Kigali, Rwanda, August 6, 2026 – The Local Ordinary of the Diocese of Buea and President of the Episcopal Commission for Social Communications of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon, His Lordship Michael Miabesue Bibi, has challenged Catholic communicators to become authentic witnesses of Christ by allowing their communication to transform lives and foster communion in a world increasingly marked by division and misinformation.
Bishop Bibi made the call while presiding over the Holy Mass for the Feast of the Transfiguration of the Lord at Chapelle Saint Paul in Kigali, Rwanda, as participants at the 2026 SIGNIS World Congress gathered to celebrate the Eucharist before continuing with the fourth day of the international congress under the theme, “Digital Communication for Cultural Harmony and Environmental Wellbeing.”
Reflecting on the Gospel account of the Transfiguration, Bishop Bibi reminded communicators that authentic communication begins not with speaking but with listening.
“Authentic communication begins not with speaking, but with listening—listening to God, listening to one another, and listening to the cries of humanity,” he said.
The prelate observed that despite unprecedented technological advances, humanity continues to grapple with profound communication challenges.
Priests during Mass celebrated by Bishop Bibi this Thursday August 6th 2026
“Today, our world is more connected than ever before, yet many people experience loneliness, misunderstanding, polarization, hatred, misinformation, and manipulation. Technology has made communication faster, but not always wiser; broader, but not always deeper,” Bishop Bibi noted.
Addressing Catholic media professionals, and communication experts from around the world, he urged them to make every form of communication an experience of transfiguration by reflecting the light and truth of Christ.
“As Catholic communicators, we are called to ensure that our communication becomes an experience of transfiguration. Our words, images, videos, broadcasts, and digital platforms should reveal Christ rather than ourselves. They should illuminate truth instead of spreading confusion. They should inspire hope instead of fear, build communion instead of division, and restore human dignity instead of diminishing it.”
Some SIGNIS participants during Mass
Drawing further lessons from the mystery of the Transfiguration, Bishop Bibi explained that the event reveals the mystery of the Holy Trinity, demonstrates the unity between the Old and New Testaments, and reminds Christians that suffering remains an integral part of the Christian journey.
He encouraged participants to cultivate a deep spiritual life by listening attentively to God and seeking His wisdom in prayer so that their proclamation of the Gospel may be authentic, credible, and transformative
