(February 24, 2011) Sunil Lucas was elected president of Signis India, a Catholic
movement for professionals in the communication media, during its national assembly
in Kolkata earlier this month. Archbishop Lucas Sircar of Calcutta welcomed the news
as “the right direction for the Church in India.” Let more young lay men and women
take on responsibilities in the Church, he said. Lorens D’Silva, a SIGNIS official,
said Lucas is the first layman to head Signis India, an association recognized by
the Indian Catholic Bishops’ Conference. Lucas, 44, who is based in Kolkata, makes
documentary films for Church NGOs, associations and institutions. He began his career
as a photographer in 1984 and made his first documentary in 1989. His mission during
his three-year term as president would be “to involve the laity in taking responsibilities
in the Church” and “collaborate with the clergy in evangelization and to promote Christian
values,” he said. With 300 members, Signis India is the largest body in the Signis
family that includes members from 140 countries. As the “World Catholic Association
for Communication,” Signis brings together radio, television, cinema, video, media
education, Internet, and new technology professionals.