Directors of Social Communication hold national meeting in Myanmar

The national diocesan directors of social communication held a meeting in Mawlamyine Diocese, Myanmar, from October 25 to 26. 

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Myanmar – Office of Social Communication (CBCM-OSC) organized the event.

It is the first meeting in three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, said Father Paulinus Myat Kyaing, the national director of CBCM-OSC.

Speaking on the occasion, Coadjutor Bishop Maurice Nyunt Wai of Mawlamyine Diocese, said, "This is an essential meeting because communication plays a vital role in human society. It not only facilitates the process of sharing information and knowledge with others but also helps people develop relationships with others."

"Communication helps us reduce misunderstandings, develop strong relationships and establish ourselves as active and effective peacemakers. Therefore, the role of a diocesan representative in social communication cannot be underestimated," he added.

According to him, diocesan social communication directors, missionaries and lay people are doing "God’s work and God’s will."

The prelate said that communication is "intrinsic to humans." To be a human is to be a communicator. Communication creates communion. Effective communication is the spiritual expression of the synodal church. Without communion with the Holy Trinity and humanity, there will not be synodality.

"Our meetings and fellowship are expressions of communication and synodality," he said. "Myanmar needs a correct understanding of the church’s mission and issues in the country and to foster relationships to create a peaceful community."

The responsibility of the directors of social communication is to ensure effective communication and to be efficient communicators.

For communication to be effective, it must be clear, correct, complete, concise, and compassionate. "We call it the 5 C's of communication," added the prelate.

The prelate said, "We are living in an era of misinformation, disinformation, false news, and post-truth. The OSC is playing an important role in proclaiming the Good News of Jesus Christ, who is the way, the truth, and the life."  

In his address, Bishop Peter Hla, president of CBCM-OSC Myanmar, said that social communication means "evangelization through media."

He said that Myanmar is currently in political turmoil and parts of it are in political conflict. In such a difficult time, evangelization through the media will need to play a vital role. 

"The people in the country thirst for justice, truth, and peace, which means they thirst for God. The diocesan directors can do something in this matter," said Bishop Peter Hla. 

He encouraged all to find possible ways to alleviate the social, political, and spiritual thirst of the people of Myanmar through the media," he added.

"Media activities could be like a double-edged sword. One can use them for good purposes or negative work. We need to be prudent in our services amidst the difficulties and risks. I appreciate your commitment and unity in serving the Catholic Church in Myanmar," said Auxiliary Bishop John Saw Yaw Han of the Yangon Archdiocese.

The prelate encouraged all the OSC heads in each diocese to have regular contact with the national director to exchange information and, in turn, to share it with the respective diocese. 

"We need to provide essential information to Catholics about the FABC 50 General Conference, the Synodality, World Youth Day, family and migrants," he added.

"As media technology is going ahead with tremendous speed, we need to try to catch up with it by making extraordinary efforts. Take any opportunity to update oneself,” said Bishop Saw Yaw Han.

On behalf of Bishop Raymond Saw Po Ray and Mawlamyine Diocesan priests, Bishop Maurice Nyunt Wai welcomed the directors of OSC. - Sagaw Karen Service