India's cinematographer Nun to represent at Vatican's Global Jubilee Conference
The Vatican has extended a prestigious invitation to Sister Lismy Parayil, India's first cinematographer nun, to serve as a panelist at the Global Jubilee Conference with Religious Sisters on January 23, 2025.
This significant event will be part of the World of Communications Jubilee, scheduled to take place in Rome from January 24-26, 2025.
Sister Parayil, a devoted member of the Congregation of Mother of Carmel, has earned the affectionate title "Camera Nun of India" among media professionals in Kerala, a southwestern state known for its vibrant cultural landscape.
Her pioneering work in visual media has made her a celebrated figure, both within and outside religious circles.
“The Jubilee of the World of Communications will bring together professionals and practitioners in communication from around the world to share their experiences and reflect on the most important topics in today’s communication context,” said Natasa Govekar, director of the theological-pastoral department in the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication.
With Pope Francis’ chosen motto for the 2025 Jubilee being "Pilgrims of Hope," organizers hope that Sister Parayil’s unique journey and contributions will inspire others in the field of communication to kindle hope amidst contemporary challenges.
Her presence at the conference is expected to be a beacon for those navigating the intersection of faith and media.
Catholic nuns have long been heralds of hope, leveraging media platforms to amplify grassroots efforts and spiritual messages.
The Global Jubilee Conference aims to bring together religious sisters who are actively engaged in both traditional and digital media landscapes, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and experiences.
The gathering will begin on January 22 with visits to significant sites of Catholic faith and Church communication. This will be followed by interactive sessions on January 23, where nuns will discuss their roles in the evolving media environment.
The event will also provide opportunities for religious sisters to engage with international experts, share insights from diverse communication backgrounds, and contribute to discussions on igniting hope through media.
Sister Parayil’s impressive achievements include being featured in the "India Book of Records" for her contributions to visual media, a recognition that underscores her impact on the nation’s media landscape.
At 39, she has produced over 1,500 videos, encompassing devotional songs, short films, documentaries, music albums, and interviews. Her YouTube channel, run on behalf of her congregation, boasts over a million views, and she has posted hundreds of videos on her personal website.
Balancing her religious identity with her media work, Sister Parayil is passionate about using her talents to proclaim Christ through the lens of a camera.
Her participation in the Global Jubilee Conference is a testament to the vital role that religious sisters continue to play in the global conversation on faith, media, and hope.
Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), a media platform of the Catholic Church, aims to share Christ. RVA started in 1969 as a continental Catholic radio station to serve Asian countries in their respective local language, thus earning the tag “the Voice of Asian Christianity.” Responding to the emerging context, RVA embraced media platforms to connect with the global Asian audience via its 21 language websites and various social media platforms.