MALAWI: Seminarians at St. Peter’s Major Seminary Trained On Using Mass Media for Evangelization
Stella Zulu
In the effort of improving the Church’s use of mass media for evangelization, the Communications and Research Commission of the Malawi Conference of Catholic Bishops (MCCB) has trained seminarians at St. Peter’s Major Seminary in Zomba diocese, in using Mass media for evangelization.
Recognizing the seminarians’ pivotal role in shaping the future of the Church, the training was designed to empower them with the knowledge and skills necessary to lead effectively in both physical and digital spaces. Thereby equipping the future Catholic priests with knowledge and skills to minister effectively in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape.
Speaking during the training, one of the facilitators, Rev Fr. Chris Sichinga from Mangochi Diocese, said the digital age presents both opportunities and challenges to the mission of the Church and there is need to find ways of using it to the Church’s advantage.
“This training underscored that the internet is not merely a tool but a vast mission field, because most of the Christians especially the youths are on the internet in large numbers. It also offers global reach, accessibility, and cost-effectiveness which are important in creating vibrant online communities that support Spiritual growth and foster meaningful engagement.” Said Fr. Sichinga
The training also emphasized the importance of safeguarding personal information, responsible digital behavior, and the importance of protecting oneself and others from cyber threats to maintain both personal security and the integrity of Church communications.
The initiative is of great significance for the Catholic Church in Malawi as it embraces the digital age. With more than 5.9 million people connected to the internet in Malawi, the Church recognizes the need to meet believers where they are, online. Therefore, by equipping seminarians with skills and knowledge of using digital tools for evangelization, the Church ensures that its mission to spread the Gospel remains relevant and impactful.
The training, which covered a number of areas including forming faith online, digital devotions, online pastoral ministry, cyber hygiene, data protection and access to information, is a testament to the Church’s proactive approach to embracing technology while upholding its Spiritual mission in Malawi.
The seminarians appreciated the training and said they will carry their newfound knowledge into their ministries, and will help bridge the gap between tradition and innovation, ensuring that faith remains accessible, inclusive, and secure for all believers in Malawi and beyond.
