By Magdalene Kahiu<\/p>\n
The future of the Catholic Church depends on building strong communication networks, the President of SIGNIS, the World Catholic ecclesial movement for professionals in the communication field, has said.<\/p>\n
Speaking during the 20th Plenary Assembly of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), Ms. Helen Osman urged Bishops to treat communication as a vital ministry.<\/p>\n
\u201cDo not, I beg you, look at communications as a mother considers dessert \u2013 something to be had when you have extra money or for a special occasion. Rather, consider communications to be as essential as clean water is for a healthy body,\u201d Ms. Osman said during the Assembly themed \u201cChrist, Source of Hope, Reconciliation and Peace.\u201d<\/p>\n
She emphasized that communication should not be viewed as an extravagance, as it is essential for the church\u2019s health and longevity.<\/p>\n
\u201cI may or may not be the first grandmother to address SECAM. But I must tell you \u2013the reason I stand before you to ask to partner with you is not for my sake, nor even for my fellow SIGNIS members. It is for the sake of my 13 grandchildren. Because I know if we do not have a strong communication network, the church will not be there for them,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
To support the communication apostolate in dioceses, Ms. Osman announced that SIGNIS has partnered with the Office for the Propagation of the Faith to launch a grant for communication projects in African dioceses.<\/p>\n
The grant that is meant for communication projects only aims at aiding Bishops on the continent to build a stronger network of Catholic communications, Ms. Osman said during the July 30 to August 4 that brings together more than 200 participants, including Cardinals, Bishops, Priests, Consecrated Men and Women, and Lay Leaders from across Africa and its islands, along with partners from other continents.<\/p>\n
At the July 30\u2013August 4 event, Osman also announced that the SIGNIS World Congress 2026 will take place in Rwanda.<\/p>\n
She explained the importance of the event, saying, \u201cWe know we are better when we are together, able to lean on one another, learn from one another, and practice co-responsibility in using our gifts and vocations.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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