Sunday, May 20, 2012

46th World Communications Day

Today was the 46th World Communications Day celebrated by the Catholic Church. The Church has embraced the use of media technology as an evangelization tool for quite some time. The Church may not have anticipated the creation of the Internet (thanks Al Gore), but she did have the foresight to know that media would play a key role in evangelization in the 20th and beyond. 

Pope Paul VI in his first World Communications Day (WCD) address said:
It is necessary, however, that the efforts of the workers in the field of social communications be seconded by the united cooperation of all, for it is the responsibility of all that is put to the test: that of parents who are the first, irreplaceable educators of their children; that of teachers whose task it is to instruct their pupils in the knowledge and understanding of the language of modern techniques, showing them how to appreciate what is put forward, how to use these means sensibly with moderation and self-discipline. The responsibility of young people is brought into play, for they are called upon in a high degree to exploit these instruments in their own personal education as well as in the promotion of brotherhood and peace among men. The public authorities too exercise their responsibility in the furtherance and the defence of the common good with due respect for true liberty. (Church and Social Communication, 1967)
Here's a quick overview of WCD:
Books to Read:
The Church and New Media, Brandon Vogt
Noise, Teresa Tomeo

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