Kampala, Uganda | The Chairman of the Uganda Episcopal Conference Social Communications Commission, Rt. Rev. Joseph Franzelli, has renewed calls for Catholic media in Uganda to embrace deeper networking and collaboration, saying this is key to fulfilling their evangelization mission.
In a message delivered during the 2025 Social Communications Week at St. Augustine Training Institute, Nsambya, Bishop Franzelli-who currently resides in Italy for medical attention-recalled his long-standing advocacy for stronger ties among Catholic bulletins, magazines, radio stations, and television networks.
He stressed that sharing news, experiences, and programming would significantly enhance their collective impact on shaping public opinion across the country.
“…By working together, Catholic media can more effectively reach the faithful and shape society through shared Gospel values…,” Bishop Franzelli stated in his message to participants.
The event, held in preparation for the 58th World Communications Day, attracted Catholic communicators from dioceses across Uganda under the theme “Share with gentleness the hope that is in your hearts” (1 Peter 3:15–16).
In his opening address, Monsignor John Baptist Kauta, the National Executive Secretary of Social Communications, echoed Bishop Franzelli’s call for unity and cooperation.
Drawing from Pope Francis’ encyclical Fratelli Tutti—which affirms the universal fraternity of all people-Msgr. Kauta urged communicators to be inclusive and intentional about reaching every person, especially the marginalized.
“…As social communicators, our role is not just to inform, but to embody the message of Jesus-showing compassion, feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless, and standing against injustice…,” he said, referencing the Uganda Episcopal Conference’s pastoral letter.
Msgr. Kauta also emphasized that collaboration is rooted in Christian love. Reflecting on St. Paul’s letter to the Corinthians and St. John’s Gospel, he noted: “By your networking, by your love, will they know that you are mine.”
Welcoming participants, Rev. Fr. Phillip Odii, Secretary General of the Uganda Episcopal Conference, expressed gratitude to Catholic media professionals for their continued commitment to spreading the Gospel.
He applauded their consistency in using media platforms to promote Christian values and reach diverse audiences.
“…Your presence and perseverance in the mission of evangelization through media is not only admirable-it is vital…,” Fr. Odii stated.
The Social Communications Week is an annual gathering organized by the Uganda Episcopal Conference to equip and inspire Catholic media practitioners ahead of World Communications Day, which is marked globally in line with the Church’s mission to engage effectively in today’s media landscape.
Original Story: Lira Diocese News Agency