The inaugural ceremony featured a vibrant prayer dance titled “Roohaye Roohaye,” performed by the youth of the Salesian Sisters, which set a spiritual tone for the gathering. Following this, dignitaries, including Dr. Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication; Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado, Archbishop of Bangalore; Shri Derek O’Brien, Member of West Bengal Parliament; and two participants engaged in a ceremonial lighting of the traditional lamp, symbolizing the illumination of knowledge and wisdom in the digital landscape.

Fr. Ernest Rosario, the South Asia Delegate for Social Communication, delivered the welcome address, urging attendees to embrace the theme of "Nurturing Digital Wellness" and to strive to be guiding lights in the digital realm. He encouraged participants to transform their ministries through faith, creativity, and love. The program continued with a captivating cultural presentation by St. John’s College of Nursing, which explored the theme “The Digital Compass - Guiding the Sea of Connections,” offering insightful and creative perspectives.

The significance of the conference resonated in the addresses of esteemed speakers. Fr. Harris Pakkam, the chief coordinator of Illuminaire and Director of ANS - Salesian News Agency, articulated the purpose of Illuminaire 2024: to “enlighten, enrich, and illumine” the digital journey. He expressed hope that Illuminaire would serve as a platform for priests and religious leaders from across India to network, learn, and enrich themselves in the digital sphere.

In his address, Most Rev. Peter Machado offered a thought-provoking perspective on engaging with the digital realm, stating, “We need to proclaim the Word from the laptop.” He outlined four essential strategies for effective digital engagement: awareness of the digital landscape, critical analysis of content, fostering digital dialogue, and promoting digital solutions to reduce online pollution.

Fr. Gildásio Mendes, the General Councillor for Communication, linked the conference’s objectives to Pope Francis’ vision of being “missionaries in the digital world.” He emphasized the need for collaboration in the Church's mission and presented four symbolic garden images representing faith and mission: the Garden of Creation, the Garden of Passion, the Garden of Resurrection, and the Garden of Redemption.

In his keynote address, Dr. Paolo Ruffini, the Prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication called for a humane approach to digital communication, stressing the importance of storytelling in an increasingly chaotic digital environment. He invoked Pope Francis’ encouragement, urging participants to embrace their roles as active navigators in the digital ocean.

Fr. Jesudoss Rajamanickam, Director of St. John’s Medical College, provided an overview of the institution, emphasizing that media demands vision, vigilance, and accountability. He reminded everyone of Pope Francis' call to be mindful of what we watch and share. Fr. C.M. Paul expressed gratitude to the sponsors for their support, and a few sponsors present were honored.

The vote of thanks was proposed by Fr. Jose Koyickal, Provincial of the Salesian Province of Bangalore, who highlighted the charm and beauty of the Garden City, Bangalore, and the unique opportunities available to participants during the two-day conference.

The inaugural programme concluded with the official launch of Illuminaire 2024, including the unveiling of its logo. Through the input sessions by the speaakers, the planned workshops and collaborative discussions, participants are encouraged to deepen their understanding of the digital landscape and develop practical strategies for purposeful navigation in this realm.

This conference is set to serve not only as a platform for learning but also as a call to action for priests and religious leaders to embrace digital stewardship. The Illuminaire conference, first of its kind envisioned and promoted by the Social Communictaion Sector, stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding all that in the face of rapid technological changes, the mission of the Church remains steadfast: to serve, connect, collaborate and illuminate the path of faith in the digital age.

• Title Title
• Title Title
• Title Title
• Title Title
• Title Title
• Title Title
•  

Tweet