Two-Day Workshop on Social Media Literacy, Priestly Spirituality, and Ministry

The National Seminary of Our Lady of Lanka organized a two-day workshop on social media literacy, priestly spirituality, and ministry. This intensive workshop was designed to help seminarians and clergy understand, engage, and minister effectively in today’s digital culture. Through expert presentations, documentary reflection, interactive group activities, and pastoral discussions, participants explore the foundations of social media, its mechanisms, legal and ethical responsibilities, and its impact on priestly identity and ministry.

Special emphasis was placed on responsible online presence, pastoral communication, digital evangelization, and the path from digital addiction to healing, empowering future priests to be discerning, credible, and compassionate witnesses of Christ in the digital space by forming their minds, shaping their hearts, while becoming effective online minsters in the digital age.

Footprints of the First Day

The first day of the workshop was an inspiring journey into the heart of digital engagement and spiritual growth.

Objectives of the First Day Sessions:

     

      • To develop a deeper and critical understanding of social media, including its inner dynamisms, mechanisms, engagement techniques, and persuasive mechanisms.

      • To integrate social media responsibly and discerningly into a sound priestly spirituality, rooted in prayer, silence, freedom, and self-discipline.

    Sessions were guided by Mr. Thilina Karunanayake who offered insights into the fundamental principle of social media and practical strategies for navigating social media responsibly and effectively.

    Rev. Fr. Shanil Jayawardena, OMI enriched the day with profound reflections on spiritual life and ministry in the contemporary world. Participants explored how social media, when approached with discernment, can become a powerful instrument for evangelization while remaining anchored in authentic priestly identity.

    Footprints of the Second Day

    The second and final day of the workshop brought together priestly ministry, legal awareness, and pastoral healing in the context of today’s rapidly evolving digital world, offering participants both clarity and compassion for ministry in online spaces.

    The morning session was conducted by Ms. Shyamali Ranaraja, who presented an overview of the legal framework governing social media, with particular reference to Sri Lankan law and its application in pastoral settings. Through case studies and practical discussions, participants gained valuable awareness of responsibility, ethical conduct, and legal safeguards in digital ministry.

    In the afternoon, Mr. Roshan Perera addressed the theme of digital media and human relationships. His session examined challenges such as digital addiction and the phenomenon often described as “digital drugs,” while proposing constructive pathways toward healing, balance, and healthy digital engagement.

    Through thoughtful dialogue, practical activities, reflective moments, and interactive group exercises, the workshop encouraged participants to approach digital ministry with wisdom, integrity, empathy, and pastoral sensitivity.

    As the workshop concluded, it left meaningful footprints in both the digital and spiritual landscapes of its participants. Renewed in commitment and strengthened in discernment, they are now better prepared to carry forward the mission of Christ into the digital world—serving with responsibility, credibility, and love.