Catholic media must remain firmly rooted in the proclamation of the Gospel and not lose its focus amid expanding technological possibilities, said Bishop Jose Sebastian Thekkumcherikunnel during the homily at the inaugural Eucharistic celebration of SINA 2026 in Jalandhar.
The Holy Mass was presided over by the Jalandhar Bishop and concelebrated by Bishop Vijayakumar Rayarala, Chairman of the CBCI Office for Social Communications along with priests and delegates from across India.
In his homily on April 14, 2026 the Bishop of Jalandhar emphasised that the Church’s communication mission is not merely about information, but about authentic evangelisation.
“The mandate of the Lord is clear: go and preach the Good News,” he said, urging Catholic communicators to remain faithful to this essential mission.
Highlighting the spiritual foundation of communication, he noted that effective proclamation flows from personal faith experience.
“We cannot communicate what we have not experienced,” the bishop said, stressing that communicators must be rooted in prayer, Sacred Scripture, and a living relationship with Christ.
Acknowledging both the growth and challenges in the media apostolate, he welcomed the expanding opportunities in digital communication, including emerging technologies. However, he cautioned against losing focus: “If the message is lost in what we communicate, the whole purpose is lost.”
The bishop also invited participants to a moment of introspection, recognising that the Church has not always fully utilised media for evangelisation. He urged communicators to understand the deeper needs of people and to prioritise content that conveys faith, hope, and meaning rather than mere entertainment.
Referring to present-day challenges, including social and institutional constraints, Bishop Jose Sebastian called for courage and fidelity. Drawing inspiration from the day's readings, he said,
“We must obey God and bear witness to what we have seen and heard.”
The Bishop further highlighted the importance of unity and prayer in the Church’s communication mission.
Citing the Acts of the Apostles, he noted that when the community prayed together, the Holy Spirit empowered them for mission.
The homily set a reflective and mission-oriented tone for the national assembly.
The Holy Eucharist was concelebrated by more than thirty priests, including Fr. Vijay Lobo, Sginis President Fr. David Arogyam, Signis Secretary and Fr. Martin Sadiq, Regional Secretary of North Region.
The liturgy was enriched by a melodious choir led by former SIGNIS member Fr. George Gopurathinkal of Jalandhar, popularly known as GP.