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SVD Global Communication Forum Holds Webinar on “Communication as Bridge of Peace”
Communication Coordinator, ASPAC Zone
The event reflected the congregation’s long-standing commitment to fostering dialogue, unity, and peace through communication—key values rooted in Nostra Aetate and the SVD’s charism of prophetic dialogue.
The session was coordinated by Fr. Kasmir Nema, SVD, General Coordinator for Communications. Fr. Lawrence Muthee, SVD, Communication Coordinator for the AFRAM Zone, opened the gathering with prayer before Fr. Nema welcomed participants and introduced session moderator Fr. Dominic Emmanuel, SVD, who in turn presented the day’s speakers.
The first presentation, delivered by Sr. Nina Bernadikta Krapic MVZ, from the dicastery for communication explored “Communication as a Pathway of Encounter,” highlighting the power and responsibility inherent in today’s digital landscape.
She noted that communication has evolved into a “fourth pillar of power,” and that the shift from traditional to hybrid media systems demands that communicators embrace accuracy, narrative competence, and AI literacy.
Sr. Krapic emphasized that in an era where social media often surpasses mainstream platforms in influence, religious communicators must narrate stories with integrity and creativity—an approach deeply aligned with the SVD’s mission to engage contemporary cultures with openness and discernment.
The second speaker, Fr. Bonaventura Mwenda, from the dicastery for Inter-Religious Dialogue focused on “Afro-Asian Encounters & Emerging Horizons.” Drawing on Nostra Aetate, he underscored the Church’s call to recognize and respect the spiritual, cultural, and human richness found across religions and peoples.
He highlighted that while Africa and Asia were once seen as distant edges of the Church’s mission, today they represent vibrant and growing communities of faith. He reminded listeners that Jesus himself was born not in a powerful metropolis but in Bethlehem—an image symbolizing the Church’s evolving presence among humble and diverse cultures.
Fr. Bonaventure also referenced Ecclesia in Africa and Ecclesia in Asia, stressing that authentic Asian theology must be grounded in deep religious sensitivity, recognizing that God encounters humanity through culture, language, and local traditions.
The final presentation came from Fr. Markus Solo SVD, from the dicastery for the Inter-religious dialogue, who cantered his talk on “Dialogue as Mission & the SVD Legacy.” He revisited the foundations laid by Nostra Aetate, which urges Catholics to build relationships of respect, mutual understanding, and cooperation with people of all faiths.
He described dialogue as a mission rooted not in debate but in freedom, reciprocity, and shared pursuit of truth. Within the SVD tradition, this is expressed through prophetic dialogue, a hallmark of SVD missionary spirituality, where members live and work among diverse peoples, cultures, and religions as “bridge builders” and “border crossers.”
Fr. Solo noted that the 15th General Chapter of SVDs reaffirmed this call by renewing the congregation’s commitment to Ad Gentes missionary discipleship. The SVD’s intercultural community life, he added, is itself a living witness to peaceful coexistence.
The “Bridge of Peace” webinar reaffirmed the SVD’s global mission to communicate with integrity, foster interreligious harmony, and build bridges across cultures in an increasingly interconnected world. Grounded in the spirit of Nostra Aetate and the SVD’s longstanding tradition of prophetic dialogue, the gathering highlighted the vital role of digital literacy, responsible storytelling, and intercultural sensitivity in shaping a more peaceful and collaborative future.
As participants dispersed back to their respective continents, the shared commitment to dialogue, understanding, and unity stood as a hopeful sign that the mission of peace continues to grow—one encounter, one conversation, and one act of communication at a time.
The event concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session, during which participants reflected on the challenges and opportunities of digital communication, intercultural living, and interreligious dialogue.
Fr. Anthony Swamy, SVD, Communication Coordinator for the ASPAC Zone, delivered the vote of thanks and presented E-certificates to all speakers and the moderator. The webinar ended in a joyful atmosphere, united in prayer and strengthened in the collective mission of promoting peace through communication.
See recorded presentations below:
