"Form together to evangelize. Report of Roman Pontifical Universities and InstitutionsSynod begins in Rome "On many roads and from many Churches".Pope Francis to Roman Pontifical Universities: commit to "making choir!"For the thirteenth consecutive year, about 300 institutional communicators from dozens of dioceses around the world (communication directors, spokespersons of Episcopal Conferences and bishops, academics and journalists) will gather in Rome from May 2 to 4 for a professional seminar dedicated to the theme of relevance, identity and listening, i.e. how to "communicate".communicating the Christian message in a plurality of contemporary voices".
The initiative is organized by the School of Institutional Communication of the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross and is one of the spearheads of its training program, which has been repeated every two years since the school was founded 26 years ago.
The idea of dedicating this year's professional reflection to the context in which we live, characterized by a multiplicity of voices that have the opportunity to express themselves freely, stems from the awareness that, in addition to enriching opportunities for dialogue, this dynamic often also produces confusions and tensions that need to be managed.
Broadening the debate
"Added to the abundance of information is a public agenda in which certain topics are often imposed which, like black holes, completely obscure others that are equally fundamental for the person and society, and in which the Church could enrich the conversation," explains Professor José María La Porte, of the Seminar's organizing committee.
In this context, therefore, the Church's communications offices have the difficult task of "broadening the debate so as not to get caught up in preconceived ideas" that often prevent them from addressing the issues in their full breadth.
The keynote address will be given by La Porte, professor of Fundamentals of Institutional Communication at the University of the Holy Cross; his intervention will serve as a framework for the entire seminar: "Rebirth of one's own identity in a secularized context".
Rediscovering identity
It is precisely the rediscovery of identity that allows communicators to rediscover the essence of their message and thus be fruitful in their mission to contribute to the good of the world, just like other social actors.
The Seminar will include several round tables with professionals focusing on topics such as the ability to overcome polarization, to value your employees and volunteers, and how to associate your own identity with the communication service you provide.
Case studies will also be devoted to overcoming institutional crises, listening skills, relations with journalists, management of major events and relevance through social media.
Audience with Pope Francis
On Wednesday, May 3, the participants in the Seminar will gather in St. Peter's Square for a general audience with Pope Francis, and immediately afterwards will meet with the heads of the Dicastery for Communication.
During the Seminar, space will also be given to the famous American film series ".The Chosen"centered on the life of Jesus of Nazareth. Executive producer and CEO Derral Eves will be present and will explain how this "adventure", which finds its sustenance through crowdfunding, began.
Taking the initiative
There is also expectation for the lectures of Professor Gema Bellido (University of Santa Cruz) on listening to "contextual intelligence", understood as the ability to identify the issues and perspectives that are emerging in society and with respect to which it would be interesting to make a relevant contribution.
Along the same lines, Jim Macnamara of Tech University will offer his vision on how to meet the challenge of being "a listening organization."
Finally, Juan Manuel Mora, Director of the Center for University Governance and Reputation at the University of Navarra and Vice Chancellor for Communication at the University of the Holy Cross, will close the proceedings with a report on how to "retake the initiative to be relevant".
In short, a host of topics that once again put the desire to communicate and serve the Church and the world with passion at the center.
