SIGNIS INDIA NATIONAL ASSEMBLY 2026

Responding to the call of Pope Francis on the occasion of World Communications Day, Sr Ira Viegas joined around 72 media professionals representing 12 regions of SIGNIS India – one of the member of the World Catholic Association for Communication gathered at Gianodaya, New Diocesan Pastoral Centre, Jalandhar, from 13 – 16 April 2026 to engage in reflection, dialogue, and discernment on the theme “Whispers of Hope: Communicating Peace, Growing Together, Building Futures".

During the two days of engaging and urgent topics dealt with, the assembly recognized the immense potential that Artificial Intelligence is for us as communicators and the urgent need to update ourselves and thus accompany the digitally immersed youth through media education the development of ethical content creation skills knowing fully well the responsibility we bear and the need to venture into this field with caution and daring

As communicators, the various speakers pointed out that we carry the responsibility to counter hostility, negativity and misinformation in the media with truth, credibility and a message of hope to a world which really longs for it in today's reality. One of the women speakers also highlighted the vital role of women in peace building and in bearing witness to Christ today, calling for greater opportunities for them in this regard.

Inspired by the insights and testimonies shared during the gathering, all were called to deepen our own faith, involve the laity in our social engagements and develop digital safeguarding policies and toolkits which can be shared across organizations. As communicators in our own capacities, all of us are called to address the challenges of the digital age, promote authentic and reliable sources of information, and proclaim the Good News with courage and conviction thereby contributing to a culture of peace in society.