New FABC-OSC executive secretary pledges to strengthen Church communication in Asia’s digital era

By Kasmir Nema, RVA News | March 17, 2025

Fr. John Mi Shen as the Executive Secretary of the FABC Office of Social Communication (OSC).

The Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) Central Committee has appointed Fr. John Mi Shen as the executive secretary of the FABC Office of Social Communication (OSC), entrusting him with the mission of fostering unity, dialogue, and evangelization through modern communication.

His term, effective January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2028, underscores the Church’s commitment to adapting to the evolving digital landscape and strengthening its pastoral engagement across Asia.

Reflecting on his appointment, Fr. Mi Shen expressed deep gratitude and a profound sense of responsibility. "I feel deeply humbled and grateful for the trust placed in me by the bishops. It is a blessing to follow in the footsteps of my mentor, the late Fr. Franz-Josef Eiler, SVD, who served in this role for over a decade," he shared.

Acknowledging the cultural and linguistic diversity of Asia, he emphasized the critical role of communication in uniting the Church. "I look forward to collaborating with the FABC-OSC team to enhance communication awareness and strengthen the Church’s mission in this digital age," he added.

Fr. John Mi Shen in Meeting. (Photo: Facebook: MI Shen )

Fr. Mi Shen with street children. (Photo: Facebook: MI Shen)

Fr. Mi Shen recording for his Mandarin service mission. (Photo: Facebook: MI Shen)

A priest from the Diocese of Zhaoxian, China, Fr. Mi Shen holds a Doctorate in Sacred Theology (SThD) specializing in Social and Pastoral Communication from the University of Santo Tomas (UST) in Manila.

Since his ordination on June 18, 2010, he has been actively involved in church communications, advocating for ethical and innovative media practices in evangelization.

As Executive Secretary, he envisions a proactive approach to communication, focusing on four major priorities: enhancing communication awareness, strengthening Catholic media networks, empowering the laity—especially the youth—and addressing modern challenges such as misinformation, social media ethics, and artificial intelligence.

"Communication is not just about transmitting messages; it is about building relationships, ensuring that the Church’s voice resonates with clarity, truth, and compassion," he explained.

Recognizing the importance of collaboration, Fr. Mi Shen aims to engage local churches, Catholic media, and faith-based organizations through annual meetings, joint media projects, and training programs.

He stressed the need to listen first, understanding the unique communication realities of different countries before implementing strategies.

Partnering with Radio Veritas Asia, universities, and youth organizations, the FABC-OSC will equip young Catholic communicators with the necessary skills to navigate the digital world responsibly and effectively.

With a vision centered on listening, adapting, and innovating, Fr. Mi Shen is committed to ensuring that the Church remains a beacon of hope in an era of rapid technological change.

"We must harness the power of the media to build bridges, amplify voices of faith, and promote Gospel values," he affirmed.

His appointment reinforces FABC’s commitment to embracing modern communication tools while remaining faithful to its mission of evangelization and pastoral care in Asia’s ever-evolving media landscape.