by Sharon Joy Isla
Producer, TV Maria and SIGNIS Philippines Vice President
photos from TV Maria and Signis Facebook page
Last September 23 to 27, 2024, I had the privilege of joining the SIGNIS ASIA assembly held in Tokyo, Japan.
This is a yearly gathering of Catholic communicators across Asia and this year’s assembly sought to address the crucial role of Catholic communicators in promoting peace by using digital media for the common good, and integrating technology into spiritual, educational and social practices while preserving emotional and spiritual human connections.
“Give your entire attention to what God is doing right now, and don't get worked up about what may or may not happen tomorrow. God will help you deal with whatever hard things come up when the time comes." - Matthew 6:34
Super Seniors
We were pleasantly greeted by the organizers of SIGNIS Japan whom we didn't expect are all in their senior years. Yes! Seniors! And i mean about 75+ years of age!
Clergy attendees of the SIGNIS ASIA 2024 assembly.
Looking back at how Signis was able to communicate with all the Asian delegates aged 70+ via email, we never thought they were of that age range. It was pretty amazing that despite the age and challenges, they did all the nitty-gritty stuff and eventually had a successful assembly.
Seeing them, I was reminded of the Japanese culture Ikigai and Ichigo-ichie. They must have imbibed unto themselves the importance of knowing their mission and making the most of everyday. They were such an inspiration.
"All of us are called to grow together, in humanity and as humanity. We are challenged to make a qualitative leap in order to become a complex, multiethnic, pluralistic, multireligious and multicultural society."
Photos from SIGNIS Asia Meeting of Country Presidents
Pope Francis
This year’s Conference is in line with Pope Francis' World Communication’s Day message on Artificial Intelligence, thus the theme: “Human Communication in the Digital World for a Culture of Peace.”
Inputs came from esteemed speakers which included lay professionals and Church figures coming from SIGNIS World, Japan and the Philippines.
Fr. D. Sauza Arun Prakash with the topic in Different human Dimensions and Societies we live, that was followed by a workshop
Presentation of workshop outputs by group.
Cultural Night
One of the highlights of the Conference was the Cultural night wherein we had the chance to showcase our camaraderie with each other, singing and dancing amidst language barriers and cultural differences.
It is noteworthy to say that SIGNIS Philippines took it seriously, so much so we became the "Star of the Night"! We certainly got the attention of everyone and they were in awe of the beauty of our Filipiniana dresses.
All Filipino Delegates and Speaker for Signis Asia Assembly.
Hope
As we ended the 5-day Assembly, I went home full of hope and vigor. There is hope!
There is hope in humanity and certainly there is hope for Peace. We just have to take courage and work as one in our mission of digital evangelization.
The fast-paced technology may be a bit intimidating and to be knowledgeable about it can be quite difficult. But there is more to knowing what the digital world can do.
Wisdom
But most important is the wisdom that our hearts have: the wisdom that despite limitations amidst technology’s many innovations, what our hearts desire still matters most. It is the wisdom of the heart that would keep us burning for love and for mission.
SIGNIS Philippines delegates with Keynote speaker and President of Communication of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Japan, Bishop Paul Toshihiro Sakai
Needless to say we can only build lasting and genuine communication through our hearts over the "inviting" means of the digital space.
It is a great tool but it will never surpass the wisdom of our human hearts!!
The Philippines will host the SIGNIS Asia Assembly 2025. This was announced at the conclusion of SIGNIS Asia Assembly 2024 in Tokyo, Japan which was attended by SIGNIS Philippines Board of Directors: Pie Mabanta Fenomeno, President; Sharon Joy Isla, Vice President and Teresa R. Tunay, Board Member.
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