Shillong

The communities of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Province of Shillong of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA) joined the Universal Church in celebrating the 60th World Communications Day on May 17, 2026 through a series of initiatives centred on gratitude, authentic communication, and community building.

Guided by the Provincial Social Communication Team, the celebration reflected this year’s theme, “Preserving Human Voices and Faces,” through a creative and meaningful activity called the “Appreciation Wall.”

Set up in FMA communities across the Province, the Appreciation Wall invited Sisters, Candidates, and Boarders to write handwritten notes of gratitude and appreciation to one another.  The messages were displayed on a common board, creating a visible expression of mutual respect, encouragement, and recognition within the community.

As the walls filled with heartfelt messages, they became a testimony to the importance of authentic human relationships and the unique value of every person’s voice and presence.  Local Media Coordinators documented the completed Appreciation Walls and shared the photographs with the Provincial Social Communication Team.  The images were later compiled and featured on the Province’s official social media platforms, connecting the various communities in a shared celebration of gratitude and communion.

The observance was further enriched through prayer and liturgical celebrations.  Ahead of the event, the Social Communication Team prepared and distributed a special Prayer Animation Package, including Morning Prayer, an introduction for the Eucharistic celebration, and Evening Prayer specifically designed for World Communications Day.

The Holy Father’s message for the occasion was also shared and reflected upon in the communities, encouraging participants to foster meaningful human connections in an increasingly digital world.

The Provincial Social Communication Team expressed gratitude to all Local Media Coordinators, Sisters, Candidates, and Boarders whose enthusiastic participation and collaboration contributed to the success of the celebration.

The initiative highlighted the enduring importance of personal communication, gratitude, and community life, embodying the spirit of the Church’s observance of the 60th World Communications Day.

Report by Sr. Euginia Laloo, FMA, Director of Social Communication, Immaculate Heart of Mary Province, Shillong