Young Religious Sisters Encouraged to Use Digital Media for Mission

INDORE, Madhya Pradesh, July 27, 2026: Thirty-five young Catholic religious sisters from different congregations were encouraged to use mainstream and digital media responsibly to communicate the Gospel, promote justice and share stories of hope during a seminar held in Indore on July 27.

The programme, titled “Mission Meets Mainstream Media,” focused on helping young religious women engage more confidently with contemporary communication platforms and explore how digital media can support the Church’s mission and contribute to social transformation.

The initiative was organised by Sr Ganga Rawat, SSpS, who had earlier participated in the “Wisdom Calls – Sharing the Mission of Religious Sisters to the World” programme in Bangkok, Thailand.

Welcoming the participants, Sr Ganga underlined the growing influence of digital platforms and encouraged consecrated women to use media as a means of communicating the Gospel, promoting justice and bringing stories of hope to wider audiences.

The keynote session, “Digital Media and Christian Communication,” was led by Sumit Dhanraj, Vice-President of SIGNIS India and a media trainer. He encouraged the sisters to use digital platforms to preserve and communicate authentic human stories centred on hope, compassion and trust.

Dhanraj also highlighted the potential of modern communication platforms and artificial intelligence tools to help religious communities make their ministries more visible and accessible. Participants were introduced to practical digital tools designed to simplify communication and help them reach wider audiences.

The programme received an enthusiastic response from the participants, with several describing the experience as eye-opening and inspiring.

Crescencia Sawen of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Garden said the seminar helped her recognise the potential of digital media to amplify her voice and mission. She noted that challenges are an inevitable part of every mission but should not discourage those committed to bringing hope and meaning to others.

Sujata Beck of the Sisters of St Joseph of Saint Marc expressed gratitude for the opportunity and said the programme had deepened her understanding of God’s mission. She added that the experience encouraged her congregation to become “a voice for the voiceless” through compassionate service.

The seminar concluded with participants committing themselves to using mainstream and digital media responsibly in their ministries. The discussions emphasised the role of authentic storytelling, ethical communication and meaningful digital engagement in making the Church’s mission more visible and relevant in an increasingly interconnected society.

The programme reaffirmed that, alongside traditional pastoral and charitable activities, effective communication has become an important instrument for sharing faith, promoting justice and reaching people with messages of hope and compassion.

By Catholic Connect Reporter