(ANS – Rome) – The Board Members of SIGNIS – the World Catholic Association for Communications - met at Casa Arso from 7 to 12 November, 2011 for their annual Board meeting. Among those taking part was Fr  Ambrose Pereira, for years involved in Media Education and Media Monitoring in the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea and President of “Signis Pacific”, one of the six regions of the Association.

“There is the need to assist and support persons in their search for Truth and be sure to engage in respectful dialogue among people”, stressed Archbishop Claudio Celli, President of the Pontifical Commission for Social Communications, as he addressed the SIGNIS Board members gathered at the conference hall of Radio Vatican, on 10 November, 2011 at the Vatican City, Rome.

The interactive hour-long session was animated by long-time Fr. Fredrick Lombardi SJ, Director of Radio Vatican, and Director of Vatican Radio English Programmes Sean-Patrick Lovett. In drawing on the variety and experience of the SIGNIS members he highlighted richness and creativity that enables faith experiences to be shared. He dwelt much on the SIGNIS theme: ‘The media for a culture of peace. Creating images with the new Generation’. 

Priorities and plans incorporating digital possibilities were at the forefront of the discussions during the six days. Other issues were: Media Monitoring, training of Young Video Journalists, Television and Film Reviews, Spirituality and Cinema and the Photo Handkerchief Project.

SIGNIS works to  ensure that the ‘Good News’ has its place in the media of today.  With the development of digital technology it is encouraging all to use all these means of social communications to empower and enhance lives.  Stressing on youngsters who are avid consumers of the media, and using their talents and creativity, it encourages church personnel to harness these human resources to bring about creativity in productions.  

Published 29/11/2011