Welcome to the celebration of the 109th anniversary of the Daughters of St. Paul, a congregation renowned for their mission of spreading the Gospel through media. As we embrace the digital age, we are reminded of the importance of adapting to new technologies and methods to effectively communicate the message of the Church.
By Sr Roselyne Wambani Wafula
At the heart of our celebration was the introduction of “scrollytelling,” a cutting-edge interactive storytelling format that promises to revolutionize how we engage with stories. This innovative approach seamlessly weaves together text, images, videos, and audio to create a captivating and immersive experience tailored for today’s audience with its ever-dwindling attention span.
Embracing the Digital Age
Dr Paolo Ruffini, Prefect for the Dicastery for Communication, delivered a keynote address emphasizing the Church’s role in shaping the digital landscape, stressing the need to move beyond mere consumption of technology. He called for a transformation in how we approach communication, echoing Pope Francis’ call to live the Gospel in a digital culture. Reflecting on his own experiences visiting the Daughters’ bookshop, he highlighted their significant influence in shaping his love for knowledge and faith.
Bridging Past and Future
The Daughters’ journey, rooted in oral tradition and the legacy of their founder Mother Tecla Merlo, serves as a reminder of the importance of building bridges and fostering unity. Dr. Ruffini praised their role in bridging the timeless message of the Gospel with the evolving world of communication.
Becoming Guides in the Digital Age
Dr. Ruffini urged the Church to take an active role in shaping technology for the greater good, emphasizing collaboration and innovation in communication. Embracing a dynamic and collaborative approach, he highlighted the importance of humility, acknowledging strengths, limitations, and God’s ultimate power.
Sharing the Experience of Faith
This anniversary celebration exemplifies the spirit of innovation and faith that drives the Daughters of St. Paul. By preserving tradition while embracing modern storytelling techniques like “scrollytelling,” we honor the values of unity, listening, and healing embodied by Mother Tecla.
Keys to Success
With a focus on digital storytelling and a commitment to collaboration, the Daughters of St. Paul continue to carry forward their mission guided by faith and fueled by innovation. By bridging tradition and technology, the Church ensures that the Gospel message will endure for generations to come.
The event concluded with a performance by the St. Peter’s Choir, marking their 40th anniversary and showcasing the enduring power of tradition and innovation in keeping the spirit alive.
