KENYA: Catholic Communicators in Kenya Reminded to Uphold the Role of Proclaiming the “Truth of the Word”
Archbishop Anthony Muheria of Nyeri Archdiocese
Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA
As the Church marks the 56th World Communications Day (WCD) across the globe, Catholic Communicators in Kenya have been urged to uphold their role of proclaiming the truth of the word especially on the teachings of the Church.
In the message shared Friday, May 27 by the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishop’s (KCCB) Chairman for Social Communications Commission Archbishop Anthony Muheria highlighted that Catholic communicators need to transmit the “Word of the truth and the truth of the Word as the main task of continuing Christ’s work of redemption.”
“You are called to explain the “truth of the Word” in many programs, books, videos, tweets, clips and images where we seek to expound on our faith, on Christian doctrine and on the great teachers who are the Saints,” reads part of Archbishop Muheria’s message to Catholic communicators.
He referenced the message of Christ in the Gospel of Mark: “Go out to the whole world, proclaim the Gospel to all creation,” asking the media personnel to make “the Salvific Word of Christ and face of Christ reach the corners of the country and make Christ be known” in their various ministries through the media.
Archdiocese Muheria appreciated the work of Catholic communicators saying: “We congratulate you in the huge strides you have made to use technology and digital advances to aid the efforts of evangelization.”
“You are able to bring “Christ’s voice” to the stage of modern life, accommodated to today’s digital society; you have brought his face in faces of mercy and images that evoke His presence,” the Bishops added and continued, “Through you, Christ continues being present, and speaking even outside the liturgical celebrations and through your efforts many are touched by His graces to conversion and to a deeper relationship with God.”
Reflecting on the theme of 56th WCD shared by Pope Francis early this year on Listening with the ear of the heart, Archbishop Muheria reminded the Catholic communicators to be attentive to letting Christ’s message reach the hearts of all saying: “This may be through highlighting the Christian message of God’s mercy and eliciting the Christians to hear his voice in their hearts to put their faith in action.”
He emphasized therefore that the work of Catholic communicators, “must be different from secular communication agencies or communicators without faith.”
“Ours must seek to reflect and portray the hearts expression of love, empathy compassion and care, as it also accompany the sorrow, pain and discouragement in order to turn it to joy and peace,” he said.
The Prelate further encouraged the communicators to lead the people to “listen deeply and speak deeply” especially in the current world of superficiality and noise.
“May the Holy Spirit help you become more attentive listeners of his Word, in scripture and prayer in the depths of your hearts, so that you can better transmit the Gospel of Christ and the joy of the Gospel,” he concluded.
