In an upcoming captivating event that is set to unfold from January 24 to 26, 2024, the 27th St. Francis de Sales International Congress will take center stage in the town of Lourdes. Partnering proudly with this significant gathering will be SIGNIS, the World Catholic Association for Communication, reinforcing its commitment to fostering dialogue and understanding through media.
The Congress, set to be launched with a press conference in Rome on December 5, 2023, will reveal its theme as “Times of Upheaval.” Attendees will have the privilege of hearing from Roseline Hamel, sister of priest Jacques Hamel who was tragically victimized in a 2016 terrorist attack in Saint-Étienne-du-Rouvray. Her presence will resonate with the spirit of the Père Jacques Hamel Prize, created by the Federation of Catholic Media to honor journalistic efforts promoting peace and interreligious dialogue.
Media and communication professionals from around the globe will convene to deliberate on the profound changes sweeping our world. The discussions will encompass the resurgence of conflict in Europe, the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence, and the synod on synodality initiated by Pope Francis. The Congress, a melting pot of ideas and perspectives, will provide a platform for professionals to delve into the challenges of our time.
A notable highlight will be the presence of Mgr Celestino Migliore, the Apostolic Nuncio in France, who will serve as a distinguished witness. Mgr Migliore will not only deliver a compelling presentation but will also engage with participants, answering their questions.
The pinnacle of the event will be the presentation of the 7th Père Jacques Hamel Prize, a poignant reminder of the shared commitment of media professionals towards fostering peace and understanding. The Père Jacques Hamel Prize is a competition open to all producers of an original work: may they be professional journalists or press correspondents. The participating entries must have been first published or broadcast in a media outlet between February 1, 2023, and November 30, 2023. This applies to all journalistic media, whether print, radio, television or the Internet.
Indeed, SIGNIS’ collaboration with the event underscores the organization’s dedication to promoting values of peace, dialogue, and ethical communication. This partnership mirrors the shared vision of both SIGNIS and the Federation of Catholic Media, emphasizing the pivotal role media plays in addressing the complexities of our era.