Catholic News goes online

At the launch of the redesigned Catholic News website and digitisation of the paper’s 125-yearold archives on Tuesday, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Port of Spain Joseph Harris said the initiative was not only a giant step for the Church, but the nation.

The launch took place at the Apostle Nunciature of the Holy See, Mary Street, Port of Spain.

“It is extremely important for us, both as a church and as a nation to preserve our history in digital form. While I was a parish priest in St Ann’s and before that in Arouca one of the things which I notice was how our records were being lost because of the climate and a whole host of other reasons.” “Now, we have the possibility and the certainty of preserving all of our records for future generations.

Our Catholic News has become truly the best weekly we have in Trinidad and Tobago. It is important therefore that we preserve for future generations the thought of the Catholic Church over the many burning issues that we have here in our land.” He thanked the Nuncio Nicola Girasoli to Rome, the Catholic News, and to all who made the event possible. Meanwhile, Catholic Media Services Limited (Camsel) Digital Media Manager Tracy Lewis said both Catholics and non Catholics have mediums to share the good news in new ways, while preserving records at the same time.

Lewis said the infinite connectivity of the web allows on-demand, around the clock access to content anywhere, anytime, on any digital device. “The world is now in our pockets. The Catholic News digital archives catalogue of spiritual, cultural, societal, and political reference and will serve as a window to the past and present for generation to come.

There is much to celebrate on this milestone moment, as the complete 125-year-old archive of the Catholic News becomes digitally available to a global audience.” Prior to the advent of the printing press, Lewis said early biblical manuscripts were rendered on papyrus, via hand-written print and community’s that were not yet literate would gather to listen to oral teachings on scripture.

She said the Catholic News has responded to these changes in its vision to evangelize, educate and share the Gospel. “The Catholic News digital archive is a rich historical repository and invaluable resource. Camsel and its digital team take much pride in utilising and embracing new powerful digital technologies to fulfil and advance our mission.” She continued, “We take our responsibility in leading the Antilles Episcopal Conference across the online mission field seriously as we seek to engender community, connection and conversation as we share God’s word.” She said the digital team at Camsel are very proud to be a part of the milestone achievement and thanked all contributors for their collaboration, in particular the Papal Foundation and Dr Kwynn Johnson for her tireless efforts.

After the launch, nine1892 Catholic News Limited Edition Mastheads were presented to Archbishop Joseph Harris, Nuncio Nicola Girasoli, June Johnston, Owen Baptiste, Andrew Pitman, Holy Ghost Fathers, National Archives of TT, Cuthbert Alexander, and Dr Kwynn Johnson.