ROME: “There is the need to assist and support persons in their search for Truth and be sure to engage in respectful dialogue among people”, stressed Archbishop Claudio Celli, President of the Pontifical Commission for Social Communications as he addressed the SIGNIS Board members gathered at the conference hall of Radio Vatican, on 10 November, 2011 at the Vatican City, Rome.

     The interactive hour-long session was animated by long time Fr. Fredrick Lombardi sj, Director of Radio Vatican, and Director of Vatican Radio English Programmes Sean-Patrick Lovett.  In drawing on the variety and experience of the SIGNIS members he highlighted richness and creativity that enables faith experiences to be shared.  He dwelt much on the SIGNIS thrust: ‘Creating images with the new Generation’.  Present for the interaction were representatives of the Italian Bishops Conference.

     SIGNIS Board members met at Casa Arso from 7 to 12 November, 2011 for their annual Board meeting.  Programs were evaluated, current changing trends and technology were discussed and plans for the future were proposed.

     Priorities and plans incorporating digital possibilities were at the forefront of the discussions.  SIGNIS members were encouraged to dwell further: Media Monitoring, training of Young Video Journalists, Television and Film Reviews, Spirituality and Cinema and the Photo Handkerchief Project – thus preparing their members for the World Congress in 2013.

     SIGNIS - the World Catholic Association for Communications dwells on audio, visual and the electronic media – to ensure that the ‘Good News’ has its place in the media of today.  With the development of digital technology it is encouraging all to use all these means of social communications to empower and enhance lives.  Stressing on youngsters who are avid consumers of the media, and using their talents and creativity, it encourages church personnel to harness these human resources to bring about creativity in productions.  

     SIGNIS Pacific was represented by Fr. Ambrose Pereira sdb, Solomon Islands and Agatha Furivai, Fiji – involved in Media Education and Media Monitoring in their countries and in the Pacific.  Australia based Peter Thomas, SIGNIS Vice President has been very supportive of all that has been done in the Pacific.