On 2nd June 2016, the media Apostolates of the Eparchy of Kalyan was constituted by His Excellency Mar Thomas Elavanal and appointed Fr. Franklin Joseph Pottananickal as the director. On 30th July 2016 Kalyan Media Cell (KMC), the official media Apostolate of the Eparchy, was inaugurated by releasing its logo and chose St. Alphonsa as the patron Saint.
The Kalyan Media Cell is striving to be the connecting link between the parishes of the Eparchy by providing the correct information about her activities. KMC functions with the aim of covering and promoting the spiritual and social activities of our Catholic Church, especially the Kalyan Diocese. It is an attempt to create an identity, increase the reputation and strengthen the visibility of the activities of the Diocese of Kalyan in the digital world. Its aim is to become the go-to news source for any and all information of and by our Diocese.
In Seven years time, we are proud to say that the KMC volunteer teams are formed in 14/14 Foranes of our diocese. The 148 actively collaborating volunteers (Media Reps-74, PRO: 74) update each event held in their parishes and Foranes, which helps the faithful of the Eparchy to be updated of the happenings. Today the KMC is continuing the Evangelic nature of the Apostles through the use of modern media. Seven years of being in service in spreading the message of Jesus and being a platform for Media Missionary Works, the KMC could receive 7000 organic likes in Facebook, near 10k followers in Instagram and near 1k followers in Twitter.
Activities of Kalyan Media Cell
Parish level: Each parish has its PRO who will update the activities of their Parish respectively and cover the event. These photos and videos are being uploaded in the Social Media Handles.
Forane level: Each Forane (Deanery) has a team. They generally cover the activities happening in each Forane (Deanery). Sometimes, they make their own productions too.
Diocesan level: Activities in diocese are given a grant media coverage by KMC and there are special production and media teams assigned with these works.
Kalyan Media Cell is very much active in its social media platforms, informing, educating the Catholic faithful with their media coverage activities. The Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages of Kalyan Media Cell named: Eparchy of Kalyan.
Catholic Focus: Catholic Focus in a unique initiative began in 2017, under the patronage of the Syro Malabar Eparchy of Kalyan, to transmit news from the Catholic Church in India across the digital world. The initiative:
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Daily updates on Social Media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc), so that every member of the Dioceses has information of all the happenings in the Diocese.
The Kalyan Media Cell (KMC) has actively engaged in various spiritual, cultural, and educational initiatives throughout the year, effectively covering significant events across the Diocese. Our daily programs included Minnaminni (Daily Bible Reflection), Daily Status Video with Bible verses, and Daily Saints. Additionally, we organized monthly events, such as Lenten Reflections by priests from the Eparchy of Kalyan (February & March), Reflection on Mother Mary by sisters (Ammayodoppam Yathra – May), Reflection on the Sacred Heart by seminarians (Thiruhyrdayathannalil – June), Extraordinary Vocation Stories by youth (Vocuthus – July), Faith-Related Questions answered by catechism teachers (Pistis – August & September), Reflections on the Mysteries of the Rosary by priests (October), November Notes explaining historical doubts (November), and Christmas Tidings by catechism students, including special status videos, posters, and a Christmas program showcasing the talents of our people (Glory to God – December).
Among our notable achievements, KMC released a devotional song dedicated to Manipur, participated in the National Short Film Festival conducted by Dharmaram Bangalore with the film UNSEEN, and conducted interviews with priests celebrating 25 years (BEATUS). We also introduced a new segment called Chosen to introduce newly ordained priests and launched a monthly news bulletin, KDN.
Additionally, KMC organized a reels competition for parishes in celebration of the 8th anniversary of KMC and conducted an online crib competition, Frame Your Parish Crib, for the Eparchy of Kalyan.
Throughout the year, KMC successfully covered key diocesan events, including Mahatheerthadanam (March 22, 2024), Pithruvedi Badminton Competition (May 1, 2024), Teachers’ Training Programmes (June & July – Mira Road, Powai, Panvel), Diocesan Patron’s Day (June 29), Mathrusangam Patron’s Day (July 7), Andheri Forane Freshers’ Day (July), Kairos Pithruvedi Cultural Competition (July 23), Board of Education Annual Meet (August), March for Life (August 10, Pune), Andheri Forane Day (August 27), Catechism Teachers’ Day (September 24, Kalyan), Jubilee Meet (October 22), Armonia Mathrusangam Competitions (November 5), Third Eparchial Assembly (November 14-16), March for Life (December), Kalyan Mathrusangam Annual Day (December 4), and Euphony Catechism Cultural Competition (December 8).
A key initiative of KMC was the launch of its YouTube channel, CatholicFocus, which featured engaging spiritual programs. One of the major highlights was Bishop’s Message, where His Excellency Bishop Mar Thomas Elavanal of Kalyan Diocese addressed the faithful on special occasions such as Christmas, Easter, and Ash Monday. KMC also created posters and videos for all important days, ensuring a strong digital presence to enhance faith-based engagement. These efforts KMC continues to play a vital role in fostering spiritual growth and community participation within the Diocese of Kalyan.
Looking back at these victorious spiritual journey of Kalyan Media Cell gives us the confidence and faith to look ahead and gaze upon the Cross of the risen Lord Jesus Christ, to fulfill the mission entrusted to us: Evangelize through Media. Here, KMC believes that to be a media missionary is not an option but a call!! A call from God! KMC is stepping forward each day believing that we would touch the hearts of thousands, to make them believe that it is HE who acts through us!
A good steward is one who uses the resources entrusted to them to promote an important goal. (Matthew 25:14-20) In these ways, Kalyan Media Cell is trying its level best to be a good steward that uses the resources entrusted to us, to promote an important goal, to be a media missionary. We thank the Almighty God for giving us a life and media. We recognize the support of the Eparchial authorities. We gratefully acknowledge the support of our benefactors, prayers of our well-wishers and backing of our parents and family in carrying out this great mission for the greater glory of God.
Fr Kiran Eluvathingal Director, Kalyan Media Cell
Fr Albin Koonammavu Asst. Director, KMC