Bridging Faith and Technology
By Ms.Teresia Muia
In a bold move to support the Church’s mission in the digital era, as emphasized in the document “Towards Full Presence: A Pastoral Reflection on Engagement with Social Media,” the Loyola Centre for Media and Communication (LCMC) is pioneering the integration of artificial intelligence and digital technology into prayer life, spirituality, and evangelization.
Pope Francis, in this document, highlights the significance of the Church’s presence in the digital world, advocating for a mission that embraces modern communication channels. Aligning with this vision, the LCMC recently facilitated a half-day training session for about 30 religious scholastics from the Society of Jesus, commonly known as the Jesuits.
During this training, the LCMC team introduced these young tech enthusiasts to a variety of artificial intelligence (AI) tools, demonstrating how these technologies can be leveraged to enrich their spiritual journeys. The session covered practical applications of AI in enhancing prayer practices, facilitating spiritual reflection, and supporting evangelization efforts in a digital age.
This initiative by the LCMC highlights the rapid pace of technological advancement and the pressing need for the Church to adapt to these changes. The session served as a reminder that digital evangelization is no longer a futuristic concept but a present necessity.
As the world continues to evolve, it becomes increasingly clear that the Church must embrace digital strategies to remain relevant and effectively reach out to the Gen Z demographic. This generation, often described as digital natives, interacts with the world through technology, and meeting them in this space is crucial for fostering a meaningful connection.
The efforts of the LCMC are a testament to the Church’s commitment to evolving with the times, ensuring that its mission of spreading faith and providing spiritual guidance remains impactful and accessible.
