New Media is not new for Religious at NISCORT

New Delhi: Thursday, March 31, 2011

New Media is not new for Religious at National Institute on Social Communication Research and Training (NISCORT), a media training institute, run by the CBCI India.

The institute celebrated the Graduation Ceremony for the 17 Religious students who enrolled their names for two months certificate course on Pastoral Communication. Among them were 4 priests, 2 brothers and 11 nuns.

The program commenced with a prayerful music video ‘Creation in Praise’ produced by the students.

Welcoming the gathering, Fr. Jude, the Director, spoke about the new vision of communication; and asked the students to communicate the Good news creatively and attractively to lay people by becoming the voice for the voiceless.

Convocation Address was delivered by His Excellency Most. Rev. Gerry Mathias, Bishop of Lucknow, the chief guest of the day. He quoted the Post-Synodal apostolic exhortation “Verbum Domini” of the Holy Father Benedict XVI on the Word of God in the life and mission of the church. At the same time he highlighted the importance of Internet and new media in reaching the millions to proclaim Christ.

Participants: Certificate course on Pastoral Communication

 Sr. Nina Lopes PSA, on behalf of the students, shared their feelings; stipulating communication as magic and experiencing it in NISCORT in the 2 months pastoral course. “This will enable us to go out into the world with a specific vision, to proclaim our Lord and Master through new media” she mentioned.

Bro. Mathew Abraham, from the Diocese of Jalandhar, excitedly remarked, “this course has helped me specially to focus on uplifting the Youth by starting an interactive website, totally dedicated to provide solutions by the experts, to the disturbed and unaware youth; on career, family and future”.

Asst. Rector, Fr. Showry Gundiga HSF, from Kerala happily sailed through this training. “As I returned my place, I would first start teaching the seminarians about new media technology, and the impact and importance of the social networking which could be made use of as an effective platform to spread the good news of Christ beyond the boundaries of catholic faith” he added.

Students also presented 3 video productions on social awareness guided by Fr. Dejus, which were highly appreciated by one and all for doing it within a stipulated time. At last Rev. Bishop Gerry Mathias gave away the certificates to the 17 recipients recognizing their two months hard work. Vote of thanks was proposed by Sr. Esperanza. Among the dignitaries present on the occasion were Rev. Bro. Mani, National Secretary, CRI, Ms. Reema Sharma, Zee News and the Staff & Students of NISCORT.

Photo: Fr. Jackson