How can people remain truly human in a world increasingly shaped by technology, isolation, and polarization?” “This single, compelling question sparked a global conversation recently, drawing more than 700 participants to an online encounter dedicated to Pope Leo XIV’s Magnifica Humanitas. What began as a webinar quickly transformed into a powerful call to action for human dignity.
By Sr. Gina Lontoc, O.P., PhD
The online encounter “Magnifica Humanitas: Rediscovering the Beauty of Our Shared Humanity” drew more than 700 registered participants from various parts of the world which brought together people of different ages and backgrounds for an evening of prayer, reflection, and dialogue. The gathering focused on a timely and compelling question: “How can people remain truly human in a world increasingly shaped by technology, isolation, polarization, and rapid social change?”
The program began with a prayer led by Sr. Ana Eriselda Antonio Giron, O.P., who invited participants to enter the gathering with openness and gratitude. This was followed by the welcome remarks of Sr. Ruby Clare Jose, O.P., Local Prioress of Malibay Community. Sr. Gina Lontoc, O.P.,PhD, who served as moderator, gave an overview of the evening’s program and the flow of the online encounter.
The main session, “Understanding Magnifica Humanitas in Our Contemporary World,” was delivered by Rev. Fr. Kasmir Nema, SVD, MTS, MA, PhD, General Coordinator for Communications of the Society of the Divine Word Generalate in Rome. He was introduced by Sr. Mauricia Burke, O.P. who shared his background in theology, pastoral communication, development communication, journalism, and missionary service.
In his presentation, Fr. Kasmir invited participants to reflect on how technology is changing the way people communicate, relate to one another, and understand themselves. Technology has made many things easier and has allowed people from different parts of the world to connect. Yet it can also contribute to loneliness, distance, and division when it is not guided by ethical responsibility and concern for the common good. The real challenge, he explained, is to make technology serve the human person and help people flourish, rather than allowing it to weaken relationships or diminish human dignity.
The reflections of the three members of the panel of reactors brought the discussion closer to everyday life. Sr. Deepa Moonjely, O.P., who is currently serving in the Congregation’s mission in Indonesia, reflected on human dignity, communion, and compassionate presence from the perspective of mission and ministry. She reminded the participants that true formation is always rooted in relationships. Technology may support communication, but it can never replace human wisdom, compassion, listening, and genuine accompaniment.
Mr. Argie Ferrer, LPT, MBA, Coordinator for Religious Affairs at the University of Perpetual Help, spoke about the importance of education, ethical responsibility, authenticity, and the common good. He emphasized that education should do more than prepare people for work or academic success. It should form persons who can make responsible choices, relate to others with compassion, and contribute to communities where every person is respected.
Speaking from the perspective of a young person, Mr. Adonis Evan Basa, Jr., Charter President of the Rotaract Club of San Juan and Former National Socius of the Dominican Network Youth Group of the Philippines, highlighted the role of the youth in leadership, service, and community involvement. He left the challenge to remain human in the midst of isolation, polarization, and other modern-day pressures. He also encouraged participants to use technology in ways that build inclusion, foster justice and equality, and help people grow as human beings.
The open forum gave participants the opportunity to share comments and questions about human dignity, communication, mission, and the responsible use of technology. They were later invited to make a simple personal commitment by answering the question: “What is one way I can embody Magnifica Humanitas this week?” The activity encouraged them to move from reflection to action through simple choices such as listening more patiently, speaking with kindness, reaching out to someone who feels alone, using social media responsibly, and treating every person with respect.
In her closing remarks, Sr. Anula Irvin Suguna, O.P., Ph.D.,one of the General Councilors of the Dominican Sisters of the Presentation who is currently based in Rome, brought together the main insights of the evening. She reminded the participants that the message of Magnifica Humanitas should not remain only in discussion but must be seen in the way people live, serve, communicate, and relate to one another. Her words challenged everyone to become more conscious of how technology is used and to make sure that it strengthens rather than weakens human relationships.
The webinar ended with the Prayer for Humanity, read aloud together by all participants. The prayer gathered the hopes, concerns, and commitments shared during the evening and entrusted the needs of the world to God. The simple, yet meaningful conclusion, reminded everyone that the call to uphold human dignity continues in the way we speak, listen, serve, and care for one another.
This online encounter was an initiative of the Philippine Mission of the Dominican Sisters of Charity of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin which resonates the Congregation’s commitment to promoting human dignity, dialogue, and compassionate service in today’s world.
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