(ANS – Rome) – August 6th, 2024 - The Shaping Tomorrow Communication Conference in Rome dedicated several sessions this morning on the rising influence of mobile journalism, showcasing the power of video storytelling through the lens of a smartphone.
(ANS – Rome) - At the "Shaping Tomorrow" Communication Conference, Laura Wagner-Meyer, Program Manager at Seen TV, shared her insights on effectively engaging Generation Z audiences. As a model, fashion designer, and advocate for the differently-abled, Wagner-Meyer's personal journey has informed Seen TV's mission to amplify underrepresented voices and foster greater empathy.
Rome, Italy - 4 August 2024 - It was a day of cultural immersion for the participants of the "Shaping Tomorrow" Communication Conference as they embarked on an exhilarating exploration of the rich history and vibrant religious sites of Rome. The day began with a visit to St. Peter's Square, where the group witnessed the profound experience of receiving the Angelus blessing from Pope Francis himself during the Sunday Angelus at the Vatican. Seeing the Pope appear at the window was a deeply moving moment for everyone. The group then embarked on a guided tour of Rome's iconic landmarks, including the grandeur of St. Peter's Basilica, the architectural marvel of the Pantheon, the historic Castel Sant'Angelo, and the lively Piazza Navona. More than just a sightseeing excursion, this outing was a day filled with fun, joy, and meaningful interactions. As the participants marveled at the architectural wonders and absorbed the historical significance of each site, they were not merely observing – they were actively engaging with the city's rich cultural heritage. The day fostered a sense of learning, cultural exchange, and a strong community among the conference attendees, making it a truly memorable part of the media event. This Roman adventure was not just a day of sightseeing, but a deeply enriching experience that allowed the participants to immerse themselves in the timeless beauty and captivating history of the Eternal City. The memories of this journey will undoubtedly linger, serving as a testament to the power of cultural exploration and the value of shared experiences.
(ANS - Rome) - On August 5, 2024, the fifth day of the "Shaping Tomorrow" Communication Conference, two interesting sessions were held on "Communicating with Gen Z and Alpha in Society and in the Church."
Rome, Italy - August 2024 - A compelling testimony on the communication of the three most recent pontificates (John Paul II, Benedict XVI and Francis) rounded off the morning of the fifth day of the World Communication Conference "Shaping Tomorrow". The speaker was Vaticanist Valentina Alazraki, who has been closely following the Popes since 1978. Alazarki highlighted the great media openings of Pope John Paul II, from his first greeting on the day of his election to the free display of his physical decline, through the countless public gestures he made that were perfectly 'newsworthy' for the media. The pontificate of Benedict XVI was then examined, a Pope with a great human trait and a profound word, but often misunderstood or even attacked by the media, due to prejudices towards the 'Theologian Pope', to the more shy and reserved nature of the Bavarian Pope, and to a different management of the communication dynamics of that period. Lastly, the communicative novelty brought by Pope Francis, with his search for direct and personal contact with the people and his unexpected and spontaneous gestures, amidst related challenges and opportunities, was also explored. In conclusion, the speaker emphasised how in all three Popes the Holy Spirit was seen in action: “all three different, each with his own charisma, but all united in the service of the Church”.
(ANS - Rome) - Sunday, 4 August 2024, the fourth day of the "Shaping Tomorrow" Worldwide Communication Conference, commenced with a special celebration of the Sunday Holy Eucharist.
PHOTO GALLERY
INTERVIEWS
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Chile – Former Salesian student in the fight against Alzheimer's disease
(ANS - Santiago) - Dr Nibaldo Inestrosa, graduate of the Salesian Institute in Valdivia and national prize of Natural Sciences winner, is a pioneer and expert in the study of Alzheimer's disease in the country. In this interview, he offers an insight into the current challenges, but not before reflecting on his formative experience at the Salesian Institute in Valdivia and how this influenced his interest in biology and science.
EDITORIAL
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Myanmar – Tragedy of Innocent Children in the midst of Armed Conflicts
(ANS – Naypyidaw) - Myanmar finds itself immersed in profound grief and anguish as innocent lives, particularly those of children, continue to be mercilessly lost in the enduring armed conflicts. Families are left devastated by the tragic loss of their loved ones while the relentless violence shows no signs of abating. This week, a heartfelt plea from Myanmar reached our community, shedding light on the heart-wrenching death of a young girl Juliet in a military airstrike, prompting a unified call for prayers and action.
EVENTS
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Italy – On-Line Course on Integral Ecology 2025: An Initiative of the Alliance for the Care of Our Common Home (Pontifical Universities & Atheneums of Rome)
(ANS – Rome) – 2025 marks the tenth anniversary of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical letter on the Care for Our Common Home, in which he invited all people of good to “a new dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet” (Laudato Si’, 14). However, as Pope Francis recognizes in Laudate Deum, the apostolic exhortation published on 4th October 2023, “our responses have not been adequate” and “the world in which we live is collapsing and may be nearing the breaking point.” (Laudate Deum, 2).
SPECIAL REPORTS
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RMG - St. Francis de Sales Communicator: All for Love
(ANS – Rome) - The figure of St. Francis de Sales, chosen by Don Bosco as an example of a communicator, teaches that communication is a matter of the heart. In his expression, "Everything in the Church is love: everything lives in love, for love, and of love," we understand his revolution in the way of communicating, and how communication becomes fruitful when it allows communion and the exchange of one's experiences in a path of accompaniment and collaboration in God's project.
MESSAGES OF THE RECTOR MAJOR
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WHAT A GIFT TIME IS!
THE MESSAGE OF THE VICAR OF THE RECTOR MAJOR,
Fr Stefano Martoglio, SDBThe beginning of the new year is illuminated in our liturgy by the ancient formula with which the Israelite priests blessed the people: "May the Lord bless you, and keep you. May the Lord show His face to you, and have mercy on you. May the Lord turn His countenance to you, and give you peace."