FA MULAN Communication Campaign Preparation Programme
by Ms Gauravi Xavier, India
30th June 2024
Introduction
FA MULAN (Faith Awareness through Media involving yoUth towards the synodaL process in Asia’s New peripheries) is a communication campaign project spearheaded by SIGNIS. This initiative is dedicated to raising awareness and fostering active participation among Asian youth in the Synod of Synodality 2021-2024, which will culminate in October 2024. The campaign aims to encourage dialogue among the youth, the marginalized groups and individuals from diverse cultures and religions, enhancing their engagement in the Synod on Synodality and ensuring their voices are heard.
Preparation Programme Overview
The preparation programme for FA MULAN took place at the Federation of Asian Bishops Conference (FABC) Center in Bangkok, Thailand, from May 24-26, 2024. The programme brought together a core group of 14 participants from various Asian countries, including India, the Philippines, Malaysia, Nepal, Thailand, Indonesia, and Myanmar. The primary objective was to create awareness about the Synod among Asian youth and to develop a concrete plan to achieve this goal. Additionally, over 43 more participants are scheduled to join in the mission with the core group online from June.
Day 1: May 24, 2024
Participants from six Asian countries arrived at the venue on the eve of 24th May. Dr. Peter Rachada Monthienvichienchai, Secretary General of SIGNIS, along with coordinators Ms. Adeline James (Vice President, SIGNIS Asia), Tony Atkinson (programme consultant) and Fransiscus Borgia Edgar (programme lead) from Indonesia, organized a welcome dinner. This ice-breaking event fostered an immediate bond among the participants, allowing them to connect over a shared meal. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, setting the tone for the days ahead. As Scripture says, “They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts” (Acts 2:46), so did the breaking of bread together and sharing the time enriched the group. The evening ended with participants feeling nourished both physically and spiritually, and eager for the next day’s activities.
Day 2: May 25, 2024: The day commenced with a Holy Mass celebrated by H.E. Archbishop Peter Wells, Apostolic Nuncio to Thailand, at the Apostolic Nunciature, Bangkok Thailand. Following the Mass, participants gathered for tea and snacks, engaging in an animated discussion with the Nuncio. Each participant introduced themselves, sharing their work and backgrounds. Archbishop Wells expressed genuine interest in learning about their views and experiences related to the synodal process. He emphasized the importance of giving a voice to refugees, the marginalized, and the poor within the Church, highlighting that their faith, often strengthened by adversity, should serve as an inspiration. He resonated with the participants’ sentiments, reinforcing that “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). The session concluded with the Nuncio gifting each participant a blessed rosary and posing for a group photo, creating a sense of unity and purpose among the group.
Day 2, Session I: The first session of the day began with Dr. Peter Monthienvichienchal providing an overview of SIGNIS, explaining its mission, objectives, and the purpose of the preparation programme. Ms. Majo Centurion, VP of SIGNIS, delivered an e-welcome address, expressing gratitude for the participants’ dedication and encouraging them to continue their work in spreading awareness. Fr. William LaRousse then spoke about the synodal process and the crucial role of youth in the Synod of Synodality. This was followed by an interactive Q&A session, fostering deeper understanding and engagement.
Day 2, Session II: The skills exchange session allowed participants to showcase their talents and contributions to the Church. Each participant presented their skills, ranging from video creation and content development to social media engagement. This session highlighted the diverse talents within the group and how these skills could be harnessed to raise awareness about the Synod. The session concluded with a group photo and a hearty lunch at St. Louis Hospital Canteen.
Day 2, Campaign Planning: After lunch, participants were dived into campaign planning. They brainstormed hashtags to be used across social media platforms, selecting three final hashtags through a WhatsApp poll. The group also discussed and finalized key points of the synodal process relevant to Asia, choosing five topics for monthly engagement from June to October 2024. The session ended with a coffee break, followed by the distribution of participants into teams based on their countries to manage the online campaigns. The day concluded with a fellowship outing to Siam Square, where participants enjoyed dinner, further strengthened their bonds.
Day 3: May 26, 2024
The final day began with a brief recap of the previous day’s campaign planning. Participants revisited the five selected topics from the Synod for engagement and engaged in intense planning sessions. They discussed campaign timelines, promotion strategies, and desired outcomes in depth, drafting a tentative outline for the campaign. After a short break, the participants continued with detailed “on-paper” planning for the next five months. Accountability partners were assigned to ensure the smooth execution of the campaign, and plans for monitoring progress were established. The session concluded with a vote of thanks, distribution of certificates, and a hearty final lunch.
Conclusion
The FA MULAN preparation programme was a truly synodal experience, embodying the journey together as one body with Christ as its head. Participants felt “heard” and “seen” by the Church, and the platforms provided by the Church empowered them to amplify the voices of the voiceless youth. The program filled participants with enthusiasm and fervour to proclaim God’s love and journey together in this mission, inspired by the words, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them” (Matthew 18:20).
For further information on the FA MULAN Campaign, visit: https://www.signisasia.net/fa-mulan-campaign-2024/
#famulansignis #digihubfaith #wethevoice
