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PONTIFICAL MESSAGES ON

WORLD COMMUNICATION
DAY
By Fr. Lito Jopson
Profile of Church and Social
Communications
1936 VIGILANTI CURA of Pius XI
More positivistic
Classification system - Values in media
Challenges of modern means of mass communications
1948 Commission on Cinematography
1954 Commission on Cinematography, Radio,
and TV
Profile of Church and Social
Communications
1957 first encyclical MIRANDA
PRORSUS of Pius XII
Churchs view on electronic media
film, TV, radio
Clear vision on future
developments of the effects of
electronic media
Profile of Church and Social
Communications
1963 INTER MIRIFICA
First time in the history of the Church that an ecumenical
council discussed the means of social communications
New terminology was created in the expression of Social
Communications
Introduced World Day of Communications
Proposal of an overall office for the instruments of Social
Communications
Need for professional training of Church personnel
Directs the Pontifical Commission for the Instruments of
Social Communication to publish a pastoral instruction with
the help of experts from various countries. The Communio
et Progressio was born 1971.
Inter Mirifica, no. 18
18. Moreover, that the varied apostolates of the
Church with respect to the media of social
communication may be strengthened effectively, each
year in every diocese of the world, by the
determination of the Bishops, there should be
celebrated a day on which the faithful are instructed
in their responsibilities in this regard. They should be
invited to pray and contribute funds for this cause.
Such funds are to be expended exclusively on the
promotion, maintenance and development of
institutes and undertakings of the Church in this area,
according to the needs of the whole Catholic world.
1967 Pope Paul VI celebrated with a
special Eucharist the opening of the
first World Communications Day on
May 6, 1967, Culture Verbi, who
like John the Baptist are called to
proclaim the Lord. They are to form,
edify, and save people through the
process of human communication
which presupposes a proper social
conscience.
Pattern of the messages
Relate mostly to current issues of the Church
and society and their relation to social
communications.
Tackles issues related to family (1969, 1979,
1989, 1991, 1994, 2004), youth, elderly, peace
and justice (1983, 1978, 1988, 2003, 2005),
human freedom, evangelization and
reconciliation, importance of social networks
and digital communications
Pattern of the messages
Announced in advance on September 29, feast
day of Archangel Gabriel, patron for all
electronic communication (Pius XII)
Published on January 24, feast of St. Francis de
Sales, patron of Catholic journalists
Actual celebration is the Sunday before Pentecost
Popes messages can be considered basis for a
deeper analysis of the churchs contribution to
human society as well as to the communication
of the Church herself.
2009 Priests and Pastoral
Ministry in a Digital world: New
media at the service of the Word
They are challenged to proclaim the Gospel by employing the latest
generation of audiovisual resources (images, videos, animated
features, blogs, websites) which, alongside traditional means, can
open up broad new vistas for dialogue, evangelization and
catechesis.
They will best achieve this aim if they learn, from the time of their
formation, how to use these technologies in a competent and
appropriate way, shaped by sound theological insights and reflecting
a strong priestly spirituality grounded in constant dialogue with the
Lord.
Priests present in the world of digital communications should be less
notable for their media savvy than for their priestly heart, their
closeness to Christ. This will not only enliven their pastoral outreach,
but also will give a soul to the fabric of communications that makes
up the Web.
Analysis of contents
central optimism in the power of
media
Warning about possible dangers
in their use
Analysis of contents
Used as communication documents for the
Church and council texts of the Church or
Pontifical pronouncements
Topics vary from general to concrete, like Pope
Paul VIs consideration on social
communication in the service of the truth
(1973) and Pope John Paul II (1992)
presentation on Christs message in the
communications media where he goes beyond
mass media.
Analysis of contents
1995 in remembrance of the 100th year of the
invention of film
1997 and following: in consonance with the
preparations for the Third Millennium.
Recent years considerations to
communication in cyberspace and social
networks
How it is celebrated
Pontifical Council for Social Communications
develop supplementary liturgical texts on the
theme; depends on the bishops conferences to
use these supplementary materials how to
actually celebrate the day.
Some bishops invite and hold special receptions
for Catholic journalists of their dioceses
Organize special public presentations and
similar activities to promote social
communications
Target audience

Not only to Christians


and Catholics but also
to people of good
will and
everywhere.
Workshop:
WHAT PASTORAL
RESOLUTIONS CAN EACH
DIOCESE / PARISH COME UP
FROM EACH WORLD
COMMUNICATION DAY
DOCUMENT?

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