Jubilee of Social Communications and Media Practitioners celebrated in Benin City

*Benin City Archdiocese Celebrates Jubilee of Social* *Communications, Urges Gentle Communication of Hope and Unity Among Media Practitioners* 

 *-By Ruben Mario Brodrick* 

* 

Benin City, Edo State, Nigeria

 - The Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City today marked the 59th World Day of Social Communications with a special Mass and celebration themed "Share with gentleness the hope that is in your heart." The event, held at Holy Cross Cathedral, Mission Road, was also designated as the Archdiocese's Jubilee of Social Communications and Media Practitioners.

The Archbishop of Benin City, His Grace, Most Rev. Augustine O. Akubeze, presided over the Mass, emphasizing the importance of communicating hope with gentleness, echoing the message of Pope Francis. He warmly welcomed all attendees, including members of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Catholic media practitioners, and the Archdiocesan Media Team.

Archbishop Akubeze expressed his profound appreciation for those working in the media, stating, "Your cameras, soundboards, live-streams, and posts are tools of bringing hope to many in our Archdiocese."

He also commended media houses that "defend the truth, promote the dignity of the human person, and uphold the voices of the poor and voiceless," urging them to "always stand for what is right and live true to the tenets of proper journalism."

Drawing from Pope Francis' message, Archbishop Akubeze highlighted the dangers of disinformation, aggressiveness in speech, and the loss of human dignity in public discourse. He called on communicators to be "communicators of hope," countering the prevalent news of fear and despair with stories of love and healing. "Let our communication bring healing and not injury. Let our words be gentle and kind. Let us be heralds of hope not despair, ambassadors of Good news not bad stories, voices of peace not disunity," he urged.

The readings for the Mass included the martyrdom of St. Stephen, emphasizing forgiveness, and Jesus' prayer for unity in the Gospel of John.

 Archbishop Akubeze connected these readings to the role of Christian communicators, encouraging them to be agents of unity and forgiveness in a fractured world.

During the celebration, the Archbishop blessed media tools used by practitioners, underscoring the sacred nature of their work in spreading truth and the Gospel.

New Patrons and Patronesses were also installed for the Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAMPAN), the organizing body for the Jubilee.

Meanwhile, at the social aspect of the celebration, Mr. Ruben Mario Brodrick, the Chairman of CAMPAN, delivered an address highlighting the association's commitment to promoting the social teachings of the Catholic Church, being a voice for the voiceless, and combating fake news. He emphasized the theme of the day, "Share with gentleness the hope that is in your hearts," as central to their mission.

The Benin City Archdiocesan CAMPAN Chaplain, Rev Fr Romanus Mbakwe, called on the Media Practitioners to be more united in the discharge of their duties. He urged them never to be discouraged by what they encountered as Catholic Journalists, adding that whatever that cannot be changed can be patiently tolerated.

A significant part of the event was the presentation of the "Apostle of the Media" Awards to dedicated individuals who have propagated the Gospel through print and broadcast media. These awards recognized their commitment to sharing the Good News and inspiring faith.

Mr. Brodrick also paid tribute to the late Pope Francis for his consistent guidance on navigating modern communication with the light of the Gospel and extended a welcome to the newly elected Pope Leo XIV, praying for his guidance and leadership.

The celebration concluded with Archbishop Akubeze reminding all present of their duty to communicate God’s love and encouraging active participation in the ongoing novena to the Holy Spirit. He wished everyone a happy new month and a happy World Communications Day.

The Jubilee of Social Communications and Media Practitioners served as a powerful reminder of the vital role of ethical and hope-filled communication, and the importance of unity among media professionals, in the Church and society.