Asian Bishops’ Media Institute launches online advanced course in Pastoral Communication

Asian Bishops’ communication institute, Veritas Asia Institute of Social Communication (VAISCOM), launched an advanced course in pastoral communication, March 25, the Solemnity of the Annunciation of the Lord.

The advanced course is part of a three-segment program consisting of Basic, Advanced and Diploma. It is offered online to enable pastoral personnel in Asia to develop competence and skill in their ministry.

Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences–Office of Social Communication (FABC OSC) Executive Secretary, Father George Plathottam sdb, who launched the program online said, VAISCOM established by the FABC OSC is committed to the formation of pastoral leaders in Asia so that they develop competence and skills to be effective in their ministry.

The Advanced Course, like the Basic Course, consists of 31 lessons and ten skills offered online through video lessons, study notes, online tests, project activities, workshops and webinars.

The course is designed in such a way as to enable missionary and pastoral personnel in Asia who lack adequate training facilities to train themselves through guided self-study, said Father Plathottam.

Sister Ingkie Taboclaon, the coordinator of the program, quoting the words of FABC OSC chairman, Bishop Roberto Mallari said, “Our God is a communicating God and communication is central to the mission of the Church.”

She recalled Pope Francis’ 2016 World Communication Day message in which he said, “It is not technology which determines whether or not communication is authentic, but rather the human heart and our capacity to use wisely the means at our disposal.”

Antony Job of Manna Media Hub, who coordinates the online program, offered a virtual tour of the portal and explained the dynamics of doing the course online.

The VAISCOM’s Communication for Leadership Program (CPL) is offered to individuals as well as institutions like seminaries at a subsidized fee.

Applicants can register for the course online and complete the program at their own pace.