Marist communicators in South America reflect on the future of communication
On June 26th, the first Regional Forum on Live Communication was held through the Teams’ platform. The event dealt with the central theme of Pope Francis’ speech at the 54th World Communications Day, “So that he can tell it and keep it in his memory”. More than 190 communication professionals from Marist units in Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, Chile, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay, countries that make up the Marist region of South America, attended the event.
The programme was opened by the Region’s Executive Secretary, Brother Alberto Aparício, who presented the context of regional action and invited the participants to reflect on the spirituality that permeates the role of communication in Marist life. “As communicators, we are promoters of dreams”, he affirmed.
Later, the Superior General of the Marist Institute, Brother Ernesto Sánchez, addressed the connections between the concept of the global family and the possibilities of communication during this sensitive period marked by the world crisis of the Coronavirus. He resumed the timeline from the beginning of the pandemic, reporting on the uncertainties and good practices organized by the General House and the Marist world. He reinforced his solidarity in observing the present moment in all the countries of the Region, highlighting among others the initiative carried out in Chile to offer the MEC as a shelter for people on the streets affected by the virus.
In an affective and intimate tone, Brother Ernesto developed his discourse, recalling the importance of communication, especially at this time. “Communication is bringing other ways of connecting with people,” he said. “This is very valuable and beautiful.” To conclude his speech, he recalled one of the calls of the XXII General Chapter of the Marist Institute that brings the idea of building bridges. “The bridge has
the function of uniting, of connecting, it must be solid and receive maintenance in order to resist”, he added. “This is how I think when I remember it: Marist communication is this bridge between all the members of the mission”.
A look at post-pandemic Marist communication
The second session of the forum was attended by Professor Cleusa Maria Andrade Scroferneker, from the School of Communications, Arts and Design at PUCRS, Porto Alegre, Brazil. The Professor showed the potential present in a communication that creates links, strengthens links and with the capacity to connect people. “What communication allows us to create links and build bridges?” she reflected. From this aspect, she highlighted three elements that help to answer this question: dialogue, sharing and love.
We invite you to review the video of the entire event: