By Gigi Duncan
Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Jul 21, 2024 / 06:00 am
As part of its ongoing effort to help form the next generation of faithful Catholic journalists, EWTN News last month held its third annual Summer Academy in Rome.
Some 40 journalists from more than 20 countries participated in the training, which is designed “to deepen their skills and knowledge in religious media, journalism, cinematography, and storytelling” while also strengthening their “faith and understanding of the Church’s mission in the world.”
“It’s been such a blessing meeting Catholics from all over the world who also love the faith, love the Lord, and are passionate about journalism,” U.S. participant Thomas Phippen said during a segment about the experience on the award-winning EWTN News program “Vaticano.”
Addressing Vatican journalists earlier this year, Pope Francis encouraged members of this profession to continue reporting in a manner that “knows how to combine information with reflection, speaking with listening, discernment with love.”
The Holy Father also stressed the importance of “not sugarcoating tensions, but at the same time not creating unnecessary noise.”
According to EWTN News Vatican Bureau Chief Andreas Thonhauser, this summer’s program focused heavily on digital forms of communication, recognizing the “growing importance of fast-moving images” as well as “decreasing attention spans.”
“The academy not only provided practical courses on filming, video editing, and social media distribution but also on theological knowledge and apologetics,” Thonhauser added.
The impact of the EWTN Summer Academy does not end with the training, as alumni are invited to remain connected through regular meetings and continuing education.
The next edition of the Summer Academy is scheduled for July 2025.
