Jalandhar, Punjab | April 12, 2026: The SIGNIS India National Assembly (SINA 2026) will commence on April 13 in the Diocese of Jalandhar, Punjab, bringing together over a hundred Catholic media professionals, communicators, and Church leaders from across India. The assembly will conclude on April 16 with an outing day.
Hosted by the Diocese of Jalandhar under the leadership of Bishop Jose Sebastian Thekkumcherikunnel, the event reflects a renewed pastoral and communicative vision for the local Church. Appointed by Pope Leo XIV on June 7, 2025, and ordained on July 12, 2025, Bishop Jose has brought fresh dynamism to the diocese following the resignation of Bishop Emeritus Franco Mulakkal in June 2023.
Since assuming leadership, Bishop Jose has initiated several pastoral and communication-oriented efforts aimed at revitalizing the life and mission of the diocese. The hosting of SINA 2026 itself stands as a significant expression of this renewed vision—fostering collaboration, strengthening ecclesial communication, and positioning Jalandhar as a hub for national dialogue in the media apostolate.
Fr. Martin Sadiq of Prarthana Bhavan TV, Punjab, the host in-charge, informed that the assembly will be inaugurated by Most Rev. Rayarala Vijaykumar, PIME, Bishop of Srikakulam and Chairman of the CBCI Office for Social Communication.
This year’s assembly is being held under the theme: “Whispers of Hope, Communicating Peace, Growing Together, Building Future!”—a reflection of the Church’s call to foster meaningful communication rooted in hope, unity, and mission.
Significance for the Northeast
This year’s assembly marks a crucial moment for the Northeast region. It is expected to formally initiate the separation of the Northeast SIGNIS body from the Northeast Regional Commission for Social Communication.
Following last year’s National Assembly held in Hyderabad, institutional membership fees were collected from most dioceses in the region, barring a few. However, it was observed at SINA 2025 that due to continued non-payment of membership and lack of response to repeated communications, the region has been categorized as a non-active member as per the SIGNIS India Constitution.
In view of this, and in line with the guidance of the national leadership, a renewed regional membership drive will be activated after SINA 2026 to revitalize participation and ensure compliance with SIGNIS norms.
Northeast Participation
The Northeast region’s participation at SINA 2026 is marked by the presence of Fr. Joseph Manickathan of the Diocese of Dibrugarh, aged 74, the oldest member of SIGNIS Northeast. A veteran in the field of Church communication, he was conferred the SIGNIS Lifetime Achievement Award last year in recognition of his outstanding and dedicated service. His continued involvement stands as a testimony to his enduring commitment and contribution to the communication apostolate in the region.
He is being joined by Fr. Kampan Chinnam, Secretary of NESCOM; Sr. Euginia Laloo, FMA of the Shillong Province; Fr. Balashowry, Assistant Secretary from the Diocese of Agartala.
Fr. Jimberth K Marak from Tura Diocese; and Fr. Vanamala Gabriel from Aizawl Diocese are also expected to attend the event.
The other dioceses will not be represented due to unavoidable circumstances and owing to prior engagements.
About SIGNIS
SIGNIS is the World Catholic Association for Communication. The name “SIGNIS” is derived from the Latin words Signum (Sign) and Ignis (Fire), symbolizing a mission to be signs of hope and instruments of transformative communication in today’s world.
SIGNIS seeks to promote communication rooted in Gospel values by advancing truth, justice, human dignity, and dialogue. It actively engages with various forms of modern media, including journalism, film, television, and digital platforms, to foster ethical and meaningful communication.
SIGNIS was officially established in November 2001 in Rome through the merger of two historic Catholic media organizations: Unda, which focused on radio and television, and OCIC (International Catholic Organization for Cinema and Audiovisual). Both organizations were founded in 1928, carrying forward a long-standing tradition of Catholic involvement in the field of media and communication.
What is SIGNIS India?
SIGNIS India is the national chapter of SIGNIS World and is recognized by the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of India (CBCI). It serves as the national Catholic association for Social Communication, coordinating activities across 12 regions and promoting media education, production, research, and collaboration within the Church and society.
How to Become a SIGNIS Member
Membership in SIGNIS India is open at regional and national levels:
• Regional Membership is open to Catholic lay professionals, priests, religious, diocesan communication centres, and institutions engaged in media and communication.
• Applications are submitted to the Regional President with recommendations from two active members and the local Bishop.
• Membership is granted through a vote at the Regional Assembly.
Active membership requires participation in assemblies and payment of annual membership fees.
Lifetime Achievement Recognition
A highlight of SINA 2026 will be the SIGNIS Lifetime Achievement Award to be conferred on Sr. Euginia Laloo FMA, from the Northeast. She is the first indigenous member from the region to be nominated for this honour.
She currently serves as the Provincial Coordinator for Social Communication of the Shillong Province and has made notable contributions to media ministry and communication outreach.
SINA 2026 is expected to address key structural and pastoral challenges, strengthen collaboration, and renew the Church’s communication mission in India, especially with a fresh impetus for membership and participation from all regions.