Pope Francis confers Knighthood on Malaysian for commitment to social communication

By SIGNIS

BANGKOK — The Holy Father has conferred the title Knight of the Pontifical Equestrian Order of St Sylvester, Pope and Martyr (one of the five Orders of Knighthood awarded directly by the Pope), on Lawrence John Sinniah from Malaysia, for his contributions to social communication. The title was bestowed through the Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, Dr Paolo Ruffini, in Bangkok on 26 Nov. 2023.

Lawrence John was Vice-President of SIGNIS World from 2014 to 2022, and a former President of SIGNIS Asia. He was director of the archdiocesan social communications office (Cahayasuara Communications Centre) from 2001 to 2013.

Surprised and touched to be knighted, Lawrence said, “I am deeply honoured to receive this title from Pope Francis. I would like to share this recognition with my fellow social communicators, especially our young leaders, who promote unity and development through communications and media”.

He acknowledged the contributions of his predecessors in the international Catholic communications fraternity. “In a special way, I thank my predecessors in SIGNIS for nurturing me in communications through their friendship and guidance. In particular, I want to pay tribute to Sir Augy Loorthusamy, who introduced me to the ‘hidden treasures’ of Catholic social teaching, and social communications documents, more than 40 years ago.

Lawrence also recognised the empowering role of the former archbishop of KL. “To the late Cardinal Soter Fernandez, I express my deep gratitude for having faith in me and entrusting me with the responsibility and leadership of social communications in the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur in 2001.

The social communicator who has served the Church for more than 40 years recalled his mother’s nature and nurture. “Today, I want to specially honour and thank my mother, the late Pauline Joseph, for her love and dedication for sowing in me the seed of service to others.”

Commending Lawrence John (Eljay), SIGNIS President, Helen Osman, said, “Eljay’s commitment to our faith by using his gifts as a professional communicator has inspired me throughout our friendship. We are grateful for the Holy Father’s recognition of his contributions. Congratulations to Eljay for this tremendous honour”.

SIGNIS Secretary-General, Dr Peter Monthienvichienchai, who was present during the presentation, shared, “Eljay’s recognition is an inspiration to Catholic communicators around the world. His commitment and energy through his work with and outside SIGNIS embody what it means to live the Gospel through the ministry of communication. I hope that others will be energised by this recognition especially during these challenging times for Catholic media.”

Former SIGNIS secretary-general, Ricardo Yáñez, commented on the significance of the knighthood to SIGNIS. “This award is particularly meaningful when we reflect on the journey SIGNIS is engaging with the new generations for several decades. It gladdens my heart that the Holy Father has honoured Eljay by making him a knight. During the almost two decades I worked with him in SIGNIS, he made it his constant mission to empower young communicators to become leaders in the Church and in society. He thus embodies SIGNIS’ commitment to media for a culture of peace. Thank you, Eljay for being a faithful friend and inspiration to all of us, especially the next generation of Catholic communicators!”

Papal knights do not have specific obligations, but it is customary for them to be invited to participate in the major events of their diocese.

SIGNIS is the World Catholic Association for Communication, and is a network of communication and media professionals in over 100 countries. SIGNIS, formed in 2001 from its predecessor organisations which began in 1928, is officially recognised by the Vatican.