  Fernnades-Member of Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) on the topic of “Church and Print Media”. Walter Nandalike-Director of Daijworld Media Network on “Church and Web/Social Media” and Clifford Pereira – Director of TV9 Group of  Channels on “Church and Visual/ Digital Media”.

The valedictory programme was held at 3.30 pm presided over by Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo. Other dignitaries on the dais included  Rev. Fr. Valerian Mendonca-Trustee of Deepa Trust, Fr. Victor Vijay Lobo-President of Signis India, Fr. Denis D’Sa, Fr. Royson Fernandes and three resource persons-Dr. Ronald Anil Fernandes, Walter Nandalike and Clifford Pereira.

Two participants in the seminar-Michael D’Souza and Mrs. Cifha Saldanha gave the feedback of the seminar.

Rev. Fr. Valerian Mendonca in his address said that the media has a great responsibility of upholding  the truth. When people are fed with multidimensional truth, it is important that media should reveal the real truth. He further said that the church has to make use of the media and make itself relevant to the people.

Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo felicitated Fr. Alwyn Sequeira, the Editor  designate of “Uzwaad” and wished Fr. Royson Fernandes who will be proceeding to Rome for higher studies in media for three years.

Fr. Victor Vijay Lobo distributed certificates of participation to all those who attended the seminar.

In his address, Fr. Victor Vijay Lobo explained the background  of Signis India and its role in promoting the interest of the church. Signis World was created in November, 2001 in Rome for the merger of two International Catholic Organizations. They are Unda, meaning ‘wave’ in Latin, for Radio and Television, and OCIC, an acronym for ‘Organization Catholique International du Cinema et de l’ Audiovisual, meaning International Catholic Organization for Cinema and Audiovisual’.

Both these Organizations were created in 1928 in Cologne, Germany and at The Hague, Netherlands respectively.

The word ‘SIGNIS’ is derived from two Latin words, ‘Signum’ (meaning Sign) and ‘Ignis’ (meaning Fire)

SIGNIS combines the heritages of both Unda and OCIC, and at the same time, moves forward as a creative and dynamic Catholic International Media Organization.

The Constitution of SIGNIS INDIA was first approved and promulgated for a probation period of four years by the delegates during the first SIGNIS INDIA General Assembly held at Don Bosco Provincial House, Okhla, New Delhi, during 24-25, February, 2002.

At the end of the stipulated four years, the Constitution was ratified and adopted on 21 September 2006 at the extraordinary National General Assembly of SIGNIS INDIA, held at St. Anne’s Generalate, Hyderabad.

The book containing the collection of 16 stories written by Fr. Royson Fernandes and Published by "Uzwaad Prakashan" title "Poilee Bhet" (First Meeting) was released by Bishop Gerald Isaac Lobo. 

In his presidential message, Bishop Gerld Isaac Lobo said that since the establishment of the Diocese of Udupi, he has been maintaining good relation with the media persons of Udupi arranging Christmas get-together every year. So afar the media has been doing its bit in promoting the interest of the diocese. He greatly appreciated the service rendered by Dr. Ronald Anil Fernandes, Walter Nandalike and Clifford Pereira for their media support since the inception of the diocese.

Fr. Royson Fernades proposed the vote of thanks and Ms. Joshita Menezes compered the programme.