POPULARITY
6 episodes with world communications day
3 episodes with world communications day
2 episodes with world communications day
4 episodes with world communications day
2 episodes with world communications day
4 episodes with world communications day
2 episodes with world communications day
4 episodes with world communications day
2 episodes with world communications day
World Communications Day falls this year on Sunday, 1 June. The theme centres around the need to communicate responsibly to foster a culture of hope and peace. For this Catholic News podcast, we speak to our Media Bishop, the Rt Revd John Arnold, to discuss the final Communications Day message of Pope Francis's pontificate and […]
World Communications Day falls this year on Sunday, 1 June. The theme centres around the need to communicate responsibly to foster a culture of hope and peace. For this Catholic News podcast, we speak to our Media Bishop, the Rt Revd John Arnold, to discuss the final Communications Day message of Pope Francis's pontificate and […]
World Communications Day falls this year on Sunday, 1 June. The theme centres around the need to communicate responsibly to foster a culture of hope and peace. For this Catholic News podcast, we speak to our Media Bishop, the Rt Revd John Arnold, to discuss the final Communications Day message of Pope Francis's pontificate and […]
Today, we talk about the Anthony Esolen article "Safety First". In the announcements, we talk about the "Back From the Dead Cemetery Walk" at St. Robert. After the break, we talk about World Communications Day. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/flintcatholic/support
Thomas Mirus and Nathan Douglas's mini-series on magisterial documents about cinema comes to a close with an episode covering the Vatican II era - specifically between 1963 and 1995, spanning the pontificates of Pope St. Paul VI and Pope St. John Paul II. This was, frankly, an era of decline in terms of official Church engagement with cinema. Where previous pontificates had dealt with film as a unique artistic medium, Vatican II's decree Inter Mirifica set the template for lumping all modern mass media together under the label of "social communications" - discussing them as new technology and social phenomena rather than as individual arts. That said, even if it leaves something to be desired artistically, boiling everything down to "communication" does result in some valuable insights. And every once in a while in this era, a pope would deliver a World Communications Day message specifically about cinema. Important themes in the documents from this time include: -Artists should strive for the heights, not surrender to the commercial lowest common denominator -Communication as self-gift -Film as medium of cultural exchange -JPII: “The mass media…always return to a particular concept of man; and it is precisely on the basis of the exactness and completeness of this concept that they will be judged.” -The necessity to train children in media literacy so they can properly interpret, not be manipulated by, images and symbols -The role of critics Documents discussed in this episode: Vatican II, Inter Mirifica (1963) https://www.vatican.va/archive/hist_councils/ii_vatican_council/documents/vat-ii_decree_19631204_inter-mirifica_en.html Address of Pope Paul VI to artists (closing address of Vatican II, 1965) https://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/speeches/1965/documents/hf_p-vi_spe_19651208_epilogo-concilio-artisti.html Pontifical Council for Social Communications, Communio et Progressio (1971) https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/pccs/documents/rc_pc_pccs_doc_23051971_communio_en.html Pontifical Council for Social Communications, Aetatis Novae (1992) https://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/pccs/documents/rc_pc_pccs_doc_22021992_aetatis_en.html Pope Paul VI, First World Communications Day address (1967) https://www.vatican.va/content/paul-vi/en/messages/communications/documents/hf_p-vi_mes_19670507_i-com-day.html Pope John Paul II, 1984 World Communications Day address https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/messages/communications/documents/hf_jp-ii_mes_24051984_world-communications-day.html Pope John Paul II, 1995 World Communications Day address on cinema https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/messages/communications/documents/hf_jp-ii_mes_06011995_world-communications-day.html SIGN UP for Catholic Culture's newsletter: https://www.catholicculture.org/newsletters DONATE to keep this podcast going: https://www.catholicculture.org/donate/audio Music is The Duskwhales, “Take It Back”, used with permission. https://theduskwhales.bandcamp.com
Happy feast of St. Matthias the Apostle! On today's show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell discuss how he came to replace Judas among the Twelve. Guests include Bill Schmitt to reflect on this year's World Communications Day message,Fr. Boniface Hicks with more thoughts on personal prayer, and Kris McGregor to reflect on selections from the Office of Readings. Plus news, weather, sports, and more…
Mabuting Balita l Mayo 11, 2024 – Sabado Ikaanim na Linggo ng Pasko ng Pagkabuhay Ebanghelyo: Juan 16:23-28 Sinabi ni Hesus sa kanyang mga alagad, “Sa araw na iyon, wala na kayong itatanong sa akin, sapagkat talagang sinasabi ko sa inyo na anumang hilingin n'yo sa Ama sa Ngalan ko, ay ipagkakaloob n'ya sa inyo. Wala pa kayong nahiling sa Ngalan ko. Humiling kayo ngayon at tatanggap kayo at malulubos ang kagalakan ninyo. Sa paghahambing ko lamang ipinahayag sa inyo ang mga ito. Ngunit palapit na ang oras na hindi ako gagamit ng paghahambing kundi tahasan ko nang ihahayag sa inyo ang tungkol sa Ama. Sa ngalan ko kayo hihiling sa araw na 'yon; hindi ko ibig sabihin na hihingi ako sa Ama alang-alang sa inyo, ngunit mismong ang Ama ang umiibig sa inyo dahil umiibig kayo sa akin at naniniwala na mula ako sa Diyos. Galing ako mula sa Ama at dumating sa mundo. Muli kong iniiwan ang mundo at papunta sa Ama.” Pagninilay: Aalis na ako sa sanlibutan at babalik sa Ama. Nagpapaalam na ang ating Hesus Maestro sa Kanyang mga alagad. Nag-heart-to-heart Siya sa kanila sa nalalapit na pagwakas ng Kanyang “divine earthly mission”. Para sa Kanya, napapanahon nang ibunyag na “Nagmula Siya sa Diyos at naparito Siya sa sanlibutan, para sa pag-akò sa kasalanang hindi Niya ginawa, at harapin ang kahiya-hiyang kamatayan, para handugan tayo ng panibagong-buhay at ng muling pagkabuhay. Ikalawa, sa Kanyang pagbabalik-anyong Espiritu, namaalam Siya sa mga alagad at umakyat sa Diyos Ama. Ito ang i-cecelebrate natin bukas. Bago siya umalis, ipinagkatiwala Niya sa mga alagad ang misyon ng pagpapahayag ng Magandang Balita sa buong mundo. Ito ang Missio ad gentes. Bilang Simbahan, tinatawag natin ito na World Communications Day na pinasinayaan ni Pope Paul VI noong 1967. Ngayong taon, makahulugan ang pahayag ni Pope Francis tungkol sa kahalagahan ng “karunungan ng puso”. Kailangan daw natin ito sa pang-araw-araw nating pakikipag-usap at pakikipagtalastasan. Nakakamit natin ang karunungan sa mga natututuhan natin sa mga karanasan, pagpulot ng aral sa mga maling nagawa, at sa pagsasaliksik ng kung ano ang tama. Samantalang ang puso naman ay ang tahanan ng katotohanan at pagpapasya. Sinisimbulo nito ang integridad at pagkakaisa. Higit sa lahat, ang puso ang panloob na tagpuan natin sa Diyos. Kaya't pagsikapan nating taglayin ang karunungan ng puso dahil malaki ang pananagutan natin sa bawat nabibitawan nating salita. - Sr. Gemmaria Dela cruz, fsp l Daughters of St. Paul
This Catholic News podcast looks at AI and Pope Francis' message for World Communications Day. Bishop John Arnold, Lead Bishop for Communications here at the Catholic Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, talks about how the technology can make information accessible and support the common good but we should make sure that it is carefully regulated. "Let's use machines to assist us in what we're doing to make our world a better place, to enhance the way we live. But let's not allow machines in any way to think for us or to make decisions which are not appropriate." Subscribe You can subscribe to our Catholic News podcasts via Apple Podcasts, Amazon/Audible or Spotify.
This Catholic News podcast looks at AI and Pope Francis’ message for World Communications Day. Bishop John Arnold, Lead Bishop for Communications here at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, talks about how the technology can make information accessible and support the common good but we should make sure that it is carefully […]
This Catholic News podcast looks at AI and Pope Francis’ message for World Communications Day. Bishop John Arnold, Lead Bishop for Communications here at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, talks about how the technology can make information accessible and support the common good but we should make sure that it is carefully […]
Good morning! On today's show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Bill Schmitt from OnWord to discuss the Pope's message for World Communications Day. Other guests include Fr Hezekias Carnazzo from the Institute of Catholic Culture and Fr. Jonathan Duncan from the Diocese of Charleston to preview the Sunday Mass readings. Plus news, weather, sports and a whole lot more…
Sr. Rose Pacatte was the keynote speaker at the 2023 Catholic Media Conference. She talked about how artificial intelligence and the spiritual life intersect, how social media can — and cannot — spread the Gospel, and how we're all called to media literacy as part of our lives as Christians. Today, Sr. Rose joins us to reflect on all these things: AI, Threads, pop culture, media literacy and her own vocation at the intersection of media and religious life. Sr. Rose, a member of the Daughters of St. Paul, is an award-winning author and the founding director of the Pauline Center for Media Studies in Los Angeles. And if you like what she has to say, if you find yourself intrigued and wanting to go deeper, Sr. Rose invites you to check out the advanced certificate in media literacy that the Pauline Center for Media Studies is offering, staring July 30 2023. Here's the link: https://media.pauline.org/certificate And here's more information on World Communications Day at the papal messages: https://www.comunicazione.va/en/giornata-mondiale-comunicazioni-sociali.html Photo Credit: OSV News photo/Bob Roller
Good morning! On today's show, Matt Swaim and Anna Mitchell welcome Bill Schmitt from OnWord to unpack this weekend's annual World Communications Day message. Other guests include Stephanie Mann with more stories of English martyrs, and Kevin Schmiesing with This Week in Catholic History. Plus all the latest news, weather, sports, and everything you need to start your day.
Mabuting Balita l Mayo 23, 2023 Martes sa Ikapitong Linggo ng Pasko ng Muling Pagkabuhay Ebanghelyo: Jn 17:1-11a Tumingala si Hesus sa Langit at nagsalita: “Ama, sumapit na ang oras. Luwalhatiin mo ang iyong Anak, upang makaluwalhati sa iyo ang Anak; ipinagkaloob mo nga sa kanya ang kapangyarihan sa bawat tao at gusto mong pagkalooban niya ng walang hanggang buhay ang lahat ng bigay mo sa kanya. Ito naman ang buhay na walang hanggan: ang kilalalanin ka, ang tanging totoong Diyos at ang sinugo mong si Jesucristo. Niluwalhati kita sa lupa, ginanap ko ang trabahong ipinagawa mo sa akin. At ngayon, luwalhatiin mo ako, Ama, at ibigay sa akin na katabi mo ang luwalhating akin sa tabi mo bago pa man nagkaroon ang mundo. Ipinahayag ko ang pangalan mo sa mga taong kinuha mo sa mundo at ipinagkaloob sa akin. Iyo sila at sa akin mo sila ipinagkaloob, at tinupad nila ang iyong salita. At nakilala na nila na sa iyo galing ang lahat ng ipinagkaloob mo sa akin. Talaga, ipinagkaloob ko sa kanila ang mga salitang ipinagkaloob mo sa akin, at tinanggap nila at kinilalang tunay na sa iyo ako galing, at naniwala sila na ikaw ang nagsugo sa akin. “Ipinagdarasal ko sila. Hindi ang mundo ang ipinagdarasal ko kundi ang mga ipinagkaloob mo sa akin dahil iyo sila. Iyo ang lahat sa akin, at akin din naman ang sa iyo, at naluwalhati ako sa kanila. Wala na ako sa mundo, ngunit nasa mundo pa sila habang papunta ako sa iyo. Amang Banal, ingatan mo sila sa Ngalan mo na ipinagkaloob mo sa akin, upang maging isa sila gaya natin.” Pagninilay: Narinig natin ang maalab na pagsamo ng ating Panginoong Hesus sa Diyos Ama. Bilang paghahanda, bibigyan na Siya ng parangal hindi lang bilang Salita kundi ang tagumpay ng pag-aalay ng Kanyang buong buhay mula sa Krus. Kaya taos ang hiling ng ating Panginoong Hesus na parangalan Siya ng Diyos Ama, nang maging marapat din ang pagpaparangal Niya sa Kanyang Ama. Last Sunday, nagcelebrate tayo ng Pag-akyat sa Langit ng ating Panginoon. Nagdiwang din tayo ng World Communications Day. Ito ang komunikasyon bilang ating misyon. Sa pagpapayahag natin na muling nabuhay ang ating Panginoon mula sa pagkamatay sa Krus, inaasahan din tayong parangalan Siya sa ating gawa. Ito ang tunay na kahulugan ng komunikasyon, ang mapagmahal na pagbibigay ng sarili alang-alang sa kaligtasan ng lahat. Kung kailangan nating magpasan ng hirap sa Ngalan ng Diyos ng Pag-ibig, gawin natin nang tapat at taos sa puso. Sa ganitong paraan, nabibigyang parangal natin ang Diyos na Hari ng ating Kaligtasan. - Sr. Gemmaria de la Cruz, fsp l Daughters of St. Paul
To mark the 57th World Communications Day, this Catholic News podcast looks at Pope Francis' message for the day and the challenges of emerging technologies with Bishop John Arnold. Bishop Arnold is the Lead Bishop for Communications for the Bishops' Conference. As well as discussing the theme for World Communications Day, Speaking with the heart. ‘The truth in love', we also discuss the need to embrace emerging technologies with an ethical mind, to ensure human beings don't suffer on the path to ‘progress'. World Communications Day is celebrated in the parishes of England and Wales on Sunday, 21 May 2023. Read more here. Subscribe You can subscribe to our Catholic News podcasts via Apple Podcasts, Amazon/Audible or Spotify.
To mark the 57th World Communications Day, this Catholic News podcast looks at Pope Francis’ message for the day and the challenges of emerging technologies with Bishop John Arnold. Bishop Arnold is the Lead Bishop for Communications for the Bishops' Conference. As well as discussing the theme for World Communications Day, Speaking with the heart. […]
To mark the 57th World Communications Day, this Catholic News podcast looks at Pope Francis’ message for the day and the challenges of emerging technologies with Bishop John Arnold. Bishop Arnold is the Lead Bishop for Communications for the Bishops' Conference. As well as discussing the theme for World Communications Day, Speaking with the heart. […]
This week, in anticipation of World Communications Day on Sunday, May 21, we've gathered some of the most notable Catholic communicators in New jersey for this podcast. Joining Jen Mauro and Mike Walsh are: Maria Margiotta, Director of Communications, Archdiocese of Newark Jai Agnish, Director of Communications, Diocese of Paterson, Editor of the Beacon Newspaper Gerry Wutkowski, Assistant Director of Communications & Public Relations, Diocese of Metuchen Marianne Hartman, Director, Multimedia Production, Diocese of Trenton We chat about what brought us to our current vocations, the work of Catholic communicators, and what keeps us motivated in the role of professional evangelizers. Also, if your diocese participates, the USCCB's Catholic Communications Campaign collection will take place the weekend of May 20/21. This collection supports the communications work of the USCCB AND the local diocese. Please prayerfully consider donating this weekend. Listen to Talking Catholic everywhere podcasts can be found, at https://talking.catholicstarherald.org/show/talking-catholic, or catch us on Domestic Church Media radio Sundays at 11 AM or Mondays at 4 PM domesticchurchmedia.org. Follow us on... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkingCatholic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkingcatholic Twitter: https://twitter.com/talkingcatholic
"You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor."What are the obligations of the news media to the truth? What's the relationship between truth and beauty? Is all art beautiful?In this episode we wrap up our discussion of the eighth commandment.This episode covers Part Three, Section Two, Chapter Two, Article Eight of the Catechism of the Catholic Church (pts 2492-2513).Contact the podcast: crashcoursecatholicism@gmail.com.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crashcoursecatholicism/....References and further reading/listening/viewing:Pope Paul VI, Inter MirificaPope John Paul II, Letter to ArtistsThe National Gallery, Sainsbury Wing VR TourVatican Museum VR TourGuggenheim Museum Online MuseumNatural History Museum Online Contemplating the Rosary through Art and ScriptureJustice and Peace Office, "Catholic Social Teaching on Emerging Technologies"Pope John Paul II, "Message of the Holy Father John Paul II for the 37th World Communications Day" Pope John XXIII, Pacem in TerrisCatholic Answers, "Religious Liberty"Ray Bradbury, Farenheit 451Leo Tolstoy, Anna KareninaNational Gallery of Art, "Mark Rothko"
MABUTING BALITA MAYO 30, 2022 - Lunes sa Ikapitong Linggo ng Pagkabuhay Santa Juana ng Arco Ebanghelyo: Jn 16: 29-33 Sinabi ng mga alagad kay Hesus: “Talaga, tahasan ka nang nangungusap ngayon, at hindi na sa paghahambing nagsasalita. Alam na namin ngayon na alam mo ang lahat at hindi mo kailangang may magtanong pa sa iyo. Dahil dito kaya kami naniniwala na sa Diyos ka galing.” Sumagot sa kanila si Hesus: “Naniniwala ba kayo ngayon? Narito't parating ang oras at sumapit na upang mangalat kayo—ang bawat isa sa kanya-kanyang sarili-at ako naman ay iiwan n'yong nag-iisa. Ngunit hindi ako nag-iisa sapagkat kasama ko ang Ama. “Sinabi ko sa inyo ang mga bagay na ito upang sa akin kayo magkaroon ng kapayapaan. Nagdadalamhati kayo sa mundo subalit lakasan n'yo ang loob, nagtagumpay ako sa mundo.” Pagninilay: Kay Jesus lang tayo makakatagpo ng tunay na kapayapaan. Kahapon sa pagdiriwang natin ng Pag-akyat sa Langit ng ating Panginoon, binendisyunan ni Jesus ang mga disipulo. Naging payapa ang kanilang damdamin dahil sa empowerment na tinanggap nila sa Kanya. Integrated ang celebration natin na ito ng Pag-akyat sa Langint ng ating Panginoong Jesus sa pagdiriwang ng World Communications Day. Sa message ni Pope Francis, na “Listening with the ear of the heart “sinabi niya na sa pakikinig, hindi lang nakikinig, kundi gamitin ang pandinig ng ating puso. Alam natin na ang puso ang sanktuwaryo ng ating katauhan, di ba? Naroon sa ating puso si Jesus na Muling Nabuhay at naluklok sa Langit na Kapayapaan. Kung ganito ang saloobin natin sa pakikinig, ito ang magdadala sa atin sa tunay na kapayapaan. Hindi lang ang payapang nakakatulog sa gabi, o payapang nakikinig sa masayang alon ng dagat. Ito ang pangkasalukyang kapayapaan na may magandang ugnayan sa Diyos at malalim na pakikiisa sa Kanya. Ganundin ang ating sense of well-being na pinapahalagahan natin ang kapayapaan. Sinisikap nating unawain ang kakulangan natin at pinagpupunyagian na mapatawad din ang sarili matapos makatanggap ng grasya sa Sakramento ng Pakikipagkasundo. Ito rin ang pagpapahalaga natin sa pagpapatawad ng kapwa, laging umuunawa at nagbibigay sigla at pag-asa sa lahat. Hindi nga ba nang Muling Nabuhay si Jesus, Kapayapaan ang lagi Niyang pagbati? Assurance ito na huwag nang mangamba dahil napagtagumpayan na Niya ang kaguluhan, ang kadiliman, ang kamatayan. Ang Kapayapaan na dulot ni Jesus ay ang restoration ng pagiging isa at maayos na pakikipag-ugnayan ng buong kalikasan at sangkatauhan. Ang tanong, kung bakit hanggang ngayon, hindi pa ganap ang kapayapaan, tulad sa pang-aabuso sa mga gubat, sa mga bundok, sa ating bansa, sa kapangyarihang gumawa ng mga kasangkapang pandigmaan. Dahil ang kapayapaan ay parehong handog at tungkulin. Nangangailangan ito partisipasyon ng ating kamay, isip, puso. Mga pilgrims tayo. Patuloy pa tayong naglalakbay patungo sa ganap na kapayapaan. Naglalakbay tayo na nakatanaw sa Kaharian ng ating Ama at masayang umaasam sa walang katapusan Niyang yakap na suot ang Kanyang balabal ng Banal na Kapayapaan. Sr. Gemmaria
TRADCAST EXPRESS - Episode 148 Topics covered: Commentary on Francis' insufferable message for World Communications Day on the topic of "listening". Commentary on Francis' sermon for the Sunday of the Word of God. Two audio clips of Michael Matt from 'The Remnant Underground' (Jan. 22, 2022). Sign up to be notified of new episode releases automatically at tradcast.org. Produced by NOVUSORDOWATCH.org Support us by making a tax-deductible contribution at NovusOrdoWatch.org/donate/
On this episode of Catholic Forum, after a news brief from TheDialog.org, we will talk to Oblate Father Thomas Dailey, the John Cardinal Foley Chair of Homiletics and Social Communications for Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary in Philadelphia. On May 27th the Seminary is holding the annual John Cardinal Foley Symposium in Celebration of World Communications Day. Learn about the symposium and the award that will be given that day on this edition of Catholic Forum. Also, Father Rich Jasper will tell us about 'the nun with spurs."
This week, Tara and Jerry discuss the work of evangelization through the life of a communicator as they celebrate the 2021 World Communications Day. - Read the message from Pope Francis for the 2021 World Communications Day at www.diometuchen.org/communications
Doug Keck returns with "EWTN's Inside Word." William Schmitt with Holy Cross College talks about World Communications Day.
MABUTING BALITA | Pebrero 8, 2021 – Lunes sa Ikalimang Linggo ng Taon EBANGHELYO: MARCOS 6:53-56 Pagkatawid ni Jesus at ng kanyang mga alagad, dumating sila sa pampang ng Genesaret at doon nila isinadsad ang bangka. Paglunsad nila ng bangka, nakilala si Jesus ng mga tagaroon at patakbo nilang ipinamalita ito sa lupaing iyon. Kaya dinala nila ang mga maysakit na nasa higaan kung saan nila mabalitaang naroon siya. At saanman siya lumakad, sa mga nayon man o sa bayan o sa bukid, inilalagay nila sa mga liwasan ang mga maysakit at nakikiusap sa kanya na mahipo man lamang sana nila ang laylayan ng kanyang damit, at gumaling ang lahat ng humipo rito. PAGNINILAY: Naalala ko ang healing priest na si Fr. Suarez, nang binasa ko ang Mabuting Balita natin ngayon. Nakadalo ako minsan sa kanyang healing mass at talaga namang pumila ang mga may sakit, ang iba nakasakay sa wheel chair na itinutulak ng kamag-anak. Ganito rin marahil ang sitwasyon noon sa panahon ni Jesus. Sinusundan Siya ng mga taong nais gumaling kahit saan man siya pumunta. Sinasabi pa sa talata limamput-anim (56) na kahit mahipo lamang ang laylayan ng damit ni Jesus ay gumagaling na sila. Ang sitwasyon noon sa panahon ni Jesus ay walang pinagkaiba sa panahon natin ngayon na lalo pang pinalala ng pandemya. Maraming nagkasakit, ang iba nga namayapa na. Iniwan ang pamilya na nagdadalamhati. Kapanalig, naniniwala ka bang maaari rin tayong gawing instrumento ng paghilom ng Diyos? Sabi nga ni Pope Francis sa kanyang mensahe sa World Communications Day noong 201: “Let our communication be a balm which relieves pain.” Maraming uri ang karamdaman. Minsan lalong pinapalala ng mababagsik na salita ang sakit na kanilang nararamdaman. Noong 2020, dalawa sa kaibigan kong nakaranas ng depression, ang inisip nang wakasan ang kanilang buhay. Sa tulong ng dasal at mga taong nagpadama ng pagmamahal at pang-unawa, nakabangon sila at ipinagpatuloy ang buhay. Kapanalig, inaanyayahan tayo ng Mabuting Balita ngayon na hayaan natin ang Diyos na gawin tayong mga instrumento ng paghilom at pagpapagaling. Maari nating tularan ang mga taong nagdala ng mga taong may sakit kay Jesus. Ilapit natin sila sa Panginoon sa tulong ng ating mga dasal at mabubuting gawa. Kung minsan suporta at pang-unawa lamang ang kailangan nila upang patuloy na lumaban sa buhay. Sr. Lou Ranara, fsp (Daughters of St. Paul)
Full Text of ReadingsThird Sunday in Ordinary Time Sunday of the Word of God Lectionary: 68All podcast readings are produced by the USCCB and are from the Catholic Lectionary, based on the New American Bible and approved for use in the United States _______________________________________The Saint of the day is St. Francis de SalesJan. 24 marks the Feast of St. Francis de Sales, the patron saint of writers and Christian unity whose role as a priest and bishop helped bring thousands of Protestants back to the Catholic Church.In the late 16th and early 17th century, St. Frances de Sales conducted spiritual direction both in person and in written correspondence. This inspired his famous work Introduction to the Devout Life.During his ministry in Switzerland, he wrote and distributed religious tracts that made inroads among Protestants and helped between 40,000 and 70,000 return to the Catholic faith.Because he is a patron saint of writers, his feast day traditionally marks the release of the Popes annual message for World Communications Day. Pope Benedict XVIs 2013 message reflected on social networks and their potential to strengthen unity and harmony between people. He also warned that these enable a mindset that rewards popularity, rather than rewarding what has intrinsic value.St. Francis de Sales was no stranger to unpopularity. As a priest he volunteered to lead a mission to return the Calvinist Switzerland back to the Catholic faith. He faced much hostility, including death threats and would-be assassins.He was born in 1567 in the Savoy region in what is now part of France. He was a diplomats son, born into a household with great devotion to St. Francis of Assisi.He studied rhetoric, the humanities and law in preparation for a political career. He had resolved to hold to religious celibacy and he held a deep devotion to the Virgin Mary, but he kept this strong spiritual life secret from the world.This devotion clashed with the wishes of his father, who had arranged a marriage for him. The Catholic bishop of Geneva found Francis de Sales a position in the Swiss Church, leading to his ordination as a priest in 1593.He was named Bishop of Geneva in 1602, after which he worked to restore Genevas churches and religious orders. He helped the future saint Jean Frances de Chantal, whom he had served as spiritual director, found a womens religious order.He died in 1622 in Lyons at a convent he had helped to found. Frances de Sales was canonized in 1665 and named a Doctor of the Church in 1877. Saint of the Day Copyright CNA, Catholic News Agency
Paul and Bill focused on the 2020 elections as a point of tragically little focus in discourse or reasoning—but a good starting point for wide-ranging conversation about humanity’s desperate search for balance, hope, and sustainability in our hearts and minds. The desire for a higher wisdom—a happy medium, a golden mean—has always been complicated by our focus on ourselves and our temptation to believe that we know best, the co-hosts pointed out. Bill pointed out that “fake news” was said to have made its first appearance in the Garden of Eden, courtesy of the serpent; that comment was made by Pope Francis in his 2018 reflections for World Communications Day. Society is operating in a state of radical uncertainty and unsustainable indebtedness among persons, but we forget the stabilizing recognition that we share an indebtedness to God—a responsibility to Him as our source and our only reliable resource. We have forgotten a lot about this, leaving us not only lost, but facing a steep price to pay as God’s children, Paul said. He referred to the story of King Josiah’ realization that he and his people had strayed from the laws of the Torah. People seeking personal goodness and the common good know we have made serious mistakes on our journeys and have perpetuated ignorance and poor judgment. Each successive generation has been left unprepared and unable to make difficult decisions that would point toward healing. Bill recalled G. K. Chesterton’s call for a nation’s responsibility to wisdom that whatever wisdom was being handed down via what he called “the democracy of the dead.” But such respect for tradition is not one of humanity’s strong points. Paul pointed out that our podcast’s name points to a second millennium whose second half was marked by major departures from tradition for the sake of greater human creativity. The co-hosts discussed how any attainment of a golden mean has been lost in the pursuit of collaborative innovation—even though we fail to hone our ideas as humble learners and listeners. Meanwhile, any instinct to hold fast to the tried and true only traps us in cocoons of misguided, comfortable assumptions. The artificial “communities” we belong to through our digital culture are places not of roots which allow us to grow, but of simplified labels which mimic understanding, Bill said. He was drawing upon concerns about internet trends voiced by Pope Francis in his 2019 message for World Communications Day. Our political system does not encourage any sustained, constructive dialogue between the old and the new or between fresh, authentic perspectives. Paul pointed out that we are not presented with real choices despite the fact that parties and partisans paint themselves as sharply different. And Bill pointed out that one are of common ground so many leaders share is the use of pessimism and fear. He recalled the presidential campaigns where candidate Biden spoke of a dark winter ahead and candidate Trump portrayed himself as the alternative to anarchy and economic despair. When an incomplete knowledge of history leads to despair about the past and present of a society, it can seem like the structures undergirding that society are held up more by mass psychology than real accomplishments or aspirations, the co-hosts said. Our culture likes to exalt creativity in principle, but have we made it easier to see connectivity and possibilities, Paul asks. Bill, proving his fascination with papal teachings for World Communications Day, would point out that the 2020 message of Pope Francis highlights our need to pass along hopeful stories from generation to generation that begin with our dynamic, hopeful relationships with God. Paul reflected on how our childhoods do not always prepare us for the kinds of pursuits entailed in the career pursuits and panoramic interests of adulthood. In a world of limited, utilitarian perspectives, it is hard to find happy wanderers with big ideas looking for life’s happy mediums.
Bishop Daniel Flores has given his view on President Trump’s decision to pose for photos in front of a boarded up church near the White House with a bible in his hand.The episode has drawn lots of commentary from around the world. According to news reports, federal officers used force to clear a large crowd of peaceful demonstrators from the street between the White House and St. John’s Episcopal Church.The decision to move the demonstrators was made by Attorney General William Barr in order to clear a path for the president. The White House says tear gas was not used. Media reports and those in the crowd say otherwise. Trump visited the boarded up church the day after a fire was set in its basement. Trump stood in front of the world’s media with his back to the church and held aloft a bible. He did not speak about unrest in the country, nor open the bibleThe Right Rev. Mariann Budde, the Episcopal bishop of Washington, said she was “outraged” by the episode, believing the president used the church as a political prop.Bishop Flores was asked about the episode during a webinar held by the Diocese of Brownsville to celebrate World Communications Day. Normally, Flores would hold the annual event at the San Juan Basilica. However, due to the coronavirus he spoke to reporters online.Asked about Trump’s visit to St. John’s and his actions there, Flores said: “I found it very difficult to watch. I fear that both parties would use kinds of religious symbols to promote a certain agenda, on one side or the other. I think that is something that happens.”Flores said the separation of church and state is not something that only protects the state.
In this episode, the Holy Joes speak of the joys of the great weather, paddling pools and water shortages. Dermot shares how he sent his wife and kids on a holiday to give himself a break.The men chat about the challenges of spiritual disciplines of initiatives such as EXODUS90 and also consider the simple spiritual disciplines and traditions within Irish Christianity. Bishop Alan last week challenged men to read the Word of God more, how do we as Catholic Men engage more with the living Word of God in the BiblePope Francis' call on World Communications Day to share your story, as in our personal stories, we encounter Christ and we can help others to encounter him by sharing our faith. Matthew McFadden shares his personal story of being raised by a saintly woman, his mother Mary, who was a single parent who did everything to ensure Matthew had a good start in life and strong foundations by witnessing her prayerful expression of her Catholic faith. He also shares his inspirational story of losing 13 stone in just over a year with hard work, dieting and nutrition, exercise and prayer.We have new listeners from Russia, Iran, USA, Philipines, Indonesia and Fermoy in County Cork. Please keep sharing this Podcast with friends and family and particular Catholic Men, those close to the Church and those on the fringes and disengaged.Email us at theholyjoespodcast@gmail.com for any ideas, themes, recommended speakers or comments about the show. please keep us in your prayers, St Joseph, Pray for Us.
Co-hosts Ken and Bill interrupt this current EncounterPoints series {“Love Always Communicates”) for a bonus episode reporting on Pope Francis' message for World Communications Day 2020. The Vatican released this message on January 24, the feast day of St. Francis de Sales, the patron saint of journalism and Catholic media. This is the 54th annual … Continue reading S3E4.1 – BONUS! 2020 World Communications Day Message
Co-hosts Ken and Bill interrupt this current EncounterPoints series {“Love Always Communicates”) for a bonus episode reporting on Pope Francis’ message for World Communications Day 2020. The Vatican released this message on January 24, the feast day of St. Francis de Sales, the patron saint of journalism and Catholic media. This is the 54th annual … Continue reading S3E4.1 – BONUS! 2020 World Communications Day Message
During the Easter season, we’re invited to celebrate the Resurrection of Our Lord; but to respond also to the corresponding call to evangelize the world, since evangelization amounts fundamentally to spreading the Good News of the Jesus’ triumph over sin and death. Fr. Eric draws upon the writings of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI in 2013 on the occasion of World Communications Day to offer some helpful tips as to how to evangelize over social networks, mindful that the Internet has become one of the predominant means to communicate and spread the Gospel during these challenging times. To watch the full video versions of future episodes of our podcast, subscribe free of charge to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDKAPmUqXX4SWlC0jKZYyvA?sub_confirmation=1. #CatholicLattePodcast
This episode of Series 3 (“Love Always Communicates”) moves on from the Second Vatican Council to look at a long-running series of annual messages spawned by the Council and its document on social communications, Inter Mirifica. That document set the stage for the Vatican to observe a World Communications Day every year, proclaiming the connection of Catholic values … Continue reading S3E3 – Pastoral, Powerful Messages from “World Communications Days”
This episode of Series 3 (“Love Always Communicates”) moves on from the Second Vatican Council to look at a long-running series of annual messages spawned by the Council and its document on social communications, Inter Mirifica. That document set the stage for the Vatican to observe a World Communications Day every year, proclaiming the connection of Catholic values … Continue reading S3E3 – Pastoral, Powerful Messages from “World Communications Days”
Topics include World Communications Day in the Church and how the internet impacts our lives and faith, the US Bishops meeting in Baltimore next week, Pentecost weekend and the Holy Spirit in our lives, novenas and more.
Does Mass on television "count"? And are your online friends really your friends? Father Thomas Dailey, OSFS discusses how digital communications shapes our sense of community, especially when we gather -- online or offline -- to share our faith. In his message for this year's World Communications Day, Pope Francis has called for a unity that moves us all from a mere "like" to an "amen" that is grounded in real and welcoming relationships.
How do we move from online networks to human communities? How do we make friends in person, and not just online? These are the questions that Pope Francis has asked the Catholic Church to consider while preparing for World Communications Day 2019. Father Thomas Dailey, OSFS shares how we can use the gift of modern media to build authentic connections among each other.
This past year, NPM offered its forty-first convention. For more than four decades, NPM has been gathering, forming, and celebrating pastoral musicians in national and regional conventions offered across the country. For just as long – in fact, for a little longer – NPM has offered formation, celebration, and connection through the publication of Pastoral Music magazine.Today, we’re talking about the NPM magazine as it transitions to a new editorial staff. We’ll discuss the following questions: Why, when we so often hear that print media is dying, does NPM continue to offer a magazine? What impact does NPM hope the magazine will have on the practice of its members? What can we expect to find in the new issue when it lands in our mailboxes in a few weeks? And more. To explore these questions, we’ll speak with Kathy Felong, the new editor of NPM’s magazine. We’ll also hear an excerpt from Pope Francis’ message on World Communications Day 2018 in this week’s Ministry Moment.
World Communications Day by Fr. Michael Denk
50th Episode Special: The Catholic Herald podcast has come along way since the early days of recording in a soundproof closet! In this episode, Ann Augherton highlights several of the most popular episodes as well as the latest diocesan news. Staff writer Zoey Maraist interviews Fr. Stephan Starzynski, a hospital chaplain, about a miracle involving a patient with brain abcesses. Also, in the lead up to World Communication Day May 13, George Goss, the Herald's multimedia journalist, talks with Patricia Garcia, the USCCB's director of the Catholic Communication Campaign.
People have access to an amazing amount of technology thru their computers, tablets, and smartphones. How can this technology be used to help us grow in our spiritual life? How can it help us grow in prayer? How can we use it so it enhances our growth rather than becoming a distraction? How can it help those with a vocation to the Carmelites? CatholicApptitude.org Founder, Jennifer Kane has much to share with us. Tim Bete, techno guru, helps Carmelite Conversations’ host, Frances, interview Jennifer to get all the newest scoops and best advice on Catholic Apps. Resources: www.CatholicApptitude.org Scripture:The Catholic Apptitude website/apostolate is based on Mark 4:1-2.Catholic Apptitude is also influenced by Pope Francis’ message for the 50th World Communications Day, Communication and Mercy: a Fruitful Encounter (2016).In this light, Jennifer Kane (founder of CatholicApptitude.org) sees Catholics apps as developers (via software) communicating with users in a nonjudgmental way. Think about it. This software doesn’t presume anything about the user nor does it make judgments. The user doesn’t sense this even in the examination of conscience section of a confession app! Catholic apps are “welcoming” almost by nature. So many of them are specifically designed to “accompany” the user in his/her spiritual journey, as Francis recommends. Book:“Divine Intimacy” by Fr. Gabriel of St. Mary Magdalen, OCD; Tan Books
Summary of today's show: The Synod of Bishops on the New Evangelization that coincided with the launch of the Year of Faith wrapped up its work last week and sent a summary of their deliberations to Pope Benedict XVI for him to use as he writes his Apostolic Exhortation over the next 18 months. Scot Landry and Janet Benestad take a look at the summary and how it will be the basis for what will become the landmark statement of the Holy Father's papacy. Listen to the show: Watch the show via live video streaming or a recording later: Today's host(s): Scot Landry Today's guest(s): Janet Benestad Links from today's show: Today's topics: The Synod on the New Evangelization 1st segment: Scot Landry welcomed everyone to the show and noted that the weather has gotten pretty bad out there. He welcomed Janet Benestad to the show. There are only a few people in the whole Pastoral Center today. Today's topic will be some summaries of the recently closed Synod of Bishops for the New Evangelization. Janet said it's part of the Year of Faith we're in, to rediscover our faith, the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and express our faith to others. Scot said the document they'll consider is being called the Synod's last word. 2nd segment: Scot noted that yesterday Cardinal Seán's homily delivered by video and audio to all parishes on assisted suicide is available for viewing at . This synod document was prepared by a ten-member group that included Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York and Archbishop Donald Wuerl of Washington, DC. It's considered to be a summary of everything that was discussed in the Synod and in 18 months Pope Benedict XVI will unveil an apostolic exhortation that some are saying will be the most significant document of his pontificate. The document starts by situating us in Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. There is no man or woman who, in one's life, would not find oneself like the woman of Samaria beside a well with an empty bucket, with the hope of finding the fulfillment of the heart's most profound desire, that which alone could give full meaning to existence. Today, many wells offer themselves to quench humanity's thirst, but we must discern in order to avoid polluted waters. We must orient the search well, so as not to fall prey to disappointment, which can be disastrous. Like Jesus at the well of Sychar, the Church also feels obliged to sit beside today's men and women. She wants to render the Lord present in their lives so that they could encounter him because he alone is the water that gives true and eternal life. Only Jesus can read the depths of our heart and reveal the truth about ourselves: “He told me everything I have done”, the woman confesses to her fellow citizens. This word of proclamation is united to the question that opens up to faith: “Could he possibly be the Messiah?” It shows that whoever receives new life from encountering Jesus cannot but proclaim truth and hope to others. The sinner who was converted becomes a messenger of salvation and leads the whole city to Jesus. The people pass from welcoming her testimony to personally experiencing the encounter: “We no longer believe because of your word; for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is truly the savior of the world”. Scot said it's a good beginning because we, like the Samaritan, want the life that quenches our thirst. Janet said the woman would have been shocked because he knew everything about her. Janet said its strange that the woman went to tell everyone else, even though she was an outcast from the community. She becomes an instrument that no one else would have expected. Scot said we don't know better than Jesus who should be his messenger and it's our duty too, to reach out and share the Good News. Janet said this experience of the faith can inform us in a way that we can become the best proclaimers. Jesus calls all of us. A new evangelization Leading the men and women of our time to Jesus, to the encounter with him is a necessity that touches all the regions of the world, those of the old and those of the recent evangelization. Everywhere indeed we feel the need to revive a faith that risks eclipse in cultural contexts that hinders its taking root in persons and its presence in society, the clarity of its content and its coherent fruits. It is not about starting again, but entering into the long path of proclaiming the Gospel with the apostolic courage of Paul who would go so far as to say “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel!” (1 Corinthians 9:16). Throughout history, from the first centuries of the Christian era to the present, the Gospel has edified communities of believers in all parts of the world. Whether small or great, these are the fruit of the dedication of generations of witnesses to Jesus – missionaries and martyrs – whom we remember with gratitude. Changing societies and cultures call us to something new: to live our communitarian experience of faith in a renewed way and to proclaim it through an evangelization that is “new in its ardor, in its methods, in its expressions” (John Paul II, Discourse to the XIX Assembly of CELAM, Port-au-Prince, 9 March 1983, n. 3) as John Paul II said. Benedict XVI recalled that it is an evangelization that is directed “principally at those who, though baptized, have drifted away from the Church and live without reference to the Christian life… to help these people encounter the Lord, who alone fills our existence with deep meaning and peace; and to favor the rediscovery of the faith, that source of grace which brings joy and hope to personal, family and social life”(Benedict XVI, Homily for the Eucharistic celebration for the solemn inauguration of the XIII Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, Rome, 7 October 2012). Scot said we're called to proclaim Jesus as the kernel of the Good News that is so central to our faith. We know about him because of the dedication of so many generations who have come before us, some who have risked death, and some who have risked ridicule. Janet said it's all about Jesus, it's about Christmas and Easter. It's a phenomenal story we have to tell. Scot said God gives us the grace each day to live that faith, even if we have to bear the crosses of each day. The crosses are lighter if we know Jesus is with us. Janet said we live in a culture that often wants to separate us from our Christian faith, but this is calling us to a new ardor and a new way to express that faith. John Paul called us to express the faith with new zeal and new passion. We are called to use new means, like new media, and new expressions, contemporary language and ways of speaking. Janet said people who live in the modern context have experienced things that beg for a response in the expression of the faith. The synod addressed people from those who live in big fast-paced cities to people who have enormous poverty of culture. The personal encounter with Jesus Christ in the Church Before saying anything about the forms that this new evangelization must assume, we feel the need to tell you with profound conviction that the faith determines everything in the relationship that we build with the person of Jesus who takes the initiative to encounter us. The work of the new evangelization consists in presenting once more the beauty and perennial newness of the encounter with Christ to the often distracted and confused heart and mind of the men and women of our time, above all to ourselves. We invite you all to contemplate the face of the Lord Jesus Christ, to enter the mystery of his existence given for us on the cross, reconfirmed in his resurrection from the dead as the Father's gift and imparted to us through the Spirit. In the person of Jesus, the mystery of God the Father's love for the entire human family is revealed. He did not want us to remain in a false autonomy. Rather he reconciled us to himself in a renewed pact of love. The Church is the space offered by Christ in history where we can encounter him, because he entrusted to her his Word, the Baptism that makes us God's children, his Body and his Blood, the grace of forgiveness of sins above all in the sacrament of Reconciliation, the experience of communion that reflects the very mystery of the Holy Trinity, the strength of the Spirit that generates charity towards all. We must form welcoming communities in which all outcasts find a home, concrete experiences of communion which attract the disenchanted glance of contemporary humanity with the ardent force of love – “See how they love one another!” (Tertullian, Apology, 39, 7). The beauty of faith must particularly shine in the actions of the sacred Liturgy, above all in the Sunday Eucharist. It is precisely in liturgical celebrations that the Church reveals herself as God's work and renders the meaning of the Gospel visible in word and gesture. It is up to us today to render experiences of the Church concretely accessible, to multiply the wells where thirsting men and women are invited to encounter Jesus, to offer oases in the deserts of life. Christian communities and, in them, every disciple of the Lord are responsible for this: an irreplaceable testimony has been entrusted to each one, so that the Gospel can enter the lives of all. This requires of us holiness of life. Scot said this message is first of all for us and then for others. Janet said beauty is going to be a theme of the documents that come out of the synod. Sometimes our world is not so beautiful, because the beauty of God's creation and the love of God for his children are pushed aside. There isn't time for reflection. The synod calls us back to a reflection on that beautiful faith. Scot said Jesus is always taking the opportunity to encounter us. He said the Holy Father said in his World Communications Day message last year, the Holy Father encouraged us to have more silence in our lives so we can hear Jesus speak to us. Janet said God is always leading us to himself and calling us out of terrible conditions to himself. There is a lot of static that interferes with that message. Jesus is always calling us out of that to experience his love in a new and different way. Scot said sometimes the descriptions of the Church in Church documents can be confusing. This has a simple one: “The Church is the space offered by Christ in history where we can encounter him, because he entrusted to her his Word, the Baptism that makes us God's children, his Body and his Blood, the grace of forgiveness of sins above all in the sacrament of Reconciliation, the experience of communion that reflects the very mystery of the Holy Trinity, the strength of the Spirit that generates charity towards all.” That is a beautiful description of what the Church is about. It's a response to those who think the Church is a building. It's where we encounter Christ and one another. If you read Scripture, Jesus formed the Church for us. The first leaders of that Church failed and betrayed him, but came back and did wonderful things. We are called to reconcile ourselves to himself through the Church so we can be the instruments through which he reaches others. Janet said he doesn't want us to remain in a false autonomy. It's a lonely world. Our sacramental life situates us in a family of believers who enjoy one another and forgives one another. Scot said we attract others because they see our love and joy and they decided they want to have that. He said all of our parishes need to work to reach that level. We need to be able to say to returning Christians, I'm glad you're back. 3rd segment: Scot and Janet section 4 and discuss section 5. The occasions of encountering Jesus and listening to the Scriptures Someone will ask how to do all this. We need not invent new strategies as if the Gospel were a product to be placed in the market of religions. We need to rediscover the ways in which Jesus approached persons and called them, in order to put them into practice in today's circumstances. We recall, for example, how Jesus engaged Peter, Andrew, James and John in the context of their work, how Zaccheus was able to pass from simple curiosity to the warmth of sharing a meal with the Master, how the Roman centurion asked him to heal a person dear to him, how the man born blind invoked him as liberator from his own marginalization, how Martha and Mary saw the hospitality of their house and of their heart rewarded by his presence. By going through the pages of the Gospels as well as the apostles' missionary experiences in the early Church, we can discover the various ways and circumstances in which persons' lives were opened to Christ's presence. The frequent reading of the Sacred Scriptures – illuminated by the Tradition of the Church who hands them over to us and is their authentic interpreter – is not only necessary for knowing the very content of the Gospel, which is the person of Jesus in the context of salvation history. Reading the Scriptures also helps us to discover opportunities to encounter Jesus, truly evangelical approaches rooted in the fundamental dimensions of human life: the family, work, friendship, various forms of poverty and the trials of life, etc. Evangelizing ourselves and opening ourselves to conversion We, however, should never think that the new evangelization does not concern us personally. In these days voices among the Bishops were raised to recall that the Church must first of all heed the Word before she could evangelize the world. The invitation to evangelize becomes a call to conversion. We firmly believe that we must convert ourselves above all to the power of Christ who alone can make all things new, above all our poor existence. With humility we must recognize that the poverty and weaknesses of Jesus' disciples, especially of his ministers, weigh on the credibility of the mission. We are certainly aware – we Bishops first of all – that we could never really be equal to the Lord's calling and mandate to proclaim his Gospel to the nations. We know that we must humbly recognize our vulnerability to the wounds of history and we do not hesitate to recognize our personal sins. We are, however, also convinced that the Lord's Spirit is capable of renewing his Church and rendering her garment resplendent if we let him mold us. This is demonstrated by the lives of the Saints, the remembrance and narration of which is a privileged means of the new evangelization. If this renewal were up to us, there would be serious reasons to doubt. But conversion in the Church, just like evangelization, does not come about primarily through us poor mortals, but rather through the Spirit of the Lord. Here we find our strength and our certainty that evil will never have the last word whether in the Church or in history: “Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid” (John 14:27), Jesus said to his disciples. The work of the new evangelization rests on this serene certainty. We are confident in the inspiration and strength of the Spirit, who will teach us what we are to say and what we are to do even in the most difficult moments. It is our duty, therefore, to conquer fear through faith, humiliation through hope, indifference through love. Scot said we're told that if we want to be more effective in the new evangelization we have to convert ourselves first. Janet said it's hard to invite others to something you don't have enthusiasm for yourself. You begin to think in terms of how others you encounter can respond to the needs in their life. When you hear about someone's concerns or problems, if you have a living faith life, then you can respond authentically with advice on turning to God in various ways. Scot said St. Peter's repeated failures inspire him because he always responded with conversion and faith. He noted also the story of France which has gone through successive times of faith and lack of faith and how the Cure of Ars, St. John Vianney, who barely graduated seminary and was ordained, ended up re-converting all of France. Janet said the new evangelization rests on the serene certainty and confidence in the strength of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit can bring about changes that we would never expect could happen. Scot noted that it's called the Year of Faith, not the Year of Catechesis. While catechesis is part of it, what's important first is that we turn to Jesus. We need to trust that God loves us more than we can possibly love him. We need to trust in him. Janet said evil will never have the last word. That's the essence of faith. It is through God's time and initiative that we will do what we do. Seizing new opportunities for evangelization in the world today This serene courage also affects the way we look at the world today. We are not intimidated by the circumstances of the times in which we live. Our world is full of contradictions and challenges, but it remains God's creation. The world is wounded by evil, but God loves it still. It is his field in which the sowing of the Word can be renewed so that it would bear fruit once more. There is no room for pessimism in the minds and hearts of those who know that their Lord has conquered death and that his Spirit works with might in history. We approach this world with humility, but also with determination. This comes from the certainty that the truth triumphs in the end. We choose to see in the world God's invitation to witness to his Name. Our Church is alive and faces the challenges that history brings with the courage of faith and the testimony of her many daughters and sons. We know that we must face in this world a difficult struggle against the “principalities” and “powers”, “the evil spirits” (Ephesians 6:12). We do not ignore the problems that such challenges bring, but they do not frighten us. This is true above all for the phenomena of globalization which must be opportunities for us to expand the presence of the Gospel. Despite the intense sufferings for which we welcome migrants as brethren, migrations have been and continue to be occasions to spread the faith and build communion in its various forms. Secularization – as well as the crisis brought about the ascendancy of politics and of the State – requires the Church to rethink its presence in society without however renouncing it. The many and ever new forms of poverty open new opportunities for charitable service: the proclamation of the Gospel binds the Church to be with the poor and to take on their sufferings like Jesus. Even in the most bitter forms of atheism and agnosticism, we can recognize – although in contradictory forms – not a void but a longing, an expectation that awaits an adequate response. In the face of the questions that dominant cultures pose to faith and to the Church, we renew our trust in the Lord, certain that even in these contexts the Gospel is the bearer of light and capable of healing every human weakness. It is not we who are to conduct the work of evangelization, but God, as the Pope reminded us: “The first word, the true initiative, the true activity comes from God and only by inserting ourselves in to the divine initiative, only by begging this divine initiative, will we too be able to become – with him and in him – evangelizers”(Benedict XVI, Meditation during the first general Congregation of the XIII General Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, Rome, 8 October 2012). Scot said we talk often about the family as the domestic church and the place where we've learned the faith, but in many ways the breakdown in the faith is that our families aren't passing on the faith like they did fifty years ago. Janet said there's no question the family is under attack. She said it's interesting that both parties in this election are pitching their messages to women in particular ways. The Church recognizes that in terms of instruction of the young, women play a very specific role. This document recognizes the important role of the family in handing on the faith. This is about catechesis of the faith, not just of elements, but of faith that is lived, lived at the dining room table, at the bedside at night, and in all the parts of the days. Scot said we try to form our kids in a work ethic and other important life lessons. Do we form them in prayer through praying personally? He recounts how he now begins his prayer with kids by declaring his love for God. He said it's the parents' responsibility, morning, noon and night. It can't be done in an hour at Mass and another hour in religious education. Then it's amazing how kids can pass that faith on to other kids their age. Janet said that as a grandparent she's intentional about how she introduces them to the world of prayer, the world of saints. Evangelization, the family and consecrated life Ever since the first evangelization, the transmission of the faith from one generation to the next found a natural home in the family where women play a very special role without diminishing the figure and responsibility of the father. In the context of the care that every family provides for the growth of its little ones, infants and children are introduced to the signs of faith, the communication of first truths, education in prayer, and the witness of the fruits of love. Despite the diversity of their geographical, cultural and social situations, all the Bishops of the Synod reconfirmed this essential role of the family in the transmission of the faith. A new evangelization is unthinkable without acknowledging a specific responsibility to proclaim the Gospel to families and to sustain them in their task of education. We do not ignore the fact that today the family, established in the marriage of a man and of a woman which makes them “one flesh” (Matthew 19:6) open to life, is assaulted by crises everywhere. It is surrounded by models of life that penalize it and neglected by the politics of society of which it is also the fundamental cell. It is not always respected in its rhythms and sustained in its tasks by ecclesial communities. It is precisely this, however, that impels us to say that we must particularly take care of the family and its mission in society and in the Church, developing specific paths of accompaniment before and after matrimony. We also want to express our gratitude to the many Christian couples and families who, through their witness, show the world an experience of communion and of service which is the seed of a more loving and peaceful society. Our thoughts also went to the many families and couples living together which do not reflect that image of unity and of lifelong love that the Lord entrusted to us. There are couples who live together without the sacramental bond of matrimony. More and more families in irregular situations are established after the failure of previous marriages. These are painful situations that negatively affect the education of sons and daughters in the faith. To all of them we want to say that God's love does not abandon anyone, that the Church loves them, too, that the Church is a house that welcomes all, that they remain members of the Church even if they cannot receive sacramental absolution and the Eucharist. May our Catholic communities welcome all who live in such situations and support those who are in the path of conversion and reconciliation. Family life is the first place in which the Gospel encounters the ordinary life and demonstrates its capacity to transform the fundamental conditions of existence in the horizon of love. But not less important for the witness of the Church is to show how this temporal existence has a fulfillment that goes beyond human history and attains to eternal communion with God. Jesus does not introduce himself to the Samaritan woman simply as the one who gives life, but as the one who gives “eternal life” (John 4:14). God's gift, which faith renders present, is not simply the promise of better conditions in this world. It is the proclamation that our life's ultimate meaning is beyond this world, in that full communion with God that we await at the end of time. Of this supernatural horizon of the meaning of human existence, there are particular witnesses in the Church and in the world whom the Lord has called to consecrated life. Precisely because it is totally consecrated to him in the exercise of poverty, chastity and obedience, consecrated life is the sign of a future world that relativizes everything that is good in this world. May the gratitude of the Assembly of the Synod of Bishops reach these our brothers and sisters for their fidelity to the Lord's calling and for the contribution that they have given and give to the Church's mission. We exhort them to hope in situations that are difficult even for them in these times of change. We invite them to establish themselves as witnesses and promoters of new evangelization in the various fields to which the charism of each of their institutes assigns them. Scot said that his own kids are already curious about what God intends them to be when they're grown up and where it all ends at the end of life. Janet said after 40 years she's learned that her real role as parent and spouse is to get other people to heaven. In the new evangelization, as you do these things more intentionally, you reinforce in yourself the need to do these things more fervently. The life of the family reminds us of the natural rhythms and how they are all sacramental. Scot encouraged listeners to read the rest of the document. The ecclesial community and the many agents of evangelization No one person or group in the Church has exclusive right to the work of evangelization. It is the work of ecclesial communities as such, where one has access to all the means for encountering Jesus: the Word, the sacraments, fraternal communion, charitable service, mission. In this perspective, the role of the parish emerges above all as the presence of the Church where men and women live, “the village fountain”, as John XXIII loved to call it, from which all can drink, finding in it the freshness of the Gospel. It cannot be abandoned, even though changes can require of it to be made up of small Christian communities or to either the articulation into small communities or forge bonds of collaboration within larger pastoral contexts. We exhort our parishes to join the new forms of mission required by the new evangelization to the traditional pastoral care of God's people. These must also permeate the various important expressions of popular piety. In the parish, the ministry of the priest – father and pastor of his people – remains crucial. To all priests, the Bishops of this Synodal Assembly express thanks and fraternal closeness for their difficult task. We invite them to strengthen the bonds of the diocesan presbyterium, to deepen their spiritual life, to an ongoing formation that enables them to face the changes. Alongside the priests, the presence of deacons is to be sustained, as well as the pastoral action of catechists and of many other ministers and animators in the fields of proclamation, catechesis, liturgical life, charitable service. The various forms of participation and co-responsibility of the faithful must also be promoted. We cannot thank enough our lay men and women for their dedication in our communities' manifold services. We ask all of them, too, to place their presence and their service in the Church in the perspective of the new evangelization, taking care of their own human and Christian formation, their understanding of the faith and their sensitivity to contemporary cultural phenomena. With regard to the laity, a special word goes to the various forms of old and new associations, together with the ecclesial movements and the new communities: All are an expression of the richness of the gifts that the Spirit bestows on the Church. We also thank these forms of life and of commitment in the Church, exhorting them to be faithful to their proper charism and to earnest ecclesial communion especially in the concrete context of the particular Churches. Witnessing to the Gospel is not the privilege of one or of a few. We recognize with joy the presence of many men and women who with their lives become a sign of the Gospel in the midst of the world. We recognize them even in many of our Christian brothers and sisters with whom unity unfortunately is not yet full, but are nevertheless marked by the Lord's Baptism and proclaim it. In these days it was a moving experience for us to listen to the voices of many authorities of Churches and ecclesial communities who gave witness to their thirst for Christ and their dedication to the proclamation of the Gospel. They, too, are convinced that the world needs a new evangelization. We are grateful to the Lord for this unity in the necessity of the mission. That the youth may encounter Christ The youth are particularly dear to us, because they, who are a significant part of humanity's and the Church's present, are also their future. With regard to them, the Bishops are far from being pessimistic. Concerned, yes; but not pessimistic. We are concerned because the most aggressive attacks of our times happen to converge precisely on them. We are not, however, pessimistic, above all because what moves in the depths of history is Christ's love, but also because we sense in our youth deep aspirations for authenticity, truth, freedom, generosity, to which we are convinced that the adequate response is Christ. We want to support them in their search and we encourage our communities to listen to, dialogue with and respond boldly and without reservation to the difficult condition of the youth. We want our communities to harness, and not to suppress, the power of their enthusiasm; to struggle for them against the fallacies and selfish ventures of worldly powers which, to their own advantage, dissipate the energies and waste the passion of the young, taking from them every grateful memory of the past and every earnest vision of the future. The world of the young is a demanding but also particularly promising field of the New Evangelization. This is demonstrated by many experiences, from those that draw many of them like the World Youth Days, to the most hidden – but nonetheless powerful – like the different experiences of spirituality, service and mission. The youth's active role in evangelizing first and foremost their world is to be recognized. The Gospel in dialogue with human culture and experience and with religions The New Evangelization is centered on Christ and on care for the human person in order to give life to a real encounter with him. However, its horizons are as wide as the world and beyond any human experience. This means that it carefully cultivates the dialogue with cultures, confident that it can find in each of them the “seeds of the Word” about which the ancient Fathers spoke. In particular, the new evangelization needs a renewed alliance between faith and reason. We are convinced that faith has the capacity to welcome every product of a sound mind open to transcendence and the strength to heal the limits and contradictions into which reason could fall. Faith does not close its eyes, not even before the excruciating questions arising from evil's presence in life and in history, in order to draw the light of hope from Christ's Paschal Mystery. The encounter between faith and reason nourishes also the Christian community's commitment in the field of education and culture. The institutions of formation and of research – schools and universities – occupy a special place in this. Wherever human intelligence is developed and educated, the Church is pleased to bring her experience and contribution to the integral formation of the person. In this context particular care is to be reserved for catholic schools and for catholic universities, in which the openness to transcendence that belongs to every authentic cultural and educational course, must be fulfilled in paths of encounter with the event of Jesus Christ and of his Church. May the gratitude of the Bishops reach all who, in sometimes difficult conditions, are involved in this. Evangelization requires that we pay much attention to the world of social communication, especially the new media, in which many lives, questions and expectations converge. It is the place where consciences are often formed, where people spend their time and live their lives. It is a new opportunity for touching the human heart. A particular field of the encounter between faith and reason today is the dialogue with scientific knowledge. This is not at all far from faith, since it manifests the spiritual principle that God placed in his creatures. It allows us to see the rational structures on which creation is founded. When science and technology do not presume to imprison humanity and the world in a barren materialism, they become an invaluable ally in making life more humane. Our thanks also go to those who are involved in this sensitive field of knowledge. We also want to thank men and women involved in another expression of the human genius, art in its various forms, from the most ancient to the most recent. We recognize in works of art a particularly meaningful way of expressing spirituality inasmuch as they strive to embody humanity's attraction to beauty. We are grateful when artists through their beautiful creations bring out the beauty of God's face and that of his creatures. The way of beauty is a particularly effective path of the new evangelization. In addition to works of art, all of human activity draws our attention as an opportunity in which we cooperate in divine creation through work. We want to remind the world of economy and of labor of some reminders arising from the Gospel: to redeem work from the conditions that often make it an unbearable burden and an uncertain future threatened by youth unemployment, to place the human person at the center of economic development, to think of this development as an occasion for humanity to grow in justice and unity. Humanity transforms the world through work. Nevertheless he is called to safeguard the integrity of creation out of a sense of responsibility towards future generations. The Gospel also illuminates the suffering brought about by disease. Christians must help the sick feel that the Church is near to persons with illness or with disabilities. Christians are to thank all who take care of them professionally and humanely. A field in which the light of the Gospel can and must shine in order to illuminate humanity's footsteps is politics. Politics requires a commitment of selfless and sincere care for the common good by fully respecting the dignity of the human person from conception to natural end, honoring the family founded by the marriage of a man and a woman and protecting academic freedom; by removing the causes of injustice, inequality, discrimination, violence, racism, hunger and war. Christians are asked to give a clear witness to the precept of charity in the exercise of politics. Finally, the Church considers the other religions are her natural partners in dialogue. One is evangelized because one is convinced of the truth of Christ, not because one is against another. The Gospel of Jesus is peace and joy, and his disciples are happy to recognize whatever is true and good that humanity's religious spirit has been able to glimpse in the world created by God and that it has expressed in the various religions. The dialogue among religions intends to be a contribution to peace. It rejects every fundamentalism and denounces every violence that is brought upon believers as serious violations of human rights. The Churches of the whole world are united in prayer and in fraternity to the suffering brethren and ask those who are responsible for the destinies of peoples to safeguard everyone's right to freely choose, profess and witness to one's faith. Remembering the Second Vatican Council and referring to the Catechism of the Catholic Church in the Year of Faith In the path opened by the New Evangelization, we might also feel as if we were in a desert, in the midst of dangers and lacking points of reference. The Holy Father Benedict XVI, in his homily for the Mass opening the Year of Faith, spoke of a “spiritual ‘desertification'” that has advanced in the last decades. But he also encouraged us by affirming that “it is in starting from the experience of this desert, from this void, that we can again discover the joy of believing, its vital importance for us, men and women. In the desert we rediscover the value of what is essential for living” (Homily for the Eucharistic celebration for the opening of the Year of Faith, Rome, 11 October 2012). In the desert, like the Samaritan woman, we seek water and a well from which to drink: blessed is the one who encounters Christ there! We thank the Holy Father for the gift of the Year of Faith, an exquisite portal into the path of the new evangelization. We thank him also for having linked this Year to the grateful remembrance of the opening of the Second Vatican Council fifty years ago. Its fundamental magisterium for our time shines in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which is proposed once more as a sure reference of faith twenty years after its publication. These are important anniversaries, which allow us to reaffirm our close adherence to the Council's teaching and our firm commitment to carry on its implementation. Contemplating the mystery and being at the side of the poor In this perspective we wish to indicate to all the faithful two expressions of the life of faith which seem particularly important to us for witnessing to it in the New Evangelization. The first is constituted by the gift and experience of contemplation. A testimony that the world would consider credible can arise only from an adoring gaze at the mystery of God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, only from the deep silence that receives the unique saving Word like a womb. Only this prayerful silence can prevent the word of salvation from being lost in the many noises that overrun the world. We now address a word of gratitude to all men and women who dedicate their lives in monasteries and hermitages to prayer and contemplation. Moments of contemplation must interweave with people's ordinary lives: spaces in the soul, but also physical ones, that remind us of God; interior sanctuaries and temples of stone that, like crossroads, keep us from losing ourselves in a flood of experiences; opportunities in which all could feel accepted, even those who barely know what and whom to seek. The other symbol of authenticity of the new evangelization has the face of the poor. Placing ourselves side by side with those who are wounded by life is not only a social exercise, but above all a spiritual act because it is Christ's face that shines in the face of the poor: “Whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). We must recognize the privileged place of the poor in our communities, a place that does not exclude anyone, but wants to reflect how Jesus bound himself to them. The presence of the poor in our communities is mysteriously powerful: it changes persons more than a discourse does, it teaches fidelity, it makes us understand the fragility of life, it asks for prayer: in short, it brings us to Christ. The gesture of charity, on the other hand, must also be accompanied by commitment to justice, with an appeal that concerns all, poor and rich. Hence, the social doctrine of the Church is integral to the pathways of the new evangelization, as well as the formation of Christians to dedicate themselves to serve the human community in social and political life. To the Churches in the various regions of the world The vision of the Bishops gathered in the synodal assembly embraces all the ecclesial communities spread throughout the world. Their vision seeks to be comprehensive, because the call to encounter Christ is one, while keeping diversity in mind. The Bishops gathered in the Synod gave special consideration, full of fraternal affection and gratitude, to you Christians of the Catholic Oriental Churches, those who are heirs of the first wave of evangelization – an experience preserved with love and faithfulness – and those present in Eastern Europe. Today the Gospel comes to you again in a new evangelization through liturgical life, catechesis, daily family prayer, fasting, solidarity among families, the participation of the laity in the life of communities and in dialogue with society. In many places your Churches are amidst trials and tribulation through which they witness to their participation in the sufferings of Christ. Some of the faithful are forced to emigrate. Keeping alive their oneness with their community of origin, they can contribute to the pastoral care and to the work of evangelization in the countries that have welcomed them. May the Lord continue to bless your faithfulness. May your future be marked by the serene confession and practice of your faith in peace and religious liberty. We look to you Christians, men and women, who live in the countries of Africa and we express our gratitude for your witness to the Gospel often in difficult circumstances. We exhort you to revive the evangelization that you received in recent times, to build the Church as the family of God, to strengthen the identity of the family, to sustain the commitment of priests and catechists especially in the small Christian communities. We affirm the need to develop the encounter between the Gospel and old and new cultures. Great expectation and a strong appeal is addressed to the world of politics and to the governments of the various countries of Africa, so that, in collaboration with all people of good will, basic human rights may be promoted and the continent freed from violence and conflicts which still afflict it. The Bishops of the synodal Assembly invite you, Christians of North America, to respond with joy to the call to a new evangelization, while they look with gratitude at how your young Christian communities have borne generous fruits of faith, charity and mission. You need to recognize the many expressions of the present culture in the countries of your world which are today far from the Gospel. Conversion is necessary, from which is born a commitment that does not bring you out of your cultures, but in their midst to offer to all the light of faith and the power of life. As you welcome in your generous lands new populations of immigrants and refugees, may you be willing to open the doors of your homes to the faith. Faithful to the commitments taken at the synodal Assembly for America, be united with Latin America in the ongoing evangelization of the continent you share. The synodal assembly addressed the same sentiment of gratitude to the Church in Latin America and the Caribbean. Particularly striking throughout the ages is the development in your countries of forms of popular piety still fixed in the hearts of many people, of charitable service and of dialogue with cultures. Now, in the face of many present challenges, first of all poverty and violence, the Church in Latin America and in the Caribbean is encouraged to live in an ongoing state of mission, announcing the Gospel with hope and joy, forming communities of true missionary disciples of Jesus Christ, showing in the commitment of its sons and daughters how the Gospel could be the source of a new, just and fraternal society. Religious pluralism also tests your Churches and requires a renewed proclamation of the Gospel. To you, Christians of Asia, we also offer a word of encouragement and of exhortation. As a small minority in the continent which houses almost two thirds of the world's population, your presence is a fruitful seed entrusted to the power of the Spirit, which grows in dialogue with the diverse cultures, with the ancient religions and with the countless poor. Although often outcast by society and in many places also persecuted, the Church of Asia, with its firm faith, is a valuable presence of the Christ's Gospel which proclaims justice, life and harmony. Christians of Asia, feel the fraternal closeness of Christians of other countries of the world which cannot forget that in your continent – in the Holy Land – Jesus was born, lived, died and rose from the dead. The Bishops address a word of gratitude and hope to the Churches of the European continent, in part marked today by a strong – sometimes even aggressive – secularization, and in part still wounded by many decades of regimes with ideologies hostile to God and to man. We look with gratitude towards the past, but also to the present, in which the Gospel has created in Europe singular theologies and experiences of faith – often overflowing with holiness – that have been decisive for the evangelization of the whole world: richness of theological thought, variety of charismatic expressions, varied forms of charitable service towards the poor, profound contemplative experiences, the creation of a humanistic culture which has contributed to defining the dignity of the person and shaping the common good. May the present difficulties not pull you down, dear Christians of Europe: may you consider them instead as a challenge to be overcome and an occasion for a more joyful and vivid proclamation of Christ and of his Gospel of life. Finally, the bishops of the synodal assembly greet the people of Oceania who live under the protection of the southern Cross, they thank them for their witness to the Gospel of Jesus. Our prayer for you is that you might feel a profound thirst for new life, like the Samaritan Woman at the well, and that you might be able to hear the word of Jesus which says: “If you knew the gift of God” (John 4:10). May you more strongly feel the commitment to preach the Gospel and to make Jesus known in the world of today. We exhort you to encounter him in your daily life, to listen to him and to discover, through prayer and meditation, the grace to be able to say: “We know that this is truly the Savior of the World” (John 4:42). The star of Mary illumines the desert Arriving at the end of this experience of communion among Bishops of the entire world and of collaboration with the ministry of the Successor of Peter, we hear echoing in us the actual command of Jesus to his disciples: “Go and make disciples of all nations […] and behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age” (Matthew 28:19,20). This time, the mission is not addressed to one geographic area only, but goes to the very hidden depths of the hearts of our contemporaries to draw them back to an encounter with Jesus, the Living One who makes himself present in our communities. This presence fills our hearts with joy. Grateful for the gifts received from him in these days, we raise to him the hymn of praise: “My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord […] The Mighty One has done great things for me” (Luke 1:46,49). We make Mary's words our own: the Lord has indeed done great things for his Church throughout the ages in various parts of the world and we magnify him, certain that he will not fail to look on our poverty in order to show the strength of his arm in our days and to sustain us in the path of the new evangelization. The figure of Mary guides us on our way. Our work, as Pope Benedict XVI told us, can seem like a path across the desert; we know that we must journey, taking with us what is essential: the company of Jesus, the truth of his word, the eucharistic bread which nourishes us, the fellowship of ecclesial communion, the impetus of charity. It is the water of the well that makes the desert bloom. As stars shine more brightly at night in the desert, so the light of Mary, Star of the new evangelization, brightly shines in heaven on our way. To her we confidently entrust ourselves.
There's a lot for Catholics to "like" about the theme for the Church's 2013 World Communications Day. The theme? Social Networks: portals of truth and faith; new spaces for evangelization. Both the Catholic hierarchy and the faithful appear to be taking the internet more seriously than ever by focusing both attention and - of late - financial capital on internet - based evangelization. We'll be chatting with the five Catholic leaders whose new media efforts will help to explain this trend. They'll also tell us what they think should be next on the horizon for Catholics' use of new media in 2013 and beyond.Matt Warner, CEO and Co-Founder of Flocknote (http://www.flocknote.com/)Ashley Collins, Co-Founder of Peter and Paul Ministries (http://www.peterandpaulministries.com) Devin Jones, Co-Founder of Peter and Paul MinistriesJosh Simmons, Founder and CEO of ECatholicWebsites.com (http://www.ecatholicwebsites.com/)Harold Fickett, Managing Editor (USA) for Aleteia.org (http://www.aleteia.org/)
There's a lot for Catholics to "like" about the theme for the Church's 2013 World Communications Day. The theme? Social Networks: portals of truth and faith; new spaces for evangelization. Both the Catholic hierarchy and the faithful appear to be taking the internet more seriously than ever by focusing both attention and - of late - financial capital on internet - based evangelization. We'll be chatting with the five Catholic leaders whose new media efforts will help to explain this trend. They'll also tell us what they think should be next on the horizon for Catholics' use of new media in 2013 and beyond.Matt Warner, CEO and Co-Founder of Flocknote (http://www.flocknote.com/)Ashley Collins, Co-Founder of Peter and Paul Ministries (http://www.peterandpaulministries.com) Devin Jones, Co-Founder of Peter and Paul MinistriesJosh Simmons, Founder and CEO of ECatholicWebsites.com (http://www.ecatholicwebsites.com/)Harold Fickett, Managing Editor (USA) for Aleteia.org (http://www.aleteia.org/)
Today's host(s): Scot Landry and Fr. Matt Williams Today's guest(s): Domenico Bettinelli Links from today's show: Today's topics: Pope Benedict's message for World Communications Day Summary of today's show: What does silence have to do with communication? Everything, says Pope Benedict XVI in his latest message for World Communications Day. Scot Landry and Fr. Matt Williams are joined by Domenico Bettinelli to talk about the Holy Father's message and the importance of creating a balance between word, silence, images and sound and to let silence lead to contemplation which leads to a deeper relationship with Christ. 1st segment: Scot welcomed everyone to the show and welcomed Fr. Matt Williams back from leading the pilgrimage for the March for Life in Washington, DC. Scot said Monday's show was recorded before the actual March and asked how it went. Fr. Matt gave kudos to the people from his office who coordinated the March: Kathy Stebbins, Steve Colella, and Danielle Olsen. He also said all the group leaders were amazing in their witness and they were a pleasure to work with. After the recording on Monday, they traveled down to Sixth Avenue and lined up with Cardinal Seán, marching with him. Scot asked about the weather. Fr. Matt said it was raining at the start, but for 85% of the walk they didn't need umbrellas. He said many of the groups of kids stopped and prayed the Divine Mercy chaplet in front of the Supreme Court. Fr. Matt talked about how the three different age groups did their own thing after the March. Scot said he's heard some seminarians tell him that going on a March for Life was the beginning of their call to the priesthood. He said he hopes that many of the pilgrims have the opportunity to discern their vocation. He also said he hopes the pilgrimage see that they are not alone in living their faith. Fr. Matt said the pilgrims are accompanied by witnesses who show them how to live that Catholic life. Whenever you see a priest or religious, you can say that person gave their life for me and the witnesses on the March showed the same truth. The pilgrimage exposes them to the experience of God through all these different streams. Scot said the Popes have issued for 42 years a message on the Feast of St. Francis de Sales and in recent years it's been focused on digital media. This year, Pope Benedict focuses on the value of silence in communication. 2nd segment: Scot welcomed Dom and said we'll read each paragraph and comment on it as we go. As we draw near to World Communications Day 2012, I would like to share with you some reflections concerning an aspect of the human process of communication which, despite its importance, is often overlooked and which, at the present time, it would seem especially necessary to recall. It concerns the relationship between silence and word: two aspects of communication which need to be kept in balance, to alternate and to be integrated with one another if authentic dialogue and deep closeness between people are to be achieved. When word and silence become mutually exclusive, communication breaks down, either because it gives rise to confusion or because, on the contrary, it creates an atmosphere of coldness; when they complement one another, however, communication acquires value and meaning. Silence is an integral element of communication; in its absence, words rich in content cannot exist. In silence, we are better able to listen to and understand ourselves; ideas come to birth and acquire depth; we understand with greater clarity what it is we want to say and what we expect from others; and we choose how to express ourselves. By remaining silent we allow the other person to speak, to express him or herself; and we avoid being tied simply to our own words and ideas without them being adequately tested. In this way, space is created for mutual listening, and deeper human relationships become possible. It is often in silence, for example, that we observe the most authentic communication taking place between people who are in love: gestures, facial expressions and body language are signs by which they reveal themselves to each other. Joy, anxiety, and suffering can all be communicated in silence – indeed it provides them with a particularly powerful mode of expression. Silence, then, gives rise to even more active communication, requiring sensitivity and a capacity to listen that often makes manifest the true measure and nature of the relationships involved. When messages and information are plentiful, silence becomes essential if we are to distinguish what is important from what is insignificant or secondary. Deeper reflection helps us to discover the links between events that at first sight seem unconnected, to make evaluations, to analyze messages; this makes it possible to share thoughtful and relevant opinions, giving rise to an authentic body of shared knowledge. For this to happen, it is necessary to develop an appropriate environment, a kind of ‘eco-system' that maintains a just equilibrium between silence, words, images and sounds. 3rd segment: The process of communication nowadays is largely fueled by questions in search of answers. Search engines and social networks have become the starting point of communication for many people who are seeking advice, ideas, information and answers. In our time, the internet is becoming ever more a forum for questions and answers – indeed, people today are frequently bombarded with answers to questions they have never asked and to needs of which they were unaware. If we are to recognize and focus upon the truly important questions, then silence is a precious commodity that enables us to exercise proper discernment in the face of the surcharge of stimuli and data that we receive. Amid the complexity and diversity of the world of communications, however, many people find themselves confronted with the ultimate questions of human existence: Who am I? What can I know? What ought I to do? What may I hope? It is important to affirm those who ask these questions, and to open up the possibility of a profound dialogue, by means of words and interchange, but also through the call to silent reflection, something that is often more eloquent than a hasty answer and permits seekers to reach into the depths of their being and open themselves to the path towards knowledge that God has inscribed in human hearts. Ultimately, this constant flow of questions demonstrates the restlessness of human beings, ceaselessly searching for truths, of greater or lesser import, that can offer meaning and hope to their lives. Men and women cannot rest content with a superficial and unquestioning exchange of skeptical opinions and experiences of life – all of us are in search of truth and we share this profound yearning today more than ever: “When people exchange information, they are already sharing themselves, their view of the world, their hopes, their ideals” (Message for the 2011 World Day of Communications ). Attention should be paid to the various types of websites, applications and social networks which can help people today to find time for reflection and authentic questioning, as well as making space for silence and occasions for prayer, meditation or sharing of the word of God. In concise phrases, often no longer than a verse from the Bible, profound thoughts can be communicated, as long as those taking part in the conversation do not neglect to cultivate their own inner lives. It is hardly surprising that different religious traditions consider solitude and silence as privileged states which help people to rediscover themselves and that Truth which gives meaning to all things. The God of biblical revelation speaks also without words: “As the Cross of Christ demonstrates, God also speaks by his silence. The silence of God, the experience of the distance of the almighty Father, is a decisive stage in the earthly journey of the Son of God, the incarnate Word …. God's silence prolongs his earlier words. In these moments of darkness, he speaks through the mystery of his silence”(Verbum Domini ,21). The eloquence of God's love, lived to the point of the supreme gift, speaks in the silence of the Cross. After Christ's death there is a great silence over the earth, and on Holy Saturday, when “the King sleeps and God slept in the flesh and raised up those who were sleeping from the ages”(cf. Office of Readings, Holy Saturday), God's voice resounds, filled with love for humanity. If God speaks to us even in silence, we in turn discover in silence the possibility of speaking with God and about God. “We need that silence which becomes contemplation, which introduces us into God's silence and brings us to the point where the Word, the redeeming Word, is born” (Homily, Eucharistic Celebration with Members of the International Theological Commission , 6 October 2006). In speaking of God's grandeur, our language will always prove inadequate and must make space for silent contemplation. Out of such contemplation springs forth, with all its inner power, the urgent sense of mission, the compelling obligation “to communicate that which we have seen and heard” so that all may be in communion with God (1 Jn 1:3). Silent contemplation immerses us in the source of that Love who directs us towards our neighbours so that we may feel their suffering and offer them the light of Christ, his message of life and his saving gift of the fullness of love. In silent contemplation, then, the eternal Word, through whom the world was created, becomes ever more powerfully present and we become aware of the plan of salvation that God is accomplishing throughout our history by word and deed. As the Second Vatican Council reminds us, divine revelation is fulfilled by “deeds and words having an inner unity: the deeds wrought by God in the history of salvation manifest and confirm the teaching and realities signified by the words, while the words proclaim the deeds and clarify the mystery contained in them”(Dei Verbum ,2).This plan of salvation culminates in the person of Jesus of Nazareth, the mediator and the fullness of all revelation. He has made known to us the true face of God the Father and by his Cross and Resurrection has brought us from the slavery of sin and death to the freedom of the children of God. The fundamental question of the meaning of human existence finds in the mystery of Christ an answer capable of bringing peace to the restless human heart. The Church's mission springs from this mystery; and it is this mystery which impels Christians to become heralds of hope and salvation, witnesses of that love which promotes human dignity and builds justice and peace. Word and silence: learning to communicate is learning to listen and contemplate as well as speak. This is especially important for those engaged in the task of evangelization: both silence and word are essential elements, integral to the Church's work of communication for the sake of a renewed proclamation of Christ in today's world. To Mary, whose silence “listens to the Word and causes it to blossom”(Private Prayer at the Holy House , Loreto, 1 September 2007), I entrust all the work of evangelization which the Church undertakes through the means of social communication.
**Today's host(s):** Scot Landry **Today's guest(s):** Dr. John Garvey, president of Catholic University of America, and Domenico Bettinelli, creative director of the Office for New Media of the Archdiocese of Boston * [Catholic University of America](http://www.cua.edu) * [Office for New Media](http://www.pilotnewmedia.com) **Today's topics:** Catholics in new media; Catholic University of America **Summary of today's show:** Dom Bettinelli joins Scot to talk about new media and how the Church and all Catholics should engage the "digital continent," then Scot and John Garvey, president of Catholic University of America, discuss the link between virtue and the intellectual life and how that resulted in a decision to have single-sex dorms only. **1st segment:** Scot welcomes everyone to the show on this Independence Day holiday. He said Pope Benedict has focused in his recent addresses for World Communications Day on the need for each of us in the Catholic Church to embrace the "digital continent." That will be today's primary topic. He will also interview Dr. John Garvey on his first year as president of the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC, as well as his recent decision to make all dorms at the university single sex. Scot welcomed Dom Bettinelli to the show. He's usually behind the scenes of the show, making these shownotes and maintaining the website, but now he's in front of the mike. * ["Social media: Friend or Foe, Google or Hornswoggle," presented by Bishop Ronald Herzog at the US bishops, Fall 2010](http://www.usccb.org/meetings/2010Fall/2010-address-social-media.shtml) * [Pope Benedict's message for the 43rd World Communications Day](http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/messages/communications/documents/hf_ben-xvi_mes_20090124_43rd-world-communications-day_en.html) * [Pope Benedict's message for the 44th World Communications Day](http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/messages/communications/documents/hf_ben-xvi_mes_20100124_44th-world-communications-day_en.html) * [Pope Benedict's message for the 45th World Communications Day](http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/messages/communications/documents/hf_ben-xvi_mes_20110124_45th-world-communications-day_en.html) * [Address by Pope Benedict to the plenary assembly of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, 2009](http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/speeches/2009/october/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20091029_pccs_en.html) * [Address by Pope Benedict to the Congress on "Digital Witnesses: Faces and Languages in a Cross-Media Age," 2010](http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/speeches/2010/april/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20100424_testimoni-digitali_en.html) * [Address by Pope Benedict to the plenary assembly of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, 2011](http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/speeches/2011/february/documents/hf_ben-xvi_spe_20110228_pccs_en.html) Ever since Scot has known Dom, which predates their working together, Dom has been one of the pioneers within the Boston archdiocese for the embracing of new technologies in terms of blogs, Facebook, and Twitter. Dom said is interest in the technology for using it to communicate the faith goes back many years to when he was a child. He was on the leading edge of the Internet and there's been something exciting about connecting to people far and wide throughout the world, to be present to one another even when not physically present. Dom's wife Melanie is also very involved in new media. Scot asked if they met online. They met at Mass during the sign of peace. Dom set up Melanie's first website when they were dating. It was a way for her to communicate with her students when she was teaching at Salem State College. Now he refers to her as the famous blogger in the family with a wide audience. Her blog is at [The Wine Dark Sea](http://www.thewinedarksea.com), which is a reference from Homer--the Greek, not the cartoon character. Scot and Dom will be looking at a document delivered by Bishop Ron Herzog of Alexandria, Louisiana, to his brother bishops at the meeting of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) last November on social media. He got the bishops up to speed on both the technology and why every diocese should embrace it. He also articulated that people who embrace this new form of communication are on a digital continent. Dom said when the Holy Father refers to it as a digital continent he's connecting to the Church's history of evangelization, when the apostles and later Christians spread out the world with the Gospel. This is yet another part of the new world. It's a new place to bring the faith. Bishop Herzog said: >Pope Benedict XVI calls the world of social media a Digital Continent, with natives, immigrants, and even missionaries. He encourages Catholics, especially our priests, to approach this culture of 140 characters and virtual friendships as a great opportunity for evangelization. We are asked to respect the culture of these Twitterers and Facebookers, and to engage on their terms to bring Christ into their “brave new world.” Dom said the natives are anyone under the age of 25, who have grown up without ever knowing a world without the Internet, without email, without instant worldwide communication. Maybe other older people who've been living in this world on a daily basis for years. The immigrants might be anyone else who've seen the Internet, like our parents and grandparents, who use the Internet now to stay connected with family and friends and to be informed and entertained. The missionaries should be all Christians. Pope Benedict is clear about bringing Christ to the Internet, to be Christ for people because the Internet can be a vast wasteland. There's a lot of emptiness. You can see the yearning and even hostility toward faith. **2nd segment:** Bishop Herzog begins his address with: >I often hear people, both in my work and in my circle of friends, who dismiss social media as frivolous and shallow. Who can blame them? > >Twittering. >Status updates. >Blogs. >The very words used by the practitioners seem to beg for ridicule. Their light-hearted twisting of the language suggests that these are the latest fad in a culture that picks up and drops fads quicker than the time it takes me to figure out my cell phone bill. I am here today to suggest that you should not allow yourselves to be fooled by its appearance. Social media is proving itself to be a force with which to be reckoned. If not, the church may be facing as great a challenge as that of the Protestant Reformation. >That sounds like more hyperbole, doesn't it? But the numbers are compelling. There are more than 750 million Facebook users, bigger than every country but China and India. Bishop Herzog is addressing his brother bishops, most of whom are in their 50s, 60s, and 70s; only a handful of them are in their 40s. Only a handful embrace new media. Dom said it's good he's trying to put them in terms they can grasp. It's easy in this world of consumerism, of a fad a minute, to dismiss this as something that will be here today and gone tomorrow, replaced by some shiny new distraction. But this is a fundamental sea change in communication. This is as big of a change in society as the Industrial Revolution, as Pope Benedict says. It changes everything. The Church has to embrace if we don't want to end up with another problem as big as the Protestant reformation when the Church was slow to embrace the change of communications caused by the printing press. This is something we need to be a leader in. The Church has to be a leader in communications because the Church has the most important message. Scot asked why this is truly a revolution. Dom said it changes the relationship among institutions and individuals. In the past, you get your newspaper from a big corporation with lots of reporters and editors and photographers who hand it to you and it has an authority to it. Then the individual consumes it. It's a one-to-many conversation. With the Internet all those barriers are gone. Anyone can set up a website or start a podcast. Everyone can use Twitter and Facebook. It doesn't cost much money to start these things. You can set up a nice blog for free. A podcast requires a little technical gear and some costs, but compared to starting up a newspaper or magazine or radio station or TV station, it's nothing. The expectations people have are very different. People expect a dialogue with the institutions and organizations they interact with. Some companies already get this. If went on Twitter today and complained publicly about Comcast, you would get a Twitter response from someone who worked for Comcast asking how they can help. People expect an immediacy of response. As the keeper of the Archdiocesan Twitter account, Dom has tried to do some of this. For example, there was someone from the West Coast who went on Twitter and said he needed help from a Catholic in the Boston area to get a priest to visit someone in the hospital. He'd said that it seemed there weren't any priests willing to help someone, which obviously wasn't true. Dom knew that it just had to be a breakdown in communications of some sort. He jumped in and asked how the archdiocese could help. Long story, short: They did get a priest in to see this lady and the guy went from being hostile toward the Catholic Church to being really appreciative and complimentary to what Dom was doing. It was a simple thing, but it goes to what people expect in this one-to-one dialogue. Scot said Bishop Herzog and Pope Benedict talk about how this is a different culture. This is how people receive information, it's how they exchange information, and it's the way they form their ideas about what's going in current events or how the teachings of Jesus Christ as relevant to them. Bishop Herzog writes: >One of the greatest challenges of this culture to the Catholic Church is its egalitarianism. Anyone can create a blog; everyone's opinion is valid. And if a question or contradiction is posted, the digital natives expect a response and something resembling a conversation. We can choose not to enter into that cultural mindset, but we do so at great peril to the Church's credibility and approachability in the minds of the natives, those who are growing up in this new culture. This is a new form of pastoral ministry. It may not be the platform we were seeking, but it is an opportunity of such magnitude that we should consider carefully the consequences of disregarding it. He's trying to say to his brother bishops that this isn't a fad, but that this is the way people communicate. The Church needs to embrace it and they need to do it well. That doesn't mean just the bishop has to have a Twitter account, but that he needs to champion and help promote an attitude among everyone working for the Church and every Catholic in the pew to share their faith and information about what they're doing in this way. Dom said it's also not just about links to press releases. It's about being present, having a ministry of presence on the Internet. His caution on egalitarianism is well taken because there can be a sense where every voice on the Internet is as authoritative as the next. Who do I believe, where do I turn for the truth? This is why we need the authoritative voices of the bishop and his appointed ministers online to be that authoritative voice for the Church. Bishop Herzog gave an example of the USCCB's Facebook page which can highlight the power of social media, which can be an inspiration for a parish, a diocese, or a ministry. >The USCCB started a community on Facebook last August. There are now 25,000 ‘fans' associated with that community. Every day, USCCB staff provides at least four items of information to those 25,000 people: the daily Scripture readings, news releases, links to information on our marriage and vocation websites, and other information. Furthermore, if those 25,000 are like the average profile of a Facebook user, they have 130 friends, or contacts, on Facebook. With one click they can share the information they receive from USCCB. If only 10 percent of the USCCB fans share what they receive from USCCB, we are reaching 325,000 people. Multiple times a day. All it costs us is staff time. Scot said it's the most efficient way of communicating with large numbers of people that we've ever had. Dom said there's no printing costs, no paper, no ink, no trucks to deliver it. Facebook carries the freight. All it takes is a little time. The Archdiocese has a Facebook page: [Facebook.com/BostonCatholic](http://www.Facebook.com/BostonCatholic). We do something similar. There is a priest of day to pray for, Scripture readings of the day, and any interesting news stories that have something to do with the faith in Boston. People link to them and click on them, they love to see their priests' names up there. There's a connection that people have, an identity is created with the Church that they might not otherwise have. People in the Boston area have an identity with the parish especially. This gives them a connection with the Church of Boston, the Archdiocese. It widens the scope a bit. **3rd segment:** Scot asked what the Archdiocese of Boston is doing in social media and how people can connect with it. If you have a Facebook account, go to Facebook.com and search for Boston Catholic or Archdiocese of Boston or go directly to [Facebook.com/BostonCatholic](http://www.Facebook.com/BostonCatholic), click "Like" and become one of the 1,300-plus people who like the Archdiocese. There's no obligation on the user's part. Items from the Archdiocese will show up in your news stream automatically and you can share them with your other Facebook friends, just like Bishop Herzog was talking. There's also Facebook pages for [The Pilot](http://www.Facebook.com/TheBostonPilot) and [CatholicTV](http://www.facebook.com/catholictv) and [this program](http://www.facebook.com/thegoodcatholiclife). Scot asked what's the advantage of liking those pages. One benefit is that it helps promote the good works of those ministries. For The Good Catholic Life, they would see a link to the day's show, including shownotes and a downloadable podcast, photos. The Pilot posts links to articles throughout the day and so readers don't have to wait until the end of the week to see the latest news. Twitter is for very short messages with links to particular stories. The Archdiocese's account is [Twitter.com/BostonCatholic](http://www.twitter.com/BostonCatholic), but CatholicTV, the Pilot, and The Good Catholic Life also have them. Twitter is a different medium. Dom said Facebook has a lot of other stuff going on, but Twitter is focused on that communication. It's also a broadcast medium in which anyone can see what's written. You don't have to be a member or follower to see. But if you do follow you get the messages automatically. But you would join because you want to communicate directly with someone. A lot of people like to "retweet" which is the equivalent of forwarding, the interesting things you read. Dom said if you really want to be entertained, follow Bishop Chris Coyne on Twitter [(@bishopcoyne)](http://twitter.com/#!/bishopcoyne), who's originally from Boston but is now an auxiliary in Indianapolis. He's one of the most amazing bishop-tweeters out there. He gets it. If you want to see what a bishop can do on Twitter, you should follow him. His tweets from when he was at the Indianapolis 500 to give the invocation were priceless. Scot said beyond Facebook and Twitter are blogs and certainly many people know about [Cardinal Seán's Blog](http://www.cardinalseansblog.com), but there are other priests who have blogs. They're a great way to learn about issues, usually in depth. Dom said there are several kinds of blogs, including newsy ones that discuss what's topical, including blogs by canon lawyers and priests who blog about the liturgy and Catholic fathering, blogs about being a great Catholic moms. There's an amazing diversity of intellect and experience. As a Catholic dad, he enjoys reading Catholic moms. The Archdiocese also posts videos on [Youtube](http://www.youtube.com/BostonCatholic) and [Vimeo](http://www.vimeo.com/BostonCatholic). Whenever they use a visual medium, Dom puts it on Youtube and Vimeo. Vimeo has a bit better presentation and technology, while YouTube is just ubiquitous, everywhere. This summer, the Office for New Media is going to Madrid for World Youth Day with the Boston pilgrimage and will be covering the event at [WYDMadridBoston.com](http://www.wydmadridboston.com), where there will be videos, photos, blog posts everyday, following the pilgrims, helping people follow along. Video will be priceless for that because it will be posted within moments of the events taking place in some cases. Scot said the great photo-sharing site is Flickr.com and the Archdiocese's site there is [Flickr.com/BostonCatholic](http://www.flickr.com/BostonCatholic), where George Martell's photos of archdiocesan events are put. Dom said they have some great technology that allows photos to be transmitted instantaneously from George's cameras to Flickr from wherever he is, in real-time. Scot said there's tremendous technology and the archdiocese is trying to use every possible means, often through Dom's fingers on some sort of mobile device or computer keyboard. **4th segment:** Scot welcomes John Garvey to the program. This past week he completed his first year as president of CUA. John said it's flown by and it's been wonderful for him and his family. * [John Garvey's inauguration address as president of Catholic University of America, "Intellect and Virtue: The Idea of a Catholic University"](http://president.cua.edu/inauguration/GarveyInaugurationAddress.cfm) * ["Ending coed dorms at CUA mostly hailed," Washington Times, 6/16/11](http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/jun/16/ending-coed-dorms-at-cua-mostly-hailed/?page=all) It's been a completely new experience, even though he and his wife have worked at universities for whole adult lives. He was recently dean of Boston College Law School where the students were mostly older and he'd forgotten what a lot of growing up people do between college and law school. Those six or eight years make a big difference in the interests of the students and the focus of the institution. Scot noted he'd spent a lot of time at Catholic colleges, at University of Notre Dame and BC Law School, but Catholic University is a special kind of Catholic educational institution. John said CUA was begun toward the end of the 19th century as a graduate school o provide higher education to students, many of them priests and religious,who'd mainly been educated in seminaries. The focus on research and graduate education was somewhat unique in America at the time. The university began undergraduate education in the 20th century and they're focusing on it more and more, especially as the role of the laity in the Church has grown since Vatican II. CUA is known as the national Catholic university of the US, founded by the US bishops with the approval of the Holy See. Scot asked how that influences the type of education a student receives compared to other Catholic universities. John said the pontifical faculties of the university means they have a well-known school of theology and the only school of canon law in the United States. They also have pontifical faculties in the school of philosophy. That means they're supervised not just by their professional organizations, but also by the Congregation for Catholic Education in Rome. Another difference is the focus on the Catholic character of the institution. The board of directors comprises about 50 people, 24 of whom are clerical and 18 are all of the cardinals in active service and a dozen bishops from around the US. That board has kept the focus on the mission of the university in service to the Catholic Church. The third difference is the quality of the student life. It's not something they've always done well. They've even faced a challenge in doing it, unlike many of the Catholic universities, which themselves were founded by religious orders which imprinted their particular charisms on the life of the university. Because CUA is the university of the whole Church, they haven't had and they've had to figure out who to do student life in their own and in the past decade they've invited the Conventual Franciscans to help with student life and that has improved things. Scot said Garvey's inauguration was this past January, 2011, and he said Cardinal Seán told Scot that it was one of the best he'd heard in a long time and posted it on his blog. Scot said he think Cardinal Seán liked it because it made the connection between intellect and virtue. Catholic colleges have to help form a more virtuous person. John said his own interest in it arose from the education they got for their own children at Catholic schools. They were concerned when they went to college that they'd learn not just academics, but also how to grow in their commitment to virtue in their own lives. As the president of a Catholic university, he reflects parents may be looking for in his school as well. He thinks it's part of the mission of a Catholic university to concern itself with the development of virtue as well as intellect. **5th segment:** Scot said recently John write an op-ed for the [Wall Street Journal](http://www.opinionjournal.com/public/page/0_0_WP_2600_NewsReel.html?baseDocId=SB20001424052702303745304576361630636338492), where he put the words he shared at his inaugural into practice by making a decision that the dorms at CUA will go back to single sex starting this fall. John does think it's an appropriate signal to send to young people about the kinds of relationships they should have. It's what they would want for their own sons and daughters. He's been surprised at the level of interest in this decision. There have been a number of events on the topic of his inaugural address and at a conference in February, they heard from some young scholars who gave papers on the rates of "hooking up" and binge drinking on college campuses and how these activities took place at higher rates in coed dorms than in single-sex dorms. Scot said some listeners might be surprised that its the norm that larger Catholic universities have coed dorms. What has led to that trend? Will this swing the pendulum back? John said in 30 years we went from single-sex dorms to coed dorms, which is bound up in a lot of changes in society. Part of it was due to the changes brought by Title IX bringing more equality to women in many areas they did not, which he says was good. Changing to coed dorms was kind of just caught up in that rush to change. He said it's good for young men and women to get to know one another in college, so he's not calling for a change back to single-sex education. John said the reaction has been positive on the whole. He's found about 75% of people in favor, but of course there will always be some who are unhappy. This weekend, parishes in the Archdiocese of Boston will be taking up a collection for Catholic University of America. John said there's no diocese in America as generous as the Archdiocese of Boston to CUA. Every dollar raised is given back as scholarship aid to students from those dioceses and parishes. Scot said many contributors may not have attended CUA, but all Catholics should feel part of the mission. Having a Catholic university in Washington, DC, is important for all of us. John said they also continue to educate the future leadership of the Catholic Church as well. It's remarkable how many bishops and priests come through CUA for their higher education. But also the future lay leaders in Catholic colleges, high schools, and parishes as well. For the next year, CUA is conducting strategic planning for the next 10 years. They're already looking for a focus on undergraduate education to improve it. They also want to improve their fundraising, to make it more on par with what other Catholic universities are doing.
**Today's host(s):** Scot Landry **Today's guest(s):** Cardinal Séan O'Malley, Andreas Widmer, Fr. Daniel Hennessey* [The Vatican's official tribute to Blessed John Paul II](http://www.johnpaulii.va/en/)* [The Diocese of Rome's Bl. John Paul II website](http://www.karol-wojtyla.org/En/Home%20Page.aspx)* **Today's topics:** Reflections on the Beatification of Pope John Paul II; Dedication of the radio studio to Bl. John Paul II**A summary of today's show:** Cardinal Sean, Fr. Dan Hennessey, and Andreas Widmer called in from Rome to give their own unique perspectives on the beatification ceremonies: as a cardinal, a priest, and a former Swiss Guard. They also imparted the flavor of the day, the peace and joy evident in the event even in a crowd numbering close to 2 million. Also, today, we dedicate our radio studio under the patronage of Bl. John Paul II.**1st segment:** Yesterday, on Divine Mercy Sunday, Pope Benedict XVI beatified his predecessor, the now Blessed Pope John Paul II. This holy pope was a spiritual father to all of us and an inspiration. On today's program, we'll receive the reflections of 3 pilgrims who are familiar to listeners here on The Good Catholic Life. Later, we'll hear from Father Dan Hennessey, the director of Vocations for the Archdiocese, and Andreas Widmer a former Swiss Guard who now lives in Boston. Cardinal Sean now joins Scot. The Cardinal said it was exciting to be there yesterday. The crowds were enormous, and luckily there were many opportunities for people to participate in different ways. With up to 2 million people in the city, it was very challenging to get up close to the ceremony itself. Last night, the Basilica was open until 3am and there was a column of people filing past the casket of Bl. John Paul. Today there was a Mass of Thanksgiving celebrated by Cardinal Bertone. There were pilgrims from all over the world, virtually every continent. Obviously, yhr Holy Father had touched so many people's lives. No one in history had ever been seen by so many people as John Paul. This ceremony gives testimony to the connectedness that people felt with him.Scot asked what it's like to know someone he knew so well become a blessed in the Church. Cardinal Sean never thought he would grow so old that he would know two people who were beatified: John Paul and Mother Theresa. He was with the Holy Father many times as both a priest and a bishop. He was extraordinarily gifted and real grace for the Church. It's wonderful in our lifetime to have the opportunity to celebrate his ministry and his life.Scot said Pope John Paul wasn't beatified for his papacy, but for his holiness and virtues. He asked Cardinal Sean for any reflections on his holiness. Cardinal Sean said he was impressed how, in the midst of a chaos of a papal visit, wherever it was, he had the ability to concentrate and pray and be recollected. He's sure that was the source of his strength. That was evidence of just how profound his spirituality was. Cardinal Sean said it looked like the entire College of Cardinals was present and he was pleased that Pope Benedict asked all the cardinals to concelebrate. Even a number of retired cardinals in poor health came to Rome to be part of it.Scot asked how Rome was different than all the Cardinal's many trips. There were many people from all over: lots of French and Spanish, also many from Africa. Many people slept in the St. Peter's Square and along the Via della Conciliazione. Scot said he followed many of the Catholic bloggers and Twitterers who were writing during the whole night from the vigil and through the Mass. When Cardinal Sean went by the Basilica last night about 11pm and there was still a huge column. Cardinal Sean also ran into some of those attending today's Vatican meeting of Catholic bloggers, including Anna Arco of the *Catholic Herald* in London.**2nd segment:** Now joined by Fr. Daniel Hennessey from the Basilica of St. Paul-Outside-the-Walls in Rome. He attended the Saturday night vigil at Circus Maximus. He thinks there were several hundred thousand people and it was very peaceful. There was a magnificent of Our Lady and Child. There were several witness interviews, including the religious sister who was cured of Parkinson's and whose miracle was the one that allowed Bl. John Paul to be beatified.On Sunday, he had to get up very early. It wasn't easy to get through the crowds and the security checkpoints, but eventually they got through to sit in the section reserved for priests. He got to sit in front of about 90 percent of the millions who were present. As vocation director, Fr. Dan has talked to a lot of seminarians about the affect John Paul may have had on their lives. To say it was beautiful was an understatement. He believes Bl. John Paul is interceding for us for vocations right now. As a priest himself, he had a total sense of gratitude for the gift of the priesthood. God uses each person, especially priests, as instruments. He was struck how God used John Paul as an instrument to touch so many people. It seemed every person there had a personal connection with John Paul.After the Mass, there was announcement that everyone was welcome to enter the Basilica and venerate the relics. Hundreds of thousands of people started filing in. They closed it at 3am to prepare for today's Thanksgiving Mass. Because of where he was seated, Fr. Dan was able to go in within about an hour. Inside he was struck by the numbers of the infirm who were being brought in and a wide variety of people of all different age groups: families, youth groups, elderly. It was a sign of the universality of his pontificate.Fr. Dan plans to visit the Gesu church, where St. Ignatius' remains are, to celebrate Mass and then go to St. Peter's Mass again before he leaves. He said he prayed for the missionary work of The Good Catholic Life at St. Paul Outside-the-walls.**3rd segment:** Joining Scot now from Rome is Andreas Widmer, former Swiss Guard now living in Boston. He wanted to go to Rome as a pilgrim. As a former Guard he had many privileges and many opportunities for something extra. But now he wanted to be at the beatification as himself, a pilgrim. He wanted to be with the people and a part of the whole event. He ended up standing in the square behind St. Peter's Square. Being tall, he had a good view. Even though there were 1.5 million people, the experience was one of peace and joy. Even though there was hardly space to put both feet on the crowd, there was a fraternity and peacefulness. No one pushed, no one raised their voice. It is a very deep experience of the universal Church.The weather forecast was for rain on Sunday, but it never rained all day. Instead it was blue sky and sun. In front of Andreas was a very young Franciscan who put up his hood to cover his head from the sun. There some people from Argentina, an elderly Italian couple, some Frenchmen, and of course many Poles.Andreas knew Pope John Paul very well in his life, what was it like to be there. He said that John Paul was present in the crowd. There was a jovial atmosphere. People who loved him came together and lived out his spirit.Pope Benedict has made some interesting and positive changes to the beatification ceremony. First, there was the reading of the proclamation and the Pope's approval. The picture of Bl. John Paul was unveiled and the crowd went wild. After that, they had an announcement in 10 languages asking for a prayerful atmosphere for Mass, no clapping and no banners or flags. There were several times in the Mass when it was so quiet and prayerful that he could hear the doves flying above the street.Scot asked what Communion was like. He was in a non-official section, even though there were no official tickets for the event. So he was afraid they wouldn't receive Communion. They did receive, but it took so long that the Mass was continuing on despite them. He believes there was enough for everyone.Andreas was able to venerate John Paul's casket. He said he admires the pilgrims who stood for the Mass and then stood for another 4 hours waiting to see the casket and they only get a few moments to see as they walked past. Andreas said he used his connections with the Swiss Guard to be able to pray next to the casket for a while. There were a lot of people praying, quietly. It was very reverent and quiet.Andreas is also in Rome for the annual swearing-in of the new Swiss Guards on May 6. His nephew is going to be sworn in for the Guard this year. It's also Andreas' 25th anniversary since he joined the Swiss Guard.**4th segment:** Last Tuesday on The Good Catholic Life, Dr. David Franks from St. John's Seminary asked for our prayers as his wife Dr. Angela Franks was prepared to deliver their 5th child on Tuesday 5/3. Well, David texted me earlier today letting me know that Maximilian Joseph Franks didn't want to wait until Tuesday. He was born at 2:27am this morning. 6 pounds, 9 ounces and 18 inches. Angela is doing well. Congratulations to David, Angela, Maximilian Joseph and his 4 older siblings in the Franks household. Pope Benedict is the first pope in 1,000 years to beatify his predecessor and it was a moving day for him yesterday.* [Pope Benedict's homily for the beatification Mass](http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/homilies/2011/documents/hf_ben-xvi_hom_20110501_beatificazione-gpii_en.html)>Six years ago we gathered in this Square to celebrate the funeral of Pope John Paul II. Our grief at his loss was deep, but even greater was our sense of an immense grace which embraced Rome and the whole world: a grace which was in some way the fruit of my beloved predecessor's entire life, and especially of his witness in suffering. Even then we perceived the fragrance of his sanctity, and in any number of ways God's People showed their veneration for him. For this reason, with all due respect for the Church's canonical norms, I wanted his cause of beatification to move forward with reasonable haste. And now the longed-for day has come; it came quickly because this is what was pleasing to the Lord: John Paul II is blessed!Later on he said:>Today is the Second Sunday of Easter, which Blessed John Paul II entitled Divine Mercy Sunday. The date was chosen for today's celebration because, in God's providence, my predecessor died on the vigil of this feast. Today is also the first day of May, Mary's month, and the liturgical memorial of Saint Joseph the Worker. All these elements serve to enrich our prayer, they help us in our pilgrimage through time and space; but in heaven a very different celebration is taking place among the angels and saints! Then he said:>Dear brothers and sisters, today our eyes behold, in the full spiritual light of the risen Christ, the beloved and revered figure of John Paul II. Today his name is added to the host of those whom he proclaimed saints and blesseds during the almost twenty-seven years of his pontificate, thereby forcefully emphasizing the universal vocation to the heights of the Christian life, to holiness, taught by the conciliar Constitution on the Church Lumen Gentium. All of us, as members of the people of God – bishops, priests, deacons, laity, men and women religious – are making our pilgrim way to the heavenly homeland where the Virgin Mary has preceded us, associated as she was in a unique and perfect way to the mystery of Christ and the Church. Karol Wojtyla took part in the Second Vatican Council, first as an auxiliary Bishop and then as Archbishop of Kraków. He was fully aware that the Council's decision to devote the last chapter of its Constitution on the Church to Mary meant that the Mother of the Redeemer is held up as an image and model of holiness for every Christian and for the entire Church. This was the theological vision which Blessed John Paul II discovered as a young man and subsequently maintained and deepened throughout his life. A vision which is expressed in the scriptural image of the crucified Christ with Mary, his Mother, at his side. This icon from the Gospel of John (19:25-27) was taken up in the episcopal and later the papal coat-of-arms of Karol Wojtyla: a golden cross with the letter “M” on the lower right and the motto “Totus tuus”, drawn from the well-known words of Saint Louis Marie Grignion de Montfort in which Karol Wojtyla found a guiding light for his life: “Totus tuus ego sum et omnia mea tua sunt. Accipio te in mea omnia. Praebe mihi cor tuum, Maria – I belong entirely to you, and all that I have is yours. I take you for my all. O Mary, give me your heart” (Treatise on True Devotion to the Blessed Virgin, 266).>>In his Testament, the new Blessed wrote: “When, on 16 October 1978, the Conclave of Cardinals chose John Paul II, the Primate of Poland, Cardinal Stefan Wyszynski, said to me: ‘The task of the new Pope will be to lead the Church into the Third Millennium'”. And the Pope added: “I would like once again to express my gratitude to the Holy Spirit for the great gift of the Second Vatican Council, to which, together with the whole Church – and especially with the whole episcopate – I feel indebted. I am convinced that it will long be granted to the new generations to draw from the treasures that this Council of the twentieth century has lavished upon us. As a Bishop who took part in the Council from the first to the last day, I desire to entrust this great patrimony to all who are and will be called in the future to put it into practice. For my part, I thank the Eternal Shepherd, who has enabled me to serve this very great cause in the course of all the years of my Pontificate”. And what is this “cause”? It is the same one that John Paul II presented during his first solemn Mass in Saint Peter's Square in the unforgettable words: “Do not be afraid! Open, open wide the doors to Christ!” What the newly-elected Pope asked of everyone, he was himself the first to do: society, culture, political and economic systems he opened up to Christ, turning back with the strength of a titan – a strength which came to him from God – a tide which appeared irreversible. By his witness of faith, love and apostolic courage, accompanied by great human charisma, this exemplary son of Poland helped believers throughout the world not to be afraid to be called Christian, to belong to the Church, to speak of the Gospel. In a word: he helped us not to fear the truth, because truth is the guarantee of liberty. To put it even more succinctly: he gave us the strength to believe in Christ, because Christ is Redemptor hominis, the Redeemer of man. This was the theme of his first encyclical, and the thread which runs though all the others.And at the end of his homily:>Finally, on a more personal note, I would like to thank God for the gift of having worked for many years with Blessed Pope John Paul II. I had known him earlier and had esteemed him, but for twenty-three years, beginning in 1982 after he called me to Rome to be Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, I was at his side and came to revere him all the more. My own service was sustained by his spiritual depth and by the richness of his insights. His example of prayer continually impressed and edified me: he remained deeply united to God even amid the many demands of his ministry. Then too, there was his witness in suffering: the Lord gradually stripped him of everything, yet he remained ever a “rock”, as Christ desired. His profound humility, grounded in close union with Christ, enabled him to continue to lead the Church and to give to the world a message which became all the more eloquent as his physical strength declined. In this way he lived out in an extraordinary way the vocation of every priest and bishop to become completely one with Jesus, whom he daily receives and offers in the Eucharist.>>Blessed are you, beloved Pope John Paul II, because you believed! Continue, we implore you, to sustain from heaven the faith of God's people. Amen.**5th segment:** Two weeks ago a benefactor, who wishes to remain anonymous, contacted me with the interest of helping to support the expansion and reach of The Good Catholic Life program. The gift was very generous and I asked if there was a favorite saint that the benefactor would want to suggest to dedicate the studio to and the response was “Pope John Paul II.” So how we are pleased to be able to dedicate this radio studio to Blessed John Paul II. Father Matt Williams is here to lead us in the prayer of blessing and dedication. >God our Father, in your wise and loving providence you raise up men and women, outstanding in holiness, to proclaim the Gospel of your Son, Jesus Christ.>>In our generation, you chose and anointed Blessed John Paul II to be shepherd and father of your pilgrim Church on earth. >>Ablaze with the radiance of your Son, John Paul traveled to the farthest corners of the earth to bear witness to Jesus Christ, the light of the nations; in season and out of season, whether convenient or inconvenient.>>His example teaches and inspires us to “be not afraid” to walk in justice, to proclaim the Truth that sets us free, and to experience the depths of your love and mercy.>>He encouraged the Church in his address for the 34th World Communications Day in 2000 to proclaim Christ through the Media in the new millennium. He said: >“The impact of the media in today's world can hardly be exaggerated. The advent of the information society is a real cultural revolution, making the media "the first Areopagus of the modern age" (Redemptoris Missio, 37), where facts and ideas and values are constantly being exchanged. Through the media, people come into contact with other people and events, and form their opinions about the world they live in - indeed, form their understanding of the meaning of life… The proclamation of Christ must be part of this experience.>>…Naturally, in proclaiming the Lord, the Church must make energetic and skilful use of her own means of communication - books, newspapers and periodicals, radio, television, and other means. And Catholic communicators must be bold and creative in developing new media and methods of proclamation.>>…May the media give voice to Jesus himself, clearly and joyously, with faith and hope and love. To proclaim Christ in the media at the dawn of the new millennium is not only a necessary part of the Church's evangelizing mission; it is also a vital, inspiring and hope-filled enrichment of the media's message. May God abundantly bless all those who honour and proclaim his Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, in the vast world of the means of social communication.”>>Now that John Paul has crossed the threshold of hope into the heavenly kingdom, we ask you Father, through his intercession, to pour out your graces upon the Archdiocese's efforts of evangelization, and in a particular way- this Radio Studio for The Good Catholic Life program. >>Instructed by John Paul's teaching, we pray that we may open our hearts to the saving grace of Christ, the sole redeemer of humankind, and proclaim HIM with the power, the breath and the fire of the Holy Spirit. >>May all listeners come to know and discover the truth that they are a unique and unrepeatable gift from the heart of God. And may they discover in Jesus Christ and His Bride, the Church, the answer and remedy to their heart's deepest questions and longings.>>Father, we ask you now to bless this Radio Studio, for your glory. United under the intercession and maternal care of our Heavenly Mother Mary, we say along with Blessed John Paul II, Totus Tuus Maria. >>We consecrate this Studio to you dear Father, through the powerful intercession of our Lady, and your servant Blessed John Paul II, and we give to you our “FIAT”-“let it be done unto me according to your Word.”>>And may almighty God bless this Radio Studio, In the Name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.>>Mary, Star of the New Evangelization – Pray for us!>Blessed John Paul II – Pray for us!Last night, Fr. Matt Williams preached a Mass on the occasion of the ending Sr. Olga Yaqob's long service in the chaplaincy at Boston University. He noted that several significant events this weekend point us to heaven: the royal wedding points us to the sacrament of marriage and the heavenly marriage banquet of the Lamb of God; the beatification of John Paul; and Sr. Olga's Mass on the feast of Divine Mercy and how that Mercy brings us to heaven.Sr. Olga spoke at the Boston Catholic Women's Conference several years ago, telling her story about coming from Iraq to now being asked by Cardinal Sean to found a new religious order.
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