Society
Of The Divine Word

The event brought together distinguished voices to explore how faith communities can meaningfully engage in today’s rapidly evolving digital culture.

Rooted in Prayer, Oriented to Mission

The gathering opened with prayer led by Fr. Wojciech Szypula, SVD, who invited participants into silence and attentiveness, asking God’s blessing for the session.

In his welcoming remarks, Fr. Kasmir Nema, SVD, Generalate Communications Coordinator, urged participants to “move beyond the clicks and shares” toward building “life-giving and witnessing communities.”

He emphasized that this initiative was born as a response to the growing importance of the communication ministry within the Society of the Divine Word, as affirmed by the SVD Generalate. More than just a webinar, it served as a venue for capacity building, shared reflection, and collaborative learning on how missionaries and communicators can reimagine mission in today’s digital age.

Fr. Babu Joseph, SVD, served as moderator, introducing the session and the keynote speakers.

Full Presence in a Fragmented World

Dr. Michael Unland, Director of CAMECO, delivered the first keynote on “Full Presence in a Fragmented World: Evangelizing in Digital Culture.”

He emphasized that the heart of evangelization is not technology itself but relationships: “The important thing is not the technology, but the spaces where relationships happen.”

Dr. Unland challenged the false division between “virtual” and “real,” describing today’s internet as a “digital highway”where people—often wounded—wait for compassion and care. He urged Christians to:

• Relearn the Digital Space as a place of meaningful human encounter.
• See Others as Neighbors, recognizing the other as part of oneself.
  
  

While acknowledging risks such as commodification and discrimination online, he called for Christian spaces of silence, education, and authentic encounter.

Responses and Reflections

Fr. Christian Tauchner, SVD, responded by noting the borderless nature of digital culture, which contrasts with traditional geographic mission boundaries.

He raised concerns about oversimplification, warning against the commodification of the Gospel and the environmental costs of digital expansion, including artificial intelligence.

Participants’ questions centered on how the Church can collaborate more effectively with the papacy, bishops, and local communities amid digital transformation. Fr. Tauchner urged participants to adopt a sacramental vision of mission and to begin evangelization from the margins.

Digital Discipleship and Ecclesial Presence

Introducing the second keynote, Fr. Anthony De Luc reminded the participants of the need to “move beyond the screen that is seen.”

Dr. Daniela Zsupan-Jerome, Professor and Director of Sustaine Encuentro, spoke on “Digital Discipleship and Ecclesial Presence: Forming Communities of Faith Online.”

She highlighted the power of storytelling in evangelization, asking: “What kind of stories are we telling in the digital age?” Drawing from Pope Francis’ description of Mary as the “first influencer of God,” she underscored the role of faith-filled narratives in shaping discipleship online.

Her reflections invited participants to consider:

• How strangers might be welcomed as guests in online communities.
• What metaphors and language best communicate faith digitally.
• How Christian communities can tell stories with authenticity and hope.

Dr. Zsupan-Jerome stressed that vocation is both personal and communal, calling online communities to become spaces of discernment rooted in creativity, silence, and openness to the Spirit.

Voices from the Panel and Hope for the Digital Mission

Dr. Andre Joseph Theng, in his response, emphasized how subtle elements—such as language, imagery, or even a T-shirt design—shape digital interactions and relationships. His insights highlighted the cultural weight of seemingly small choices in digital communication.

The SVD webinar on evangelization in the digital age closed with a sense of urgency and hope:

• Urgency, because the speed of technological change demands decisive action.
• Hope, because the Gospel continues to inspire creative responses, even in new and unfamiliar territories.
  
  

Hosted by Fr. Lawrence Muthee M’gaiti, SVD, the event left participants with a renewed vision: evangelization in the digital age is not about chasing trends or adopting marketing strategies, but about offering a credible witness of faith, love, and justice within the digital continent..

As one concluding reflection summarized: “We are called to move beyond the clicks and shares, to form communities of witnessing both online and offline. The digital world is not only a tool for mission—it is mission territory itself.”