Directing communications of a diocese, a religious entity and an episcopal conference can be complicated.
To prepare professionals for this mission, the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross in Rome established its first School of Church Communications.
They invited the prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Communication, Paolo Ruffini, to the anniversary celebration.
Daniel Arasa, the current dean, explained how they prepare their students to communicate the Church's activities to the press, the radio, TV and social media.
DANIEL ARASA
Dean, Department of Communication PUSC
“They are people who must identify and understand social and cultural trends, and must also know how to adapt to technological innovations. Above all, they must have the capacity to make responsible decisions, with a spirit of service to their institution and society.”
They celebrated the anniversary by connecting online. And many of its more than 500 alumni gathered in Rome.
Hundreds of spokespeople for Church institutions and communications experts from over 40 countries participated in the celebration.
Joshan Rodrigues, from Mumbai, recalled the experience.
JOSHAN RODRIGUES
Archdiocese of Mumbai (India)
“I can assure that the three years I spent at the University of the Holy Cross have been the best of my life. They didn't just give me a solid formation in the world of Church communications. They also changed me as a person.”
Preparing spokespeople for ecclesiastical institutions can be quite challenging. Students must develop communication skills and learn about news production and social media. They must also develop a solid understanding of theology, Church history and current events.
That's why being able to celebrate 25 years of that mission is good news.
AO
TR: CT
