New Archbishop for Syro- Malabar Church

Amidst solemn prayers, Mar George Alenchery was installed the Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church on Sunday at St Mary’s Basilica, Ernakulam, the cathedral church of the Syro-Malabar Church.

The installation ceremony began with the designated Major Archbishop, escorted by other bishops, entering the altar of St Mary’s Basilica around 3 pm. Syro-Malabar Church Curia Bishop Mar Bosco Puthur welcomed the gathering. Archbishop Salvatore Pennacchio, the Apostolic Nuncio to India, read out the papal message and the message from the Prefect of Congregation for the Oriental Churches. He also presented a memento to the new Archbishop.

Syro-Malankara Church head Archbishop Baselios Cleemis, Conference of the Catholic Bishops of India (CBCI) president Cardinal Telesphore Toppo, all the bishops of the Syro-Malabar Church, representatives of priests, religious and laity of all Syro-Malabar dioceses, bishops and metropolitans of other Christian denominations, Union Minister K V Thomas, ministers K Babu, K M Mani, Supreme Court Judge Justice Syriac Joseph were present at the ceremony.

The third Major Archbishop of the Syro-Malabar Church, Mar Alenchery is the first Major Archbishop, whom the Synod elected its own after the Syro-Malabar Church was elevated to the status of Major Archepiscopal Church. His predecessors Mar Antony Padiyara and Mar Vithayathil were appointed by the Pope.

Alencherry was born on 19 April 1945 at Thuruthy in Kottayam.  After his school education he joined the seminary and was ordained priest on December 18, 1972. 

He had done his B A (Economics) from the Kerala University with second rank, in 1965.  After his ordination he successfully completed his M.Th. from the Pontifical Theological Institute, Alwaye where he came first.  He also has a D.S.E.B. and D.Th. conjointly from Sorbonne University and Institut Caholique de Paris, France in 1986.  During his priestly ministry, he held many offices in the

Archdiocese of Changanacherry and elsewhere. 

From 1976 to 78 he was the Director of Catechetics, from 1986 to 93 he was the Deputy Secretary of KCBC, from 1986 to 91 he was the Director of the Pastoral Orientation Centre at Palarivattam, Professor at Paurastya vidyapitham, Kottayam from 1986-97, Protosyncellus of the Archdiocese of Changanacherry from 1994 to 97.  

ANNUAL REPORT OF SOCIAL COMMUNICATION- DIOCESE OF RAJKO

DIOCESE OF RAJKOT

DEEPTI COMMUNICATIONS

Commission for Social Communication

Annual Report-2010

Introduction

Social Communication began in 1999 as an independent office under the name “DEEPTI COMMUNICATION CENTRE” with the purpose of formation and information in the religious as well as in the public field. The main purpose of this communication centre is for evangelization through an available Media.

Social Communication has fostered the circulation of information among the lay faithful, congregations and the common people in and around Saurashtra and Kutch.  The diocese wanted her members and institutions know and communicate each other’s activities in order to participate in common vision and mission of the diocese. Therefore, Social Communication was looked upon as possible response to collaboration and mutual support. 

Today Social Communication supports the spreading of “Gospel Values”.  It works with men and women to come together to a great table to participate in an exchange of brotherhood, for a mutual and sympathetic understanding, dialogue and co-operation.  Social Communication sees itself in the mission of helping the Church in Rajkot and Kutch grasp the meaning, and appreciate the importance and validity of the media and the urgency of using them to speak on behalf of the poor and disadvantaged; and to proclaim the divine message without fear or compromise.

Our department of Social Communication comprises 5 members headed by a Director. The list as follows:

Fr. Sebastian Kalathil- Director

Fr. Biju Parambakath- Secretary

Dr.Fr. Jacob Marangatt- Member

Sr. Elsy Myladil DP - Member

Mr. Joy Puthussery- Member

 MAJOR ACTIVITES ACCOMPLISHED

1.      PUBLICATIONS

2.       RAJKOT NEWS BULLETIN IN NEW SHAPE

3.       ESTABLISHING COMMUNICATION DESKS WITH OTHER MEDIA

            PERSONS 

4.       LINK WITH OTHER PUBLICATIONS

5.       PUBLICATION OF DIOCESAN DIRECTORY

6.       SERVICES OF VIDEO-LENDING LIBRARY

7.       SETTING REFERENCE LIBRARY

8.       PUBLIC RELATIONS

9.       CREATING BLOGS

10.     UPDATING WEBSITE

11.     APPOINTMENT OF A FULL TIME DIRECTOR

 STRATEGY OF IMPLEMENTATION

Social Communication proceeds with strengthening the mission of defining the concept of Christian Communication.  One of the strategies of implementation is its existing printed media, News Bulletin and other regular theological publications which is bilingual, Gujarati and English. Through these, Social Communication assists the faithful to grasp the meaning, validity and appreciation of the Church’s efforts.

Through the same channel, Social Communication enables the Catholic Community members to develop a communication strategy capable of stimulating a wave of Christian thinking that can reach the people of God (through some essay competitions)

The methods of communication are meant to direct social life of people towards a common pool of ideas and understanding for a constructive interaction.  The strategy of the printed media is to carry a spiritual dimension of faith in various columns of the papers.

It has strengthened the network of working with units and section of the diocesan centers and other NGOs in order to accomplish more concepts of human dignity and values of life.  It strongly functions towards the improvement of social, economic and spiritual life of the faithful through the print media, video lending library and various constructive interventions.

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS AND IMPACTS

v    PUBLICATIONS:  Social Communication has been successfully publishing 15 books and other monthly newsletters and distributed to all parishes, diocese and interested subscribers.  One of the impacts of the publication has brought is building up broader and strengthened comprehension of the Church’s mission among the faithful.  It also inspired the Christian Communication which prevails in the Biblical revelation that God is the God who communicates with men and women of all times with the aim to establish true relationships with them.  In short, the publication has developed the great impacts of communications with God and with each other aimed at building human growth, equality and freedom. The newly published books are: A CRY IN THE WILDERNESS BY BISHOP GREGORY KAROTEMPREL & A PREFACE TO AN INDIAN CHRISTOLOGY BY DR. SUBHASH ANAND.

 Regular Publications

1.                  Vidya Dharsan

2.                  Third Millennium

3.                  Journal of St. Thomas Christians

v    DIOCESAN NEWSLETTER: “DEEPTI”- This is the quarterly publication of diocesan’ activities.  The Newsletter has kept people on post as to the ongoing activities (pastoral and Social) of the different units, sections and co-ordinations of the diocese.

2. Saurashtra Kutch Samachar: This is the bi-monthly publication which is circulated within the diocese. It carries out all kinds of events of the diocese and its centers.

3. Nav Yuv. This is the monthly publication of Youth for the youths of the parishes and their activities

4. Navjeevan Samachar: It carries the main events of the social work department.

5.      Kutch Jyoti Sandesh : Kutch Social work forum has introduced to give the     

awareness among the people of Kutch.

6. Jeet Prakash Samachar : This publication based on the Surendranagar district in collaboration with other NGOs

v    ESTABLISHING COMMUNICATION DESKS WITH OTHER MEDIA PERSONS: In collaboration with other media persons, Social Communication has established Communication desks in almost all the centers.  Its impact is to bring about effective communication in development works and Evangelization.  It has enabled the Social centers to develop communications strategy of fresh Christian comprehension at grass roots levels. Social Communication has enabled them to coordinate and develop Church’s communications in specific reality and situation of the Church and the country.

·        On August 15^th (Independence Day) the diocese has published a full page supplementary on our activities in collaboration with Indian Express.

·        Rajkot city Channel has given full coverage on the Episcopal Ordination of our New Bishop without any monetary benefits.

·        During Christmas and New Year celebration most of the Daily News papers covered the celebration of Christmas of our churches with beautiful headings.

·        All India Radio aired the Christmas message of our bishop.

v    PARTNERSHIP NETWORK & REPRESENTATIONS: Social Communication has participated in various workshops at national level.  It has represented the communications of the Church activities at the forums, i.e. the local newspaper has arranged the workshop for the journalists. The book exhibition committee has asked us to exhibit our publications in the book faire

1.      St. Paul’s Publications, Bombay

2.      St. Paul’s Publications, Ahmedabad

3.      Gujarat Sahitya Prakashan, Anand

4.      Gurjar Vani, Ahmedabad

5.      Nav Chetna Communications, Bhopal

6.      S.F.S. Publications, Bangalore

7.      N.B.C.L.C., Bangalore

8.      Dharmaram Publications, Bangalore

9.      Jeevandeep Communications, Udaypur

10.  Vidyodaya Publications, Rajkot

11.  Jesus Productions, Patna

12.  Yesu Amarvani, Chandigarh

13.  Nav Tarang, Sagar

14.  Divine Retreat Centre, Potta

v    DIOCESAN DIRECTORY: The directory is produced and up-dated every two years.  It contains addresses of all centers of the diocese. The pieces of information it provides ease the fast references and communications with all concerned.

v    VIDEO LENDING: Social Communication runs a mini video-lending library.  It lends movies to the people of the common people on the main areas of education, entertainment and the Bible.  It really creates good images to the faithful in terms of various works of the Church in assisting the needy. Video show on “Life of Christ” was arranged on Christmas week. Many of viwers requested and taken the CD of the same.

v    REFERENCE LIBRARY: Social Communication has taken the initiative of setting up a small reference library.  It has got a huge collection of books on different subjects.  Good number of books has been contributed. It’s really appreciated many.

v    PUBLIC RELATIOINS: Social Communication has been shouldering these responsibilities in particular at various Government’s workshops and gatherings.  It has facilitated press conferences particularly during major events like Episcopal ordination, Christmas Celebration etc. Free leaflet on our activities, the meaning of Christmas etc were distributed.

v    CREATING BLOGS: Social Communication has been given wide publicity to the priests in the diocese to create a blog for their centers or personal to share the gospel values and to discuss the public issues. Many of them were responded positively and created blogs. The Social Communication has also created the blog on www.deepticommunication.blogspot.com

v    UPDATING WEBSITE: This is the ongoing work of the department of communication to update the website of the diocese. In every week we add the news of the week. The main news and events are updated with some photos. www.rajkot diocese.org

v    APPOINTMENT OF A FULL TIME DIRECTOR: Fr. Sebastian Kalathil has been appointed as the new and full time director of the Social Communication. He completed his post graduation in Journalism and Mass Media. The former director is pursuing the same.

v      CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR CELEBRATION: Prem Mandir has virtually become the point of unity of different religions. A very effective inter-religious dialogue is being carried out in and around Prem Mandir in silence. No one would dare believe that people in so many thousands would flock to Prem Mandir to have a darshan of Isubhagavan, to pray to Mother Mary and offer candles to her. On the Christmas day, that is on 25^th December, 1.5 Lakhs of people visited Prem Mandir to have the darshan of Isubhagavan. The visiting non-Christians keep a great sense of devotion and silence while they are in the church.

*The department of communication arranged a Multimedia show on the life of Jesus and saints

*The exhibition on salvation history.

*Distribution of pamphlets on the meaning of Christmas

* Christms crib was on the theme of “Vanche Gujarat” ( let Gujarat read) assisted by the department of  Social Communication

We can say in all earnestness that the Prem Mandir stands here as an effective medium of evangelization. 

v      WORLD COMMUNICATION DAY CELEBRATION

The 44th World communication day was celebrated in vivid manner in the diocesan as well as in parish level. The diocese of Rajkot organized the celebration of the 44^th world communications day on 14^th November 2010 during the Holy Eucharist presided by Most Rev. Gregory Karotemprel, the Bishop of Rajkot. With the theme, Priest and Pastoral Ministry in a Digital World: New Media at the service of the Word” the event was held in conjunction with the Year of the Priests.

After reading the message of Pope Benedict XVI to the assembly, Bishop gave the importance of Media in the modern world and also highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of the media. Foremost of which is its responsibility towards the good of the community.

 It created an awareness to hold the media along with our pastoral, social and other activities. The celebration indeed started with the circulation of the messages of Pope Benedict XVI to all the parishes and centers. The department of Social communications of Rajkot diocese made a Blue print of the celebration after the completion of last year’s meeting.

Activities:

Two day seminar was held for all Social Communication coordinators and collaborators to understand and share ideas in relation to the theme of the year. The venue of the seminar was Bishop’s House, Rajkot. There were 25 people attended the meeting.

Gathering of Media persons:  There were 15 media persons gathered in the Bishop’s house on the previous day of the World Communication day. They shared their view with regard to their profession and towards activity of the diocese. In appreciation for their service being offered to the diocese, Bishop Gregory Karotemprel felicitated all media persons with a shawl and a gift.

v    FUTURE STRATEGIES & FORESEEN PLAN

Communication with Media persons:  The majority of the media persons are not communicated properly on time regarding our activities, may be due to unavailability or busy schedule of the person. To maintain good relationship with media people and often have communication with them.  So it is the strategy of Social Communication to keep up the fraternal communication with the others.

Involvement of lay people in media training: To Prepare lay people in the media by sending for the short term courses in media training.

To establish a multifaceted office: To strengthen the department of social communication in the diocese with a full pledged office (to conduct audio-visual programme) and to establish Communication Centers in different zones with local Christian media professionals and other like-minded persons, we need to update our office and other equipments. We need a financial support to maintain the communication department.

World Communication Day Message- POPE BENEDICT XIV

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS POPE BENEDICT XVI
FOR THE 45th WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY

Truth, Proclamation and Authenticity of Life in the Digital Age

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

On the occasion of the 45^th World Day of Social Communications, I would like to share some reflections that are motivated by a phenomenon characteristic of our age: the emergence of the internet as a network for communication. It is an ever more commonly held opinion that, just as the Industrial Revolution in its day brought about a profound transformation in society by the modifications it introduced into the cycles of production and the lives of workers, so today the radical changes taking place in communications are guiding significant cultural and social developments. The new technologies are not only changing the way we communicate, but communication itself, so much so that it could be said that we are living through a period of vast cultural transformation. This means of spreading information and knowledge is giving birth to a new way of learning and thinking, with unprecedented opportunities for establishing relationships and building fellowship.

New horizons are now open that were until recently unimaginable; they stir our wonder at the possibilities offered by these new media and, at the same time, urgently demand a serious reflection on the significance of communication in the digital age. This is particularly evident when we are confronted with the extraordinary potential of the internet and the complexity of its uses. As with every other fruit of human ingenuity, the new communications technologies must be placed at the service of the integral good of the individual and of the whole of humanity. If used wisely, they can contribute to the satisfaction of the desire for meaning, truth and unity which remain the most profound aspirations of each human being.

In the digital world, transmitting information increasingly means making it known within a social network where knowledge is shared in the context of personal exchanges. The clear distinction between the producer and consumer of information is relativized and communication appears not only as an exchange of data, but also as a form of sharing. This dynamic has contributed to a new appreciation of communication itself, which is seen first of all as dialogue, exchange, solidarity and the creation of positive relations. On the other hand, this is contrasted with the limits typical of digital communication: the one-sidedness of the interaction, the tendency to communicate only some parts of one’s interior world, the risk of constructing a false image of oneself, which can become a form of self-indulgence.

Young people in particular are experiencing this change in communication, with all the anxieties, challenges and creativity typical of those open with enthusiasm and curiosity to new experiences in life. Their ever greater involvement in the public digital forum, created by the so-called social networks, helps to establish new forms of interpersonal relations, influences self-awareness and therefore inevitably poses questions not only of how to act properly, but also about the authenticity of one’s own being. Entering cyberspace can be a sign of an authentic search for personal encounters with others, provided that attention is paid to avoiding dangers such as enclosing oneself in a sort of parallel existence, or excessive exposure to the virtual world. In the search for sharing, for “friends”, there is the challenge to be authentic and faithful, and not give in to the illusion of constructing an artificial public profile for oneself.

The new technologies allow people to meet each other beyond the confines of space and of their own culture, creating in this way an entirely new world of potential friendships. This is a great opportunity, but it also requires greater attention to and awareness of possible risks. Who is my “neighbour” in this new world? Does the danger exist that we may be less present to those whom we encounter in our everyday life? Is there is a risk of being more distracted because our attention is fragmented and absorbed in a world “other” than the one in which we live? Do we have time to reflect critically on our choices and to foster human relationships which are truly deep and lasting? It is important always to remember that virtual contact cannot and must not take the place of direct human contact with people at every level of our lives.

In the digital age too, everyone is confronted by the need for authenticity and reflection. Besides, the dynamic inherent in the social networks demonstrates that a person is always involved in what he or she communicates. When people exchange information, they are already sharing themselves, their view of the world, their hopes, their ideals. It follows that there exists a Christian way of being present in the digital world: this takes the form of a communication which is honest and open, responsible and respectful of others. To proclaim the Gospel through the new media means not only to insert expressly religious content into different media platforms, but also to witness consistently, in one’s own digital profile and in the way one communicates choices, preferences and judgements that are fully consistent with the Gospel, even when it is not spoken of specifically. Furthermore, it is also true in the digital world that a message cannot be proclaimed without a consistent witness on the part of the one who proclaims it. In these new circumstances and with these new forms of expression, Christian are once again called to offer a response to anyone who asks for a reason for the hope that is within them (cf. 1 Pet 3:15).

The task of witnessing to the Gospel in the digital era calls for everyone to be particularly attentive to the aspects of that message which can challenge some of the ways of thinking typical of the web. First of all, we must be aware that the truth which we long to share does not derive its worth from its “popularity” or from the amount of attention it receives. We must make it known in its integrity, instead of seeking to make it acceptable or diluting it. It must become daily nourishment and not a fleeting attraction. The truth of the Gospel is not something to be consumed or used superficially; rather it is a gift that calls for a free response. Even when it is proclaimed in the virtual space of the web, the Gospel demands to be incarnated in the real world and linked to the real faces of our brothers and sisters, those with whom we share our daily lives. Direct human relations always remain fundamental for the transmission of the faith!

I would like then to invite Christians, confidently and with an informed and responsible creativity, to join the network of relationships which the digital era has made possible. This is not simply to satisfy the desire to be present, but because this network is an integral part of human life. The web is contributing to the development of new and more complex intellectual and spiritual horizons, new forms of shared awareness. In this field too we are called to proclaim our faith that Christ is God, the Saviour of humanity and of history, the one in whom all things find their fulfilment (cf. Eph 1:10). The proclamation of the Gospel requires a communication which is at once respectful and sensitive, which stimulates the heart and moves the conscience; one which reflects the example of the risen Jesus when he joined the disciples on the way to Emmaus (cf. Lk 24:13-35). By his approach to them, his dialogue with them, his way of gently drawing forth what was in their heart, they were led gradually to an understanding of the mystery.

In the final analysis, the truth of Christ is the full and authentic response to that human desire for relationship, communion and meaning which is reflected in the immense popularity of social networks. Believers who bear witness to their most profound convictions greatly help prevent the web from becoming an instrument which depersonalizes people, attempts to manipulate them emotionally or allows those who are powerful to monopolize the opinions of others. On the contrary, believers encourage everyone to keep alive the eternal human questions which testify to our desire for transcendence and our longing for authentic forms of life, truly worthy of being lived. It is precisely this uniquely human spiritual yearning which inspires our quest for truth and for communion and which impels us to communicate with integrity and honesty.

I invite young people above all to make good use of their presence in the digital world. I repeat my invitation to them for the next World Youth Day in Madrid, where the new technologies are contributing greatly to the preparations. Through the intercession of their patron Saint Francis de Sales, I pray that God may grant communications workers the capacity always to carry out their work conscientiously and professionally. To all, I willingly impart my Apostolic Blessing.

From the Vatican, 24 January 2011, Feast of Saint Francis de Sales 

SOCOM MEETING 2011

SOCOM MEETING IN SINDHDURG