Daughters of St Paul celebrate 109 years with a digital twist

By Sr Roselyne Wambani Wafula

The Daughters of St Paul, a congregation well-known for spreading the Gospel message through media, marked their 109th anniversary with a celebration that echoed a powerful message: the Church must embrace, not fear, the digital age.

The highlight of the event was the introduction of "scrollytelling," a new interactive format that promises to transform how audiences engage with stories. This innovative approach seamlessly blends text, images, videos, and audio, creating a dynamic and immersive experience perfectly suited for the modern audience with its short - attention span.

A call to embrace the new

The keynote address by Dr Paolo Ruffini, Prefect for the Dicastery for Communication, set the tone for the celebration. He stressed the crucial role of the Church in actively shaping the digital landscape, moving beyond simply being users of technology. "The digital age presents a unique opportunity, not just to 'use' communication tools, but to truly live the Gospel in a digital culture," he emphasized, echoing Pope Francis' own call. He reminisced fondly about his childhood visits to the Daughters' bookshop in Palermo, underlining the critical role they played in fostering his love for reading, learning and faith formation.

A bridge between past and future

The Prefect's words echoed deeply with the Daughters, whose story itself began with oral tradition the memory of their foundress, Mother Tecla Merlo, passed down through generations. This powerful image of "mothers who hold things together" served as a reminder of the importance of building bridges and fostering unity. The Prefect acknowledged the Daughters' invaluable contribution in bridging the gap between the timeless message of the Gospel and the ever-evolving world of communication.

The Church becoming guides in the digital age

The Prefect urged the Church to move beyond simply "using" technology and instead, actively shape it for the common good. He highlighted the crucial role of collaboration and community among communication teams worldwide. "Look for a different way of communicating," he invited. "The digital age calls for a different way of doing formation, of offering ourselves as instruments of communication." Their Superior General, Sr Anna Caiazza, witnessed the ‘scrollytelling’ presentation along with other esteemed guests.

Sharing the experience of faith

Dr Ruffini's message resounded with a call to action. He urged the Daughters, and by extension the entire Church, to embrace a more dynamic and collaborative approach to communication. He emphasized humility and collaboration, advising them to utilize their strengths while acknowledging their limitations and God's ultimate power.

The celebration of the Daughters' 109th anniversary testifies to this very spirit. Revisiting the story of their foundress, Mother Tecla, in a modern format like "scrollytelling" highlighted the importance of preserving traditions while adapting to the present. The emphasis on Tecla's role as a "mother" underscored the values of unity, listening, and healing which ought to be embraced by all.

The keys to success

The Daughters of St. Paul's story is one that continues to unfold, fueled by innovation, guided by faith, and propelled by their stable spirit. With a renewed focus on digital storytelling and a commitment to collaboration, the Church is disposed to bridge the gap between tradition and technology, ensuring the Gospel message continues to spread for generations to come. The event concluded with a performance by the St Peter's Choir, celebrating their own 40th anniversary. It was a beautiful witness to the lasting power of both tradition and innovation in keeping the spirit alive.