The Catholic Church in Nigeria has again, emphasized the importance of gentle dialogue and respect in communication as it marked the World Communications Day (WCD) on Sunday, June 1, 2025. The celebration, which concluded the week-long Communications Week (ComWEEK) programme, was held at the St. Gabriel Chaplaincy, Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria (CSN).
The Mass was celebrated by the Bishop Chairman on Social Communications, Most Rev. David Ajang, who conferred special blessings on media practitioners present in the course of the celebration and blessed their tools of work.
In his homily, the National Director of Social Communications, CSN, Rev. Fr. Michael Nsikak Umoh, reflected on the theme of the WCD, “Speak with gentleness the hope that is in your hearts.”
Fr. Umoh noted that the theme challenges Catholics to reflect on how they communicate their faith, values, and love. He cited the example of Stephen, who witnessed his faith with courage and conviction, yet prayed for his tormentors, showing the power of forgiveness and gentleness.
“The gentleness can help de-escalate conflicts and create space for meaningful dialogue,” Fr. Umoh said. “By praying for his tormentors, Stephen shows us the importance of empathy and compassion in our communication.”
The Church Spokesman urged Catholics to strive to communicate with gentleness, respect, and empathy, and to reflect on their communication style. “Do we speak with gentleness, kindness, and respect? Do our words build up or tear down?” he asked.
Fr. Umoh urged Catholics to strive to communicate with gentleness, respect, and empathy, citing the words of St. Peter, “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).
The Homilist explained that the WCD celebration serves as a reminder of the importance of effective communication in building bridges and promoting unity among believers. As communicators, Fr. Umoh noted, “we have the power to build bridges or create divisions.”
The ComWEEK programme, now in its fourth edition, is a media literacy initiative of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN). The programme aims to promote effective communication and media literacy among Catholics in Nigeria.
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