Ledalero, Indonesia – In an era of misinformation, social unrest, and deepening divisions, Catholic communicators are called to be prophetic voices of truth and healing.

Marking the 150th anniversary of the Society of the Divine Word (SVD), a seminar titled “Catholic Social Communication in a Wounded World” gathered nearly 500 participants at the Ledalero Institute of Philosophy and Creative Technology (IFTK Ledalero), Maumere, Flores, Indonesia on January 24, 2025.

Keynote speaker Fr. Anthony Le Duc, SVD, Executive Director of the Asian Research Center for Religion and Social Communication (ARC) at St. John’s University in Bangkok, urged Catholic communicators to go beyond words and embody the Gospel.

Citing the vision of St. Arnold Janssen, founder of the SVD, he emphasized that Catholic communication must speak truth to power, challenge injustice, and foster moral renewal.

Fr. Le Duc outlined six guiding principles: prophetic communication that confronts falsehoods and defends dignity, creative and faithful engagement with modern media, presence among communities in need, storytelling that inspires hope, courage to denounce societal evils, and authentic witness through action.

He reminded participants that communication is not just about delivering messages but living out the Gospel in daily life.

Fr. Bernard Hayong, SVD, the event’s committee chair, highlighted communication as an art that heals, aligning with the SVD General Chapter’s vision.

He urged communicators to recognize and address the wounds of society, drawing inspiration from Jesus as the ultimate communicator.

More than an academic discussion, the seminar was a call to action, reinforcing IFTK Ledalero’s role in shaping future Catholic leaders and ARC’s commitment to interreligious dialogue.

Participants left not only informed but inspired to be agents of truth and transformation in a fragmented world.

By Hermina Wulohering, IFTK Ledalero