National Communications Camp (Nov. 2-3, 2018)

Shout from the rooftops” (Luke 12:3)
Camp on National communications

On the weekend of Nov 2-3, 2018, a group of 21 intrepid correspondents gathered in Dahilayan, Mindanao for the 2nd Verbum Dei National Communications Camp.

Representatives from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao participated, with ages ranging from 16 to 52+ years old. The purpose was to deepen in our knowledge of social media and platforms, with the view to evangelize the so-called “6th continent” (where the vast millions, especially the youth, are connected and ‘live’ in this global village).

We had guidelines, the Holy Eucharist, sharing of prayer, formations on Church teaching on mass media & how to respond as Verbum Dei, teambuilding, recreation and moments of bonding.  

Church teaching on communications

The Church teaches that the means of communication “when they are put at the service of the Gospel, they are capable of increasing almost indefinitely the area in which the Word of God is heard; they enable the Good News to reach millions of people. The Church would feel guilty before the Lord if she did not utilize these powerful means that human skill is daily rendering more perfect. It is through them that she proclaims "from the housetops" (Cf. Mt 10:27; Lk 12:3) the message of which she is the depositary. In them she finds a modern and effective version of the pulpit.” (Evangelii nuntiandi, no. 45).

Pope Francis said “The digital world – the social networks that are so pervasive and readily available – dissolves borders, eliminates distances and reduces differences. Everything appears within reach, so close and immediate. And yet lacking the sincere gift of our lives, we could well have countless contacts but never share in a true communion of life. To share in the mission to the ends of the earth demands the gift of oneself in the vocation that God, who has placed us on this earth, chooses to give us (cf. Lk 9:23-25).” (Pope Francis, Message for World Mission Sunday message, 2018)

From the participants:

Yesha (from youth), said “  I  am happy to be part of  of the event, It was an opportunity for me to meet other brothers and sisters in the community.  The camp helped me to know how to be a good communicator especially in the sharing of Kuya Darwin.  Through the message that I will disseminate to them which is the Word of God, I want them to truly realize that he will be always be with them and  will guide them." 

Percy (misionera) said “It was a total package that achieved its objective. The camp created real human connections among us and gave us the strong desire to transmit the message in the digital world”