Samoa’s Catholic Church Acknowledges Role of Media

Media practitioners have been the focus of celebrations and prayer masses this month in the Catholic Church of Samoa.

Father Ponifasio Ulugia says the media is one of the most undermined careers in the world and most people lack the understanding of the media practitioners’ importance and their pivotal roles in society each day.

“So how can we not emphasize your roles in society, the only reason the country would even hear about what I’m saying is because of the media. If its important news, who wouldn’t place an importance on the media?” said Fr Ulugia.

“The Catholic Church put emphasis this month on the media because this is one of the many ways that Samoa is communicating and is able to exercise their rights through voicing opinions,” said Fr Ulugia.

“Not only that but the media in Samoa has played an enormous role in giving out the message that the church has been preaching and it doesn’t matter which church that is, the media is making communications and connections much easier,” he said.

The celebrations started with an opening mass on September 5 and closed this week, ending the month long celebrations.

The initiative is led by Samoan Catholic Archbishop Alapati Lui Mataeliga.

“Your work isn’t easy, you’re always under scrutiny and criticism, but you make a big difference,” added Fr Ulugia.

He credits the media as being the only occupation where they can affect almost all parts of society, whether it’s in education, employment, agriculture, health and even the church.

     

Author: 
Joshua Lafoai