austraLasia #2852
Gospel content in communications - but beware, 'There be dragons'!
Two events in recent days (in fact more, but some of these can await a later dispatch) highlight the importance of Gospel content in communications. Both events involve one or more Salesians. Read on....
DAEJONG, Korea: 7 May 2011 -- Twelve young Salesian Korean priests have met for a two day quinquennium session at the Salesian community and Youth Training Centre at Daejong, some 200 kms south of Seoul. The community is appropriately located between Seoul and Kwangju, two locations where most of the group are engaged in their apostolate. Two of the group were already at Daejong, where they are members of the community.
The first session for the two days (May 7) gave consideration to a Salesian evangelising and educating presence in the digital continent, especially in the social networking scene. Entitled 'Pursuing the right presence', the presentation by the secretary of the Social Communication Department in Rome drew on the release of the film 'There be Dragons' (released 6 May 2011, directed by Roland Joffé, director of The Mission and The Killing Fields), and 'mapped' the digital continent of social networking, suggesting that in the language of many in Salesian circles there is often a 'There be Dragons' warning; even GC26 spoke of 'personal and convergent media' in a tone that suggested peril as well as potential. He suggested an alternative and informed approach involving reflection and discernment which could determine the message, attitude and goal of self-publishing and content creation in view of both education and disseminating the Gospel
The presentation was offered to encourage a dialogue, and the speaker had little choice but to admire a policy that has meant, over the years, that almost every young Korean Salesian has not only studied English but feels proficient enough to engage in debate in that language. Given that most present (except the speaker and the Vice Provincial, who is also the Rector of the Daejong community) were 'digital natives', it was an enlightening discussion!
The group will continue their reflections through Sunday before returning to their communities. As Sunday 8 May is also 'parents day' in Korea, they are looking forward to at least exchanging greetings with their families - with an iPhone or similar if nothing else is possible!
------------
New Caledonia: 3 May 2011 -- “The task of communicating the ‘Good News’ is an important ministry of the Church. And, while you use the modern means of technology, ensure that the message is filled with Gospel content.” said Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Daniel Balvo, as he addressed the members of SIGNIS Pacific, on 3rd May, 2011 at Maison d’Accueil, Mont Mou, New Caledonia.
22 members attended the SIGNIS Pacific meeting and workshop which commenced on 2 May, 2011. Several International SIGNIS Board members were present for the meeting - a sign that the Pacific forms an important region in the church. Their insights and experience of communications and their special areas of interest were shared at the various presentations.
SIGNIS International president, Augustine Loorthusamy, who hails from Malaysia, in a very lively and animated session highlighted the need for members to ensure that they witness to Gospel values in their lives. “As ‘digital immigrants’ we need to ensure that the ‘digital natives’ use the digital media for the good of all”, he reminded the gathering.
Cuban national, Gustavo Andùjar, and International vice-president, shared his keen interest in using Video Journalists to convey powerful messages through the media. “There is great potential for our young to express themselves through images”, he said.
Inspiring presentations, personal reflections and lively discussions were part of every session. The assembly formulated a Declaration calling for the church, governments and other authorities to foster the growth of communications infrastructure that will assist with the development of the region. “Increased capacity, particularly for remote and outer islands and isolated villages are vital if people are to share in the benefits these technologies bring to human development”, it stated.
Freelance video producer, SIGNIS Vice-president and SIGNIS Pacific Treasurer and Secretary for the past 20 years, Peter Thomas was thanked for his dedication and commitment to this vital task in the Pacific. “We will miss you immensely”, said Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb, President, as he thanked Peter Thomas for his many years of joyful service. Agatha Ferei, has been elected to fulfill the role.
_________________
AustraLasia is an email service for the Salesian Family of Asia Pacific. It also functions as an agency for ANS based in Rome. For queries please contact admin@bosconet.aust.com . RSS feeds - just go to Bosconet, click on austraLasia 2011 in the sidebar. You will see the RSS orange icon in your browser address bar - add it from there. Or be interactive with the EAO blog Cetera Tolle. Avail yourself of the Salesian Digital Library at http://sdl.sdb.org
Gospel content in communications - but beware, 'There be dragons'!
Two events in recent days (in fact more, but some of these can await a later dispatch) highlight the importance of Gospel content in communications. Both events involve one or more Salesians. Read on....
DAEJONG, Korea: 7 May 2011 -- Twelve young Salesian Korean priests have met for a two day quinquennium session at the Salesian community and Youth Training Centre at Daejong, some 200 kms south of Seoul. The community is appropriately located between Seoul and Kwangju, two locations where most of the group are engaged in their apostolate. Two of the group were already at Daejong, where they are members of the community.
The first session for the two days (May 7) gave consideration to a Salesian evangelising and educating presence in the digital continent, especially in the social networking scene. Entitled 'Pursuing the right presence', the presentation by the secretary of the Social Communication Department in Rome drew on the release of the film 'There be Dragons' (released 6 May 2011, directed by Roland Joffé, director of The Mission and The Killing Fields), and 'mapped' the digital continent of social networking, suggesting that in the language of many in Salesian circles there is often a 'There be Dragons' warning; even GC26 spoke of 'personal and convergent media' in a tone that suggested peril as well as potential. He suggested an alternative and informed approach involving reflection and discernment which could determine the message, attitude and goal of self-publishing and content creation in view of both education and disseminating the Gospel
The presentation was offered to encourage a dialogue, and the speaker had little choice but to admire a policy that has meant, over the years, that almost every young Korean Salesian has not only studied English but feels proficient enough to engage in debate in that language. Given that most present (except the speaker and the Vice Provincial, who is also the Rector of the Daejong community) were 'digital natives', it was an enlightening discussion!
The group will continue their reflections through Sunday before returning to their communities. As Sunday 8 May is also 'parents day' in Korea, they are looking forward to at least exchanging greetings with their families - with an iPhone or similar if nothing else is possible!
------------
New Caledonia: 3 May 2011 -- “The task of communicating the ‘Good News’ is an important ministry of the Church. And, while you use the modern means of technology, ensure that the message is filled with Gospel content.” said Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Daniel Balvo, as he addressed the members of SIGNIS Pacific, on 3rd May, 2011 at Maison d’Accueil, Mont Mou, New Caledonia.
22 members attended the SIGNIS Pacific meeting and workshop which commenced on 2 May, 2011. Several International SIGNIS Board members were present for the meeting - a sign that the Pacific forms an important region in the church. Their insights and experience of communications and their special areas of interest were shared at the various presentations.
SIGNIS International president, Augustine Loorthusamy, who hails from Malaysia, in a very lively and animated session highlighted the need for members to ensure that they witness to Gospel values in their lives. “As ‘digital immigrants’ we need to ensure that the ‘digital natives’ use the digital media for the good of all”, he reminded the gathering.
Cuban national, Gustavo Andùjar, and International vice-president, shared his keen interest in using Video Journalists to convey powerful messages through the media. “There is great potential for our young to express themselves through images”, he said.
Inspiring presentations, personal reflections and lively discussions were part of every session. The assembly formulated a Declaration calling for the church, governments and other authorities to foster the growth of communications infrastructure that will assist with the development of the region. “Increased capacity, particularly for remote and outer islands and isolated villages are vital if people are to share in the benefits these technologies bring to human development”, it stated.
Freelance video producer, SIGNIS Vice-president and SIGNIS Pacific Treasurer and Secretary for the past 20 years, Peter Thomas was thanked for his dedication and commitment to this vital task in the Pacific. “We will miss you immensely”, said Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb, President, as he thanked Peter Thomas for his many years of joyful service. Agatha Ferei, has been elected to fulfill the role.
_________________
AustraLasia is an email service for the Salesian Family of Asia Pacific. It also functions as an agency for ANS based in Rome. For queries please contact admin@bosconet.aust.com . RSS feeds - just go to Bosconet, click on austraLasia 2011 in the sidebar. You will see the RSS orange icon in your browser address bar - add it from there. Or be interactive with the EAO blog Cetera Tolle. Avail yourself of the Salesian Digital Library at http://sdl.sdb.org
