By Fr Vaclav Klement – On January 17, at the newly-opened Salesian Provincial House in Booysens, Johannesburg, 28 men and women religious, passionate about communications, gathered for a Communication Workshop, guided by Mr Thabo Lebina (Don Bosco Past Pupil) and Ms Kati Dijane (Catholic Journalist).
Religious were inspired by the excellent visibility of the recent Symposium and General Assembly of COMSAM (Confederation of Major Superiors Africa – Madagascar), broadcast far and wide by the SACBC media and Radio Veritas. Besides a solid grasp of cybersecurity (always in the first line of defence), learning how to guarantee the continuity of the congregation’s digital platforms, the participants received an insight into Catholic journalism (content, attitude, tips, etiquette).
One practical communication exercise, the ‘Joy of the Gospel’, was about video creation in small groups of 3 religious. On the Salesian provincial house campus, short videos were created of vocation testimonies, dancing and singing. Although not perfect, this moment of personal engagement allowed the communicators to try simple editing skills and build teamwork. You may enjoy these heartfelt videos on the LCCL-SA Facebook page.
As a follow-up to the first communication team workshop, there is a need for regular quarterly formation sessions to learn more basic communication skills and to involve more young religious as volunteers on the LCCL-SA digital platforms (Facebook, Instagram, Website, WhatsApp channel and YouTube).
LCCL-SA (Conference of Religious in Botswana, eSwatini and South Africa) brings together some 2100 men and women religious of 98 congregations, animated and working together in 13 different commissions, Talitha Kum, Health Ministry, Education, Formation, Youth, Evangelisation, Finance, Ecumenism and Communication.
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