Diocesan Basic Writing and Photography Workshop

Group photo of participants and facilitators with Bishop Julius

Sandakan : A workshop on basic writing and photography was held for the first time organised by the Diocese of Sandakan on the 7-8 November. The theme chosen is "The Missionary You". Terrence Ngui, the chairperson of SOCCOM ( Social Communication Commission ) welcomed the 40 participants from the different parishes - Sandakan, Lahad Datu and Telupid.

Bishop Julius in his opening speech

In his opening speech, his Lordship Bishop Julius Dusin Gitom commended the committee for initiating such a beneficial program in the diocese. " This is something basic to begin with. The nature of the Church is to evangelize thus communication is very important". He also encouraged the participants to take the opportunity to learn as much as they could during the workshop.

Lawrence John presenting SOCCOM materials to Bishop Julius

Two invited speakers, Lawrence John from Cahayasuara Communication Centre, Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur and Karen Arukesamy of Sun Daily News conducted the workshop. Lawrence took the opportunity to hand over some related documents concerning social communication to His Lordship Bishop Julius which may be helpful to the newly set up Social Communication Commission of the Diocese of Sandakan.

The attentive participants

One of the participants Keralus of St Dominic's Parish of Lahad Datu shared that he is fortunate to participate in the workshop and hoped the workshop will be an ongoing activity of the diocese.

Contributed by Susanna Cordova
Photographs by Bell