Who's who at Australia's premier mission conference: Bishop Paul Tighe
One of the Vatican's most senior culture and communication officials to speak at mission conference in Sydney from May 13-15.
Who said there is only one way to spread the message of the gospel?
One of the Vatican’s senior spokespeople on culture and communication, Bishop Paul Tighe, will highlight the central role of technology in spreading the gospel and messages of mission at a conference in Sydney in May.
The Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Culture will deliver a keynote address on Day 1 of the Mission: one heart many voices conference at the SMC Conference and Function Centre from May 13-15.
Bishop Tighe will speak about creating culture and communication for mission, an area in which he has specialised for over a decade.
In his previous role as Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, Bishop Tighe oversaw the launch of some social media initiatives of the Holy See, including the Pope’s Twitter account, @Pontifex, which now has 17 million followers.
Since that time, Bishop Tighe has represented an important medium between the Church and the public.
Bishop Tighe says social media today is of central importance because it represents a conversational tool in a constantly connected world.
‘The Church has to realise that social media is the major way to be present in the modern world, to engage the new generations and enter their consciousness,’ he said.
He believes Pope Francis’ presence on social media is a perfect example of a new openness of the Church towards modern ways of communicating the Gospel.
‘The authenticity that comes naturally across is what makes the difference [when] engaging with the public,’ affirms Bishop Tighe, who was also head of the Vatican’s media committee.
Bishop Paul Tighe oversaw the creation in 2012 of the @Pontifex Twitter account, which now boasts 17 million followers. (Photo: supplied)
Peter Gates, the Deputy National Director of Catholic Mission, says Bishop Tighe’s insight will be among many highlights of the conference.
‘The conference will be not only an occasion for practical learning but also an exciting moment of connection and inspiration,’ he said. ‘Participants can expect three days filled with wonderful surprises.
‘I invite anyone with a heart for living and leading mission to register now,' Mr Gates said. 'As well, this conference is a timely opportunity of personal and professional growth and preparation for the Extraordinary Missionary Month Pope Francis has called for later this year in October.’
