Catholic Archdiocese of Benin City on Sunday, June 1, 2025, marked the 59th World Day of Social Communications with a solemn Mass and grand celebration at Holy Cross Cathedral, Mission Road, Benin City. The occasion, which doubled as the Archdiocese’s Jubilee of Social Communications and Media Practitioners, was held under the theme: “Share with gentleness the hope that is in your heart.”
Presiding over the event, the Archbishop of Benin City, His Grace, Most Rev. Augustine Obiora Akubeze, echoed Pope Leo’s message for this year, calling for a more humane, gentle, and hopeful approach to communication, especially in today’s media environment.
“Let our communication bring healing and not injury. Let our words be gentle and kind. Let us be heralds of hope, not despair—ambassadors of Good News, not bad stories; voices of peace, not disunity,” Archbishop Akubeze declared during his homily.
The Archbishop praised the efforts of Catholic media workers and professionals, acknowledging their role in spreading the Gospel and uplifting society: “Your cameras, soundboards, live-streams, and posts are tools of bringing hope to many in our Archdiocese. I urge you to always stand for what is right and live true to the tenets of proper journalism.”
He also warned against disinformation, hate speech, and toxic media culture, stating: “We live in a world where communication feels like combat—where people argue to win, not to understand. But Christ calls us to communicate in gentleness, compassion, and truth.”
The readings for the Mass drew attention to the martyrdom of St. Stephen, who in the face of death prayed for forgiveness for his killers, and Jesus’ prayer for unity in John’s Gospel. Archbishop Akubeze linked these readings to the calling of communicators: “Christian journalists must mirror this forgiveness and unity in their work—be it in newsrooms, studios, or online spaces.”
The celebration featured the blessing of media tools, the installation of new patrons and patronesses of the Catholic Media Practitioners Association of Nigeria (CAMPAN), and the presentation of the Apostle of the Media Awards to individuals who have shown outstanding commitment to Gospel communication.
In his remarks, Mr. Ruben Mario Brodrick, Chairman of CAMPAN, emphasized the association’s ongoing efforts to promote the Catholic Church’s social teachings and combat the menace of fake news. “Today’s theme is not just a slogan—it’s a mission statement. We are committed to sharing truth with gentleness and to being a voice for the voiceless,” he said.
CAMPAN Chaplain, Rev. Fr. Romanus Mbakwe, called for greater unity among media practitioners. “Let us not be discouraged by the challenges we face. Whatever we cannot change, we can patiently tolerate, knowing that we are doing God’s work.”
Also speaking, the Archdiocesan Director of Communications, Rev. Fr. Jude Orah, noted, “Communication is a sacred duty. Whether it’s a parish bulletin or a social media post, we are called to echo God’s truth and love.”
The Archbishop concluded the Mass with a special prayer for media professionals and invited everyone to participate in the ongoing Novena to the Holy Spirit. “Let us continue to communicate God’s love,” he said, “especially in a world that so desperately needs it.”
The event ended on a high note with a reception and musical performances celebrating the role of media in advancing the Church’s mission and promoting unity in society.
