Apostolic Carmel Sisters Receive Intensive Media Training Ahead of Final Profession

Mangaluru, 25 July 2025 – In a forward-looking initiative blending faith with digital literacy, a group of Apostolic Carmel (AC) sisters preparing for their final profession recently completed an intensive, week-long media training programme at their formation centre in Mangaluru.

Led by Fr. Sudeep Paul MSFS, media educator and Director of the Sandesha Foundation for Culture and Education, the programme aimed to equip the sisters with the ethical, spiritual, and technical skills necessary to engage meaningfully with the digital world, while remaining grounded in their religious identity and apostolic mission.

The training followed a holistic framework and addressed four key themes: media ethics, personal digital identity, the role of media in the Church, and online safety.

In the opening module on the Ethical Dimensions of Media, the sisters examined issues such as artificial intelligence, deepfakes, misinformation, and digital manipulation. Emphasis was placed on truthfulness and responsibility in content creation, underscoring the need for integrity in online engagement.

Media and Personal Identity, the second focus area, explored the impact of digital technology on self-perception and spiritual well-being. Participants reflected on digital addiction, comparison culture, and the importance of authenticity, fostering a balanced and discerning approach to technology.

During sessions on Media and the Church, the sisters discussed how digital platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and WhatsApp could serve evangelisation, catechesis, and community outreach. They also addressed digital distractions and the importance of maintaining the sacredness of vocation while engaging with media.

The module on Digital Ethics and Online Scams raised awareness of cyber threats such as phishing, identity theft, and online fraud. The sisters received practical guidance on digital hygiene, safe browsing, and protecting both personal and community data.

A standout feature of the training was the introduction to AI-based creative tools. The sisters experimented with user-friendly platforms for AI-generated music and videos, producing content for faith-based storytelling. These sessions encouraged curiosity, creativity, and discernment in technology use.

Alongside theory, the sisters gained hands-on experience in journalism, writing news articles, editorials, and video scripts—skills that will enhance their future communication efforts across newsletters, school bulletins, and social media platforms.

To deepen their understanding of faith-based media, the group visited Daijiworld Television, Carmel Kiran Media, and the Sandesha Foundation, observing professional content creation and media ministry in action.

The programme concluded with group discussions, practical exercises, and spiritual reflection, encouraging the sisters to see media as a mission field. As they move towards final profession, they are now better equipped to communicate Christ in a digital age—faithfully, creatively, and courageously.

By Fr. Sudeep

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