Preaching the Gospel ever anew through Media
by Fr. Charles Vijay Kumar, C.Ss.R., from Media Apostolate of Province of Bangalore, India
To be involved in the communication ministry is, for me, a fulfillment of my Redemptorist vocation and mission – to preach the Gospel to the most abandoned. This ministry takes inspiration from the clarion call of St. Clement Hofbauer, who urged us to “preach the Gospel ever anew.” Through media, we have extended the reach of the Good News to those far and wide, especially the spiritually abandoned, those who may feel isolated or cut off from the physical church. It was this conviction that led me to pursue a master’s degree in Film Production from Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles and produce films like “Trafficked in the US” and “Who is my neighbor?” on Immigration and Refugee crisis.
From the darkest days of the pandemic to the present time, the Redemptorist Media Center (RMC) in Bangalore has served as a beacon of hope, bridging the gap between isolation and community. Every email, WhatsApp message, and YouTube comment we’ve received from our participants testifies to the transformative power of this ministry. It has become a virtual pulpit that reaches homes, hearts, and lives worldwide, ensuring that no one is deprived of the message of Christ’s redeeming love. This ministry is not merely about producing content but about sharing faith, igniting hope, and accompanying people on their spiritual journey.
Each Mass streamed, every catechetical video, song, and prayer reflects the essence of our Redemptorist mission: to bring the abandoned closer to the Redeemer.
Key Characteristics of Our Communication Ministry
1. Pastoral Availability
At its heart, our communication ministry is about responding to pastoral needs. When we began, our focus was on creating content to instruct and inspire faith, such as the Catholic Faith Series in early 2011. During the pandemic, our live-streamed liturgical services, online lenten missions and novenas reached those confined to their homes. Today, we have about 70 thousand subscribers spread across the globe. Two thirds are within India, while the rest are spread across the globe, with the US in second place of highest participants. Our demographics show that we primarily serve the elderly (55+), families seeking to strengthen Christian values, and adults who desire ongoing faith formation.
Programs like Who is who in the Bible, That Catholic Couple, and Aging Gracefully are tailored to these needs, offering adults resources to deepen their understanding of faith and their engagement in community life.
2. Collaboration
Our ministry thrives on collaboration. With a team of 14 staff and numerous volunteers, we create and coordinate a wide range of content and initiatives. Volunteers assist in content creation, publication, and communication efforts, making this a shared mission.
Collaboration extends beyond our immediate circle. We’ve networked with Redemptorists across the globe, from youth programs to publications. This global partnership allows us to produce content that transcends boundaries while also addressing local needs through vernacular content. Our recent MOU with Liguori Publications in the U.S. marks another significant step in our collaborative efforts, enabling mutual growth and sharing of resources.
3. Relevance to the Digital Culture
Understanding the needs of the digital age has been crucial. By creating content for every age group and leveraging artificial intelligence, we are preparing to evangelize in this new digital culture. The digital space offers immense opportunities to proclaim the eternal truth of the Gospel to all ages, particularly the younger generations.
Hopes for the Future
Looking ahead, the role of media in our mission will only grow. The rapid advancements in technology and artificial intelligence present both challenges and opportunities. As Redemptorists, we must remain open to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, trusting that He will guide us in using these tools prudently and effectively to share the Good News.
Our hope is to:
• Expand our digital outreach: By embracing new technologies, we can reach even more people, especially in regions where the Church’s physical presence is limited.
• Foster deeper engagement: Through innovative programs and interactive content, we aim to inspire meaningful connections with faith and community.
• Continue collaborative growth: Strengthening global and local partnerships will enable us to share strengths and resources, enriching our ministry further.
As we move forward, we are called to evangelize the digital space with courage and creativity, making the Gospel message relevant for all ages. This ministry is our way of living the Redemptorist mission anew, ensuring that the most abandoned and the most in need experience the redeeming love of Christ in fresh and transformative ways.
Let us step into the future, trusting in the Spirit’s guidance, proclaiming the eternal truth with new zeal, and fulfilling our vocation to preach the Gospel ever anew.
