LEGION OF MARY EMBRACES DIGITAL EVANGELIZATION THROUGH ICT WORKSHOP IN AWKA

By Nonye Muo

In a move to strengthen evangelization in the digital age, the Legion of Mary, Immaculate Conception Regia, Awka, has organized a one-day Information and Communication Technology (ICT) workshop to equip its members with modern digital skills for apostolic work.

The workshop, themed “Do Whatever He Tells You,” focused on “Leveraging Information and Communication Technology in the Marian Apostolate” , attracting Legionaries from various Comitia, Curiae and Presidia across the Regia.

Speaking at the opening session, the Regia President, Bro. Felix Okeke, underscored the importance of embracing technology as a tool for evangelization. According to him, the digital era presents vast opportunities for spreading the Gospel, strengthening faith communities and extending the Church’s reach beyond traditional boundaries.

“The world is increasingly connected through technology and as evangelizers, we must be ready to meet people where they are,” he said, encouraging members to make effective use of digital platforms in advancing the mission of the Church.

The first presentation, titled “Social Media Content Creation and Distribution at the Service of Mary, Queen of Evangelization,” was delivered by Bro. Obinna Onwuka, highlighting the growing influence of social media as a powerful channel for communication, community engagement and faith formation.

Bro. Onwuka encouraged participants to develop inspiring, faith-based content capable of touching lives, strengthening devotion and drawing more people closer to God through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Participants also gained valuable insights into the rapidly evolving world of Artificial Intelligence (AI) through a lecture delivered by Mrs. Ngozi Jacinta Ibedu on “Making Work and Life Easier Using Artificial Intelligence.”

She explained the concept of AI, its practical applications and its increasing role in everyday life, noting that the technology is transforming how people work, communicate, analyze information and make decisions. While highlighting its numerous benefits, she urged participants to adopt AI responsibly and ethically, ensuring that technological advancement remains aligned with Christian values and respect for human dignity.

A special highlight of the programme was a testimony session led by Bro. Pauly Onyeka, the immediate past Anambra State Commissioner for Housing, sharing personal experiences of the intercession and maternal care of the Blessed Virgin Mary, inspiring participants and reaffirmed the enduring relevance of Marian devotion in contemporary society.

In his closing remarks, the Chairman of the Workshop and Training Committee, Bro. Athanasius Ibedu, thanked the Legionaries who travelled from different parts of the Regia to attend the programme, expressing appreciation to the resource persons for their enlightening presentations and commitment to the spiritual and intellectual growth of members.

The Regia Secretary, Sister Geraldine Nzeribe, described the workshop as both timely and impactful, noting that it had equipped participants with practical skills needed for effective evangelization in an increasingly technology-driven world.

Organizers described the workshop as a significant step toward a digital reawakening within the Legion of Mary, expressing confidence that the knowledge gained would enhance media evangelization efforts and support the organization’s mission of spreading the Gospel while fostering deeper devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.