A course material for media studies in the Church was launched last week in New Delhi, which an official of Conference of Religious India said will be implemented across formation houses in India.

Brother Mani Mekkunnel, CRI national secretary, said the syllabus is not meant for seminaries alone. “It should be followed in all Religious formation houses, including those of women religious.”

At the Feb. 12 release function, Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, president of the Pontifical Commission for Social Communication, lauded the Indian Church for its pioneering efforts in media education.

The course material includes three books and a DVD resource on “Communication for pastoral leadership.

Brother Mani said the details of how the course should be incorporated in Religious formation have not been finalized. “But it may be followed at various levels of formation” to enable future generation of Religious to become media friendly.

Archbishop Celli said the project is “indeed a very positive and good initiative and a gift to the Church in India for its ministry in communication and the Holy See is pleased.”

The Don Bosco Communication India produced the materials in collaboration with the Commission for Social Communications of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI). They aim to teach communication in seminaries and religious formation houses.

“This is a big investment” and people in other continents and bishops’ conference are waiting for these books. “It is a big moment for the Church and can be an inspiration for others,” Archbishop Celli told the gathering of more than 40 delegates and bishops.

Brother Mani during his intervention at the launch function stressed the need of “giving space” to more women Religious in media gatherings and others bodies that decides on media policies.

He also said more young people and “not theologians” should be encouraged and trained for media works. He reasoned young generation understands modern media technology with ease.

Following up Brother Mani’s suggestion Archbishop Celli in his parting comments said he would like to see more women participate in the Church’s media studies and works.

CBCI Social Communications chairperson Cardinal Oswald Gracias of Bombay said the Indian Church undertook the “gigantic project” after it realized the need to empower its people in communication.

Source: CRI/UCAN

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