When Cameras Become Prayer: Social Communication in Sumatra Reflects on Transformative Heart of Christ

A meeting focused on social communication was held at the Catholic Center Chapel in Pematangsiantar, Archdiocese of Medan from September 21 to September 25, 2026. Approximately 35 participants from six dioceses in the Sumatra region took part in this event, which aimed to explore the importance of the heart in communication work, beyond just the technical devices involved.

The opening Mass was led by Rm. Petrus Noegroho Agoeng S., Secretary of Komsos KWI, accompanied by several other priests. The gathering emphasized that while cameras, lenses, microphones, and laptops are integral to daily work in social communication, the heart of the user is of greater significance.

In his homily, Rm. Agoeng encouraged participants to reflect on the story of Mary searching for Jesus. He highlighted how Jesus’s question about his true family invites a deeper understanding of spiritual education, suggesting that transformation is a two-way process where Jesus changes the individual.

Rm. Agoeng stressed that the technical skills required for effective communication, such as photography, video production, and social media management, must not overshadow the core mission of conveying Jesus’s presence through their work. He urged participants to view their tasks through a lens of prayer and faith, transforming their professional work into a testimony of faith.

The event served not only as a platform for exchanging experiences among social communication activists but also as an opportunity to renew awareness that church communication transcends technology. With the rise of human creativity and artificial intelligence, participants were reminded of the increasing challenge of ensuring that both technology and creativity reflect God's presence in human life.

Overall, the meeting aimed to inspire social communicators to embrace their experiences and to reflect on them, transforming each into meaningful work that presents Christ and brings hope to more people.