Journalists called to be on a quest to unveil the truth

Aloysius Aguiar, former Judge of Bombay High Court, urged Catholic journalists to be on a quest to unveil the truth.

“Journalists were called to face challenges as they come into conflict with the powers-that-be on their quest to unveil the truth,” said Justice Aguiar.

The former judge said that a free press is a force to reckon with as it prevents the abuse of power, including the judiciary. He exhorted journalists to expose falsity as fake news is rampantly being peddled on social media.

Justice Aguiar spoke as a chief guest during the 26th National Convention of Christian Journalists held in Mumbai, India, on December 1 under the auspices of the Indian Catholic Press Association (ICPA).

ICPA President Ignatius Gonsalves deplored the pitiable predicament of Indian media. The veteran journalist said that majority of the media in the country lie to themselves, robbing news of its veracity.

Quoting Dostoevsky, who said, “Above all, do not lie to yourself,’ Gonsalves noted that the only remedy for this pitiable situation was to ensure conscience-formation while grooming or mentoring journalists.

Gonsalves disapproved of the present-day journalism schools, which do not focus on this crucial aspect of conscience formation. He said, “Christian journalists have a big role to play.”

The convention was inspired by Pope Francis’s exhortation to journalists to “Hit the streets: Listen, Encounter and Engage. After a one-year COVID-induced hiatus, the in-person gathering took place at St Paul’s Communications Complex in Bandra, Mumbai, in which ICPA members and guests from across the country took part.

Bishop Salvadore Lobo, ecclesiastical advisor to ICPA, compared the convention's motto to the actions of Jesus, who encountered people, listened to them and gave them solace.

The prelate, Apostolic Administrator of Asansol Diocese, stressed the need to have a conscience to recognize the truth and stand by the truth just like the Apostle Paul who gave his life while unflinchingly standing for the truth.

The same was echoed by Father Varghese Gnalian, Provincial of the Society of St Paul, and Father Suresh Mathew, secretary of ICPA.

Father Gnalian said Christian journalists have to be guided by a vision and focus rooted in the Bible. He also clarified that professional journalism is not for the faint-hearted; it requires real brave hearts.

Father Mathew reminded the ICPA members of the clarion call of Pope Francis to hit the streets and go beyond the news in the newsroom. He said the convention is meant to find ways to hit the streets, meet people and come out with real stories that mirror the deprivation and victimization of the voiceless and take the message of Christ to the world.

The convention was honoured by the presence of former editor-in-chief of Readers’ Digest India Mohan Sivanand and Dr. Shaison P Ouseph, Head of the Department of Film and Television, Xavier Institute of Communications.

The organizers invited participants for a few moments of silence to pay homage to the ICPA members who passed away last year.

Tributes were paid to veteran journalist and author Father Varghese Paul SJ, author and painter Father Augustine Kuriapilly of Delhi Archdiocese, Father Lijo Thomas of Nagpur Archdiocese, Father Cherian Nereveetil, former editor of Kochi-based publication ‘Sathyadeepam,’ and Monsignor Benny Aguiar of Mumbai Archdiocese who was the last surviving founding member of ICPA. Silence was also observed in memory of martyr of social justice Father Stan Swamy.

Also attending the convention were this year’s award winners Father Cedric Prakash, Jesuit priest and noted human rights activist, Dalit-tribal rights activist Sister Sujata Jena, and Father Justin Tirkey, representing ‘Nishkalanka’-- a magazine that empowers Dalits, tribals and families in the Hindi-speaking parts of the country.