"Despite the wide-ranging topics presented in this collection, this volume takes ‘communication’ as the keyword for the various research and reflections on the life and mission of the Catholic Church during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as post-crisis. The reader will readily recognize that what ... is referred to as ‘communication’ here is an extremely elastic and multi-dimensional category. Within the context of the Church, particularly as discussed in this book, communication refers to words and images that the Church transmits to the faithful and to the world to help the people cope with issues brought about by the crisis. This communication helps contextualize these dramatic events in sound theological principles which need to again and again be creatively restated and reaffirmed with every human happening, both big and small, that takes place. Second, communication also refers to pastoral and evangelizing actions carried out by the Church and its members to sustain the life of the Church amid the grave situation of imposed isolation, pastors and members of the flock succumbing to COVID-19, shuttered church doors, and unlit altar candles. Third, communication refers to the models and strategies by the Church and its leaders to employ technological means to promote ecclesial communion, nourish the faith life of the people, and to dialogue with individuals and groups to create a truly synodal Church. Finally, communication also refers to ways that the Church discerns and engages with the signs of the times in order to transform raw experiences into valuable lessons, human suffering into salvific grace, and pandemic isolation and division into greater post-pandemic interculturality, interdependence, and collaboration." (Introduction, page xx-xxi) more

"Bereits in jungen Jahren konnte sich John Mishen für die Medien begeistern und hörte sich gemeinsam mit seinen Großeltern die täglichen Radiosendungen von Radio Veritas Asia an, bis er als Se ... minarist dann selbst vor dem Mikrofon des großen katholischen Radiosenders in Asien stand. Als Dozent für soziale und pastorale Kommunikation schult er heute junge Menschen, bringt ihnen die kommunikationswissenschaftlichen Methoden bei. Im Interview berichtet er von seinem Werdegang und zeigt auf, warum die zwischenmenschliche Kommunikation als Geschenk Gottes zu verstehen ist." (Seite 24) more