DXGN and Catholic Herald, proclaimers of the Word

“It would be shameful if by their inactivity Catholics allowed the word of God to be silenced or obstructed by the technical difficulties which these media present and by their admittedly enormous cost” (Inter Mirifica 17).

Financial accountability, professional management, support of the faithful, technical know-how, substantial content and attractive program — all of these considered contribute to the rise and fall of the media apostolate of the Archdiocese of Davao.

For more than sixty years now, the Davao Catholic Herald, Asia’s longest-running Catholic newspaper continues to publish the way of life of the worshipping, teaching and serving people of God. Through the weekly publication of events, reflections and stand of the Church in relevant issues, DCHerald tries her best to strengthen the participation and communion of the faithful in their respective parishes.

Davao Catholic Herald is now the Metropolitan newspaper of the Davao, Digos, Tagum, and Mati (DaDiTaMa) ecclesiastical province. It has also reached the whole world through its website, the davaocatholicherald.com, its application iHerald and other social media.

After a year now since DXGN 89.9 Spirit FM Davao, our very own Catholic radio station was launched, the daily Mass, hourly news and reflections, music and programs that touch the soul, have been made available for our listeners and followers. As a member of the 55 stations of the Catholic Media Network all over the country, listeners and viewers have benefited from its programs through the use of social media and Facebook live coverage.

The clergy and the lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Davao are also given the chance to partake of this mission of evangelization by giving them slots in the program. The different pastoral agencies and the members of the Archdiocesan Council for the Lay Apostolate and Integrated Movements in the Archdiocese all work together to take turns in sitting down as anchors and resource people on air. Through the continuing education and formation of our faithful in the parishes, especially of Vatican II’s Inter Mirifica, our parishioners are made aware of the importance of the use of the media of social communications.

After a number of closures in the past due to our limitations, the clergy and the laity are aware of our lessons to ponder. During the dinner-for-a-cause in October 2015 in preparation for the launching of DXGN, we recall Archbishop Romulo G. Valles, D.D., Archbishop of Davao saying, “your faith taught me how to believe.”

This time, let us not allow the word of God to be silenced due to our lack of support in this noble cause of using these media of social communications for the Word to spread. In the midst of some difficulties brought about by the operations of the media apostolate, let everyone partake of the load. Let us act together for the Word of God to be heard and listened to. It is a privilege to herald the Good News.