Day of Mass Media Apostolate (11/10/2026)
Two crows, perched on a wire fence, were eyeing a cornfield.
“I’m sure we could find a nice meal today,” the first crow said.
“Hold on!” said the second. “There is a man right in the middle of the field!”
“It’s only a scarecrow,” said the first. “He isn’t a real person.”
The first crow turned to look at him and asked, “What makes you so certain?”
The second croaked, “If he were a man, he would be looking at us with a mobile phone in his hand!”
It is a funny story; but there is some truth in it. The mobile phone has become such an important part of our lives that we cannot imagine living without it. From getting our daily news to watching videos, from communicating with others to sharing photos – we do almost everything on our phones.
From Newspapers to Smartphones
There was a time when the morning newspaper was the most popular source of news. It was followed by the radio which brought us music as well as news. Then came the television which added pictures to the mix.
Today, the world of Mass Media is much bigger. The internet, websites, magazines, podcasts, YouTube and social media have made communication quick and easy.
We are not only consumers of media; we are also active creators and producers. With just a few taps on a screen we can share an idea with hundreds – or even thousands – of people.
Mass Media can be used to connect with people. It can also be helpful in spreading important messages and information. It can make us aware of social issues and help us support a cause. It can educate as well as entertain. It can help us comfort and care for others. In fact, churches, schools and communities can use media to spread messages of hope, faith and service.
A thoughtful photograph, a word of encouragement or a note of hope can touch somebody’s life.
Mass Media also has its downside
The very same technology that can spread the truth can also be used to spread misinformation and propaganda. Just because a message has been shared hundreds of times does not make it true. A photograph can be cropped and doctored to show a different story. A video can misleadingly represent the facts. A headline can be sensationalised to get views.
Social media can also lower our self-esteem. The temptation is to constantly compare ourselves with others. We see the best and brightest moments of people’s lives – airbrushed and perfected – and forget that life is not always like that.
There is one more threat that is becoming increasingly common: online fraud and scams. We sometimes get messages saying that we have won a prize. Sometimes, someone pretends to be a bank calling to get our OTP. A stranger may send us a weblink asking us to buy something valuable. Sometimes, the scammer may threaten us with dire consequences. Other times they may tempt us to invest in a scheme promising unbelievable returns.
The solution to all these problems is a simple one –
Stop and think.
Never give out your OTP/PIN/phone-password to anyone.
Do not open suspicious links just because someone sent them to you.
If someone calls you or writes to you saying that they need your money, verify their claim before you respond.
If you are not sure, always contact the organization on their official telephone number or through their website.
Just a little bit of caution can keep us safe from a lot of trouble.
Our Responsibility
Being responsible with Mass Media does not mean stopping using it. It means being aware, conscious and careful about how we use it.
Before we share a message, forward an email or send a text, we can ask ourselves – Does this contain the truth? Is it worthwhile? Is it kind?
Before we comment on or share something about another person, we can ask ourselves – Would I say this if the person were standing right in front of me?
Before we click on a link or respond to a message, we can ask – Have I verified that it is genuine?
Our faith also teaches us that whatever we say or do has an impact. It can be positive or negative, but it will have consequences.
Today, our activity on social media can have an effect on our jobs, relationships and even our personal safety. Our actions as netizens should also reflect Christ.
Spreading the Good News
For the Church, Mass Media is more than a means of communication. It can also be a means of evangelization. This is where the Mass Media Apostolate finds its purpose: using the tools of communication to share the Good News, promote truth, bring people together and offer hope. In today’s digital world, this mission extends beyond the printed page and television screen to websites, videos and social media.
Let us use Mass Media to spread the truth, not misinformation; to educate, not deceive; to inspire, not discourage; to uplift, not abuse; to love, not to hate.
Our mobile phones can be more than just a pastime or a means of communication. They can be instruments of learning, service and evangelism. The choice, ultimately, is ours.
In this era of information, let us use Mass Media to spread faith, hope and compassion.
Neville Fernandes