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Bishops of India| CBCI Commissions | Dioceses of India| Do you know? |
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42nd World Communications Day November 16, 2008
World Communications Day, the only worldwide celebration called for by the Second Vatican Council (Inter mirifica, 1963), is celebrated in most countries, on the recommendation of the bishops of the world, on the Sunday before Pentecost. In India we celebrate the World Communications Day on the Sunday preceding the Solemnity of Christ, the King. The announcement of the theme is made on September 29, the Feast of the Archangels Michael, Raphael and Gabriel, who has been designated as the patron of those who work in radio. The Holy Father's message for World Communications Day is traditionally published in conjunction with the Memorial of St. Francis de Sales, patron of journalists and writers (January 24). It is recommended that the day be celebrated in the liturgy as well as through public functions, highlighting the significance of the message of the Pope. Parishes, diocesan and regional communication centers, Catholic educational institutions, media houses, religious communities and lay associations are invited to celebrate the event through organsing and conducting one or more programmes, which could include liturgy, group discussions and sharing, competitions, study sessions on the theme, honouring media professionals and acknowledging their contribution to the field of communication. The World Communications
Day is an opportunity for all of us to support those involved
in the media ministry, to help and assist them to carry out
their work effectively. It is also a time to pledge to work
for building up a more holistic media, to build awareness about
ethically sound use of media, and to ensure that the media constitute
an integral part of the different pastoral ministries of the
Church. Archbishop
Leo Cornelio SVD Bishop
Godfrey de Rozario SJ MESSAGE
OF HIS HOLINESS Theme:
Dear Brothers and Sisters! 1. The theme of this year’s World Communications Day – “The Media: At the Crossroads between Self-Promotion and Service. Searching for the Truth in order to Share it with Others” – sheds light on the important role of the media in the life of individuals and society. Truly, there is no area of human experience, especially given the vast phenomenon of globalization, in which the media have not become an integral part of interpersonal relations and of social, economic, political and religious development. As I said in my Message for this year’s World Day of Peace (1 January 2008): “The social communications media, in particular, because of their educational potential, have a special responsibility for promoting respect for the family, making clear its expectations and rights, and presenting all its beauty” (No. 5). 2. In view of their meteoric technological evolution, the media have acquired extraordinary potential, while raising new and hitherto unimaginable questions and problems. There is no denying the contribution they can make to the diffusion of news, to knowledge of facts and to the dissemination of information: they have played a decisive part, for example, in the spread of literacy and in socialization, as well as the development of democracy and dialogue among peoples. Without their contribution it would truly be difficult to foster and strengthen understanding between nations, to breathe life into peace dialogues around the globe, to guarantee the primary good of access to information, while at the same time ensuring the free circulation of ideas, especially those promoting the ideals of solidarity and social justice. Indeed, the media, taken overall, are not only vehicles for spreading ideas: they can and should also be instruments at the service of a world of greater justice and solidarity. Unfortunately, though, they risk being transformed into systems aimed at subjecting humanity to agendas dictated by the dominant interests of the day. This is what happens when communication is used for ideological purposes or for the aggressive advertising of consumer products. While claiming to represent reality, it can tend to legitimize or impose distorted models of personal, family or social life. Moreover, in order to attract listeners and increase the size of audiences, it does not hesitate at times to have recourse to vulgarity and violence, and to overstep the mark. The media can also present and support models of development which serve to increase rather than reduce the technological divide between rich and poor countries. 3. Humanity today is at a crossroads. One could properly apply to the media what I wrote in the Encyclical Spe Salvi concerning the ambiguity of progress, which offers new possibilities for good, but at the same time opens up appalling possibilities for evil that formerly did not exist (cf. No. 22). We must ask, therefore, whether it is wise to allow the instruments of social communication to be exploited for indiscriminate “self-promotion” or to end up in the hands of those who use them to manipulate consciences. Should it not be a priority to ensure that they remain at the service of the person and of the common good, and that they foster “man’s ethical formation … man’s inner growth” (ibid.)? Their extraordinary impact on the lives of individuals and on society is widely acknowledged, yet today it is necessary to stress the radical shift, one might even say the complete change of role, that they are currently undergoing. Today, communication seems increasingly to claim not simply to represent reality, but to determine it, owing to the power and the force of suggestion that it possesses. It is clear, for example, that in certain situations the media are used not for the proper purpose of disseminating information, but to “create” events. This dangerous change in function has been noted with concern by many Church leaders. Precisely because we are dealing with realities that have a profound effect on all those dimensions of human life (moral, intellectual, religious, relational, affective, cultural) in which the good of the person is at stake, we must stress that not everything that is technically possible is also ethically permissible. Hence, the impact of the communications media on modern life raises unavoidable questions, which require choices and solutions that can no longer be deferred. 4. The role that the means of social communication have acquired in society must now be considered an integral part of the “anthropological” question that is emerging as the key challenge of the third millennium. Just as we see happening in areas such as human life, marriage and the family, and in the great contemporary issues of peace, justice and protection of creation, so too in the sector of social communications there are essential dimensions of the human person and the truth concerning the human person coming into play. When communication loses its ethical underpinning and eludes society’s control, it ends up no longer taking into account the centrality and inviolable dignity of the human person. As a result it risks exercising a negative influence on people’s consciences and choices and definitively conditioning their freedom and their very lives. For this reason it is essential that social communications should assiduously defend the person and fully respect human dignity. Many people now think there is a need, in this sphere, for “info-ethics”, just as we have bioethics in the field of medicine and in scientific research linked to life. 5. The media must avoid becoming spokesmen for economic materialism and ethical relativism, true scourges of our time. Instead, they can and must contribute to making known the truth about humanity, and defending it against those who tend to deny or destroy it. One might even say that seeking and presenting the truth about humanity constitutes the highest vocation of social communication. Utilizing for this purpose the many refined and engaging techniques that the media have at their disposal is an exciting task, entrusted in the first place to managers and operators in the sector. Yet it is a task which to some degree concerns us all, because we are all consumers and operators of social communications in this era of globalization. The new media – telecommunications and internet in particular – are changing the very face of communication; perhaps this is a valuable opportunity to reshape it, to make more visible, as my venerable predecessor Pope John Paul II said, the essential and indispensable elements of the truth about the human person (cf. Apostolic Letter The Rapid Development, 10). 6.
Man thirsts for truth, he seeks truth; this fact is illustrated
by the attention and the success achieved by so many publications,
programmes or quality fiction in which the truth, beauty and
greatness of the person, including the religious dimension of
the person, are acknowledged and favourably presented. Jesus
said: “You will know the truth and the truth will make
you free” (Jn 8:32). The truth which makes us
free is Christ, because only he can respond fully to the thirst
for life and love that is present in the human heart. Those
who have encountered him and have enthusiastically welcomed
his message experience the irrepressible desire to share and
communicate this truth. As Saint John writes, “That which
was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen
with our eyes, which we have looked upon and touched with our
hands, concerning the word of life … we proclaim also
to you, so that you may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship
is with the Father and with his Son Jesus Christ. And we are
writing this that our joy may be complete” (1 Jn 1:1-3). BENEDICTUS
XVI
Eucharistic Celebration Introduction to the Mass "The Media: At the Crossroads between Self-Promotion and Service. Searching for the Truth in order to Share it with Others" is the message of Pope Benedict XVI for the 42nd World Communications Day which we celebrate today throughout India. We are living in a media world. Media has become an integral part of interpersonal relations and of social, economic, political and religious development in this era of globalization. As Christians we are invited to acknowledge that all media are God’s gift to us, and therefore, to renew our commitment to produce and promote wholesome and healthy media, to deepen our understanding of the role of media as means to proclaim the values of the Gospel and the Good News to all people. Gathered together as a community, we hear Jesus calling us his followers, to communicate his Good News: to make disciples of all nations, to teach them to observe all the commandments he has given us. He tells us not to lose heart, for he is with us always, even to the end of time. During this Holy Eucharist let us pray for all those who work in the field of communication media, and for all of us who are beneficiaries and consumers of the media. Let us pray that media may become not only vehicles of spreading for spreading wholesome ideas, but also become instruments at the service of a world of greater justice and solidarity. Penitential Rite Celebrant: Let us ask God for forgiveness as a Church for our absence in the mainstream culture, our failure to have a significant presence in the world of media and for our selfishness and ego-centric ways. 1.
We take responsibility for the darkness of error we have allowed
to flourish by our silence in mainstream culture, the dearth
of professionalism and depth, our inability to work together
in trust and justice and for our lack of pastoral concern, which
has kept us as a Church on the sidelines in the marketplace
of ideas. For this we say: 2.
We have often taken the easy road of complaining and criticising
the media, instead of setting a positive example. We have failed
to stir the collective conscience of humanity towards that which
is good by beautiful movies, inspiring television programmes,
prayerful melodies, formative print media. For this we say: 3.
We have ignored the Church’s mandate to use the wonderful
gifts of God in the areas of social communications to unite
the human family in the cause of truth and social justice and
for keeping the Gospel of Life to ourselves. For this we say: Gloria (to be sung)
O God, whose
word is truth and in whose light we see light, Readings
The church teaches us that the different means of communication are God’s gift to us. The theme of the World Communication Day given to us by Pope Benedict XVI this year touches on some of the core issues of media and society. Through his message the Holy Father calls us to ensure that media are at the service of building solidarity, promoting truth, justice, service and peace. The church, while upholding the value of the media and their potential for doing good, has constantly stressed the importance of ensuring that the technological revolution work for the good of all. But what we witness is the growing division between the information rich and the information poor, those who live in affluent countries and in cities, and those who live in poorer countries and in rural areas. Vast numbers of people do not have any access to any of the modern means of communication. These include the working class, migrant people and the urban poor who are deprived of access to information and communication media. We are also aware that the benefits of communication technology and media serve only the affluent and the middle class. They leave out the vast majority of people from enjoying the benefits of media. It is unfortunate that the communication media are also often used for dissemination of falsehood, to promote hatred and division. In a country like India, where large number of people are illiterate, spreading falsehood and hate campaigns, using media are a matter of serious concern. The ugly head of religious fundamentalism is dividing this country and many people suffer as a result of misinformation and distortion of truth. The Pope cautions against the use of media merely for self-promotion or for manipulating the consciences of people. As followers of Christ, we are called to live by the values of the gospel. It should be the efforts of all of us to discover the potential of media to build families and society rooted in solidarity, service, peace and forgiveness. We can be the witnesses of Christ’s message of good news through the media. Pope John Paul II frequently referred to the media as the new ‘aeropagus’, the marketplace or the pulpit from which we can announce the good news. Today as we celebrate the World Communications Day in India, let us pray for all those who work in the media and consumers of media, that all of us may uphold the positive benefits of the new opportunities offered by the media such as the print media, television, internet, mobile phones, I-pod, blog. May parents and educators be aware of their responsibility to educate children in the ethical use of the media. Prayer
of the Faithful 2.
We pray for those who hold office in public and political affairs.
May they always exercise their power and responsibility to enhance
human dignity and work for the development of people, especially
the poor and the downtrodden section of the society. Let us
pray to the Lord. 3.
We pray for all those who are involved in media. May the professionals
use their gifts with integrity, to reflect God’s power
donated to us of inventive skill and creative vision. May we
all recognise the power of media and use it to make more visible
the essential and indispensable elements of the truth about
the human person. Let us pray to the Lord. 4.
We pray for all who work for peace, for those who long for peace
in the troubled areas of our world and of our country in particular.
We pray for the gift of peace in every community, family and
in every human heart. We pray that every person may become an
agent of peace and transformation. Let us pray to the Lord. 5.
We pray for all those who work in media, the press, radio, television,
the internet. May they cherish truth more strongly than their
own prejudices and personal agendas. May they present truth
in a way that will enlighten hearts towards peace, harmony and
communion rather than inflame passions and conflicts. Let us
pray to the Lord. 6.
We pray for the directors and actors, writers and editors, producers
and presenter, artists and musicians, media managers of the
world. May they utilise their gifts and talents in the service
of humanity and influence positively the world of entertainment.
May they, through their creativity promote the beauty, truth
and goodness of life and lead everyone to the source of all
good gifts, Jesus. Let us pray to the Lord. 7.
We pray for all of us present here, that as we celebrate this
year’s World Communication Day, may be become more and
more enlightened and critical consumers of media always using
them at the service of the human persons to promote peace, solidarity
and service. Let us pray to the Lord. Celebrant: Lord, you are the Way, the Truth and the Life. May communicators, become messengers of faith and interpret modern cultural needs, committing themselves to approaching the communication age not as a time of alienation and confusion, but as a valuable time spent for the quest of truth. We ask this through Christ, Our Lord. Amen. Offertory Procession (For the offertory procession, besides bread and wine, candles and flowers, it would be advisable to offer some of the means of social communications: such as, newspapers, books, magazines, CDs. DVDs. cassettes, mobile phones, musical instruments etc.) Leader: As we bring before you Lord, together with bread and wine, these symbolic gifts of the means of social communications, we pray for all those who are in a position to show the way to viewers, listeners and readers. Give to all people the vision, the skill and the opportunities to communicate the Good News. We pray for all those who influence the thinking patterns of the world through these means, that they may become more conscious of their responsibilities and that they may look to you for guidance and inspiration. May they keep their hearts and minds open and feel obliged to build a better world. Payer Over the Gifts Accept,
O Lord, the gifts of bread and wine Before the Our Father The influence of the means of social communication extends beyond national frontiers inviting each one of us the salt and light of the world. As we pray this beautiful prayer, taught us by Jesus, let us pray that all people of good will, especially those who control media, to use them for the good of humanity and to usher in the values of peace, justice and love, which characterize God’s kingdom. Before the Sign of Peace The world of media offers new possibilities for good, but at the same time opens up appalling possibilities for evil that formerly did not exist. Often they are in the hands of those who use them to manipulate consciences and indiscriminate ‘self-promotion’, thus destroying the peace in the world and in families. As we wish one another the gift of peace, let us commit ourselves to promote peace and harmony among all peoples and nations. Thanksgiving after Communion Thank you
Lord, for the gift of this day and for the gift of your Body
and Blood Together with you Lord, we want to offer ourselves as victims in atonement for error and scandal spread throughout the world, through the misuse of the means of social communication, to appeal to your mercy for those persons, who, deceived and seduced by the influence of these instruments, stray from your love, for the conversion of those persons, who, in the use of these instruments, reject your teaching, thus distort the minds, hearts, and undertakings of men and women. May the media help us to acknowledge and to make known that you alone, the Word Incarnate, is the perfect Teacher, the trustworthy Way. We pray that there be, in the Church an increase in the number of priests, religious and lay persons who, consecrated as apostles of social communication, will make the message of salvation resound throughout the world, that all those who work within the framework of social communication, may grow in holiness and wisdom and bear witness to an authentic Christian life, that the undertakings of your followers within the sphere of social communication, may continually increase, so that, by promoting more effectively genuine human and Christian values, the voice of error and evil may be counteracted, that well aware of our insufficiency and unworthiness, we may realise the need to draw near the Fount of Life, in all humility and trust, and to be nourished with your Word and your Body, who is the same yesterday, today and forever, amen. Prayer After Communion O God, Father
of wisdom and greatness
CBCI Commission for Social Communications –
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