SIGNIS Asia 2025 Assembly Opens in Manila: “Whispers of Hope” for a world in need of peace

The annual assembly of SIGNIS Asia, the continental conference of Catholic communication professionals, opened on October 21, 2025, with a solemn Eucharistic celebration at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception in Manila. The event marked the formal beginning of this year’s gathering centered on the theme “Whispers of Hope: Communicating Peace, Building Futures.”

The opening Mass was presided over by Fr. Carmelo Jek Arada, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of Manila, who, in his homily, reflected deeply on the assembly’s theme, calling communicators to be “faithful stewards of hope” in an age often marked by noise, division, and misinformation.

“God is the source of hope, and hope never disappoints,” Fr. Arada reminded the delegates. “In a world where communication can be loud and divisive, we are invited to be whisperers of hope, to communicate peace, build bridges of understanding, and foster community.”

He encouraged participants to see themselves as bearers of hope and peace, especially in an era shaped by artificial intelligence and digital media. “We have the privilege of using our platforms to spread empathy and concern for others,” he said. “Let us whisper words of encouragement and friendship, not anger, always reflecting Christ’s love and faithfulness.”

Fr. Arada also drew inspiration from the life of San Pedro Calungsod, the young Filipino lay catechist and martyr whose feast was observed that day. “Pedro Calungsod’s life is a whisper of hope,” he said. “His faithfulness and courage remind us that young people, too, can communicate the Gospel with gentleness and love.”

A Celebration of Faith, Diversity, and Fellowship

Around 70 delegates attended the opening celebration, representing countries across Asia, including India, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Timor-Leste, South Korea, Cambodia, and the Philippines. Among them were over 25 priests, religious sisters, and lay media professionals committed to advancing Catholic communication and collaboration across the region.

At the conclusion of the Mass, delegates from Cambodia and Timor-Leste presented tokens of appreciation to Fr. Arada, while Fr. Stanley, SIGNIS Asia President from India, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Chancellor for presiding over the Mass and officially inaugurating the assembly.

The day concluded with a fellowship dinner at the Arzobispado de Manila, where delegates shared stories, laughter, and hopes for the days ahead. The gathering was described as joyful and familial, a fitting start to an event dedicated to fostering peace through communication.

Communicating Peace, Building Futures

The SIGNIS Asia Assembly 2025 reflects the Church’s ongoing commitment to harnessing communication as a transformative force for peace and social development. Drawing inspiration from the Jubilee of Hope and Pope Francis’ message to “Share with Gentleness the Hope That Is in Your Heart,” the assembly invites communicators to build bridges of reconciliation and justice across Asia.

Its four main pillars, Communication as a Bridge for Peace, Gentleness as a Catalyst for Change, Media for Social Development, and Hope in Action, frame the discussions and workshops that will unfold over the coming days.

The event’s logo, a dove forming a heart with its wings, symbolizes peace, love, and the transformative power of communication. Its gentle tones and flowing design embody the assembly’s invitation to share hope not with noise, but with compassion and authenticity.

As the assembly unfolds, the message of hope and gentleness remains central.