Archbishop Thibault Media Awards

(An excerpt of the Most Reverend Romulo G. Valles D.D. During on opening remarks in the Archbishop Thibault Media Awards, Ateneo De Davao University, Jacinto, Davao City, May 31, 2025.)

Good afternoon everyone!

It’s really a joy for me to be with all of you today as we celebrate this very special event -the Archbishop Thibault Media Awards.

First of all, let me say thank you – thank you for being here, and thank you for all the work you do in the service of truth, faith, and hope through media. These awards are our small way of recognizing your big contribution in proclaimıng the Gospel in our world today – through your voices, your writings, your videos, your creativity, and your faithfulness.

We named these awards after Archbishop Clovis Thibault, PME – French-Canadian Missionary, our first Archbishop here in Davao, because he was a missionary who really believed in the power of communication. He was a man who connected with people, who listened, who shared the Good News with clarity and heart. In fact, we recall that the then Diocese of Davao had its first media center with his name – the BTMC – the Bishop Thibault Media Center. My friends, this is what you`re doing also today – sharing Christ, through the tools and talents God has given you.

To all our awardees: congratulations and thank you. You’ve inspired others. You’ve shared light where there is darkness. You’ve helped our Church speak to people in meaningful ways. And I hope you feel affirmed in your mission.

But more than just a ceremony of recognition, I hope today is also a celebration of what we can do together. Because the work of evangelization is not one person’s job-it’s all of ours. Notable in our media apostolate here in Davao is that we involve many people in our many Gagmayng Kristohanong Katilingban. In our GKKS, We have many SocCom practitioners. The media apostolate, especially these days, is truly a mission field where we, together, can touch many lives. It is indeed a synodal apostolate.

So let us continue working hand in hand. Let us be brave, creative, and faithful in using media to build communion, share truth, and proclaim the love of Christ.

Once again, congratulations to all of you, and may the Lord continue to bless your mission.

Daghang salamat, ug padayon sa pag-alagad alang sa Ginoo!