The Sisters of Mary Immaculate (SMI) Congregation has organised a one-day workshop for 21 young Sisters under Temporary Vows on August 6, 2024 at the Mother House at Daffiama in the Wa Diocese of Ghana’s the Upper West Region with a call on the Sisters to attach importance to ongoing formation.
The workshop was a precursor to their annual retreat on the theme: “The Challenges of Young Religious in the use of Modern Technology and finding a way forward.”
The Superior General of the SMI, Sr. Christiana Pogbeyir admonished the Sisters to attach seriousness to the workshop and retreat and also prioritize their spiritual calling and duties with commitment and exercising the sense of focus.
She urged them to attend and actively participate in programmes designed for their growth and development through on-going formation programs, cultivate good spiritual, physical, and moral growth in their personal development.
The Superior General advised the young Sisters to always seek guidance from experienced spiritual directors/directresses to navigate their journey.
The workshop was facilitated by Srs. Justina Dery and Juliana Atuuna from the SMI congregation, who shared responsibilities and took turns to make presentations on the topic.
Their facilitation created a comprehensive and engaging workshop that addressed the challenges and opportunities of technology use by young religious.
In her presentation, Sr. Atuuna touched technology, types of technology, media and their usage, the benefits and dangers.
She explored the various meanings and classifications of technology, and highlighted the benefits of social media which include connectivity and community building, access to information and resources, opportunities for evangelization and outreach and personal and professional development.
Stressing on the dangers of social media, Sr. Atuuna also addressed the potential risks and challenges associated with social media, such as addiction and distraction, cyberbullying and online harassment, privacy concerns and data security, misinformation and disinformation, impact on mental health and well-being.
On her part, Sr. Dery, delved more on the challenges confronting religious in the use of media linking the vision and mission of the Congregation and the blend between community living and the use of social media.
Two of the participants who just returned from Rome after a four year studies to prepare for their final vows and three Sisters who also attended a three months continuous formation programme at Cape Coast shared their experiences with the group.
Sr. Juliana A. Atuuna SMI, (Sr. Communicator)
