HIS HOLINESS
POPE FRANCIS
together with the
The Pontifical Commission on Social Communications
(PCSC)
wishes to convey the message for the
48TH WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY
with the theme
"Communication at the Service of An Authentic Culture of Encounter"
Attached to this is a link that shall lead you to the full text of the message of the Holy Father. A video clip below was prepared by the Episcopal Commission on Social Communications (ECSC) of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) under the Most Rev. Mylo Hubert C. Vergara, D.D., Bishop of the Diocese of Pasig to explain the contents of the message. This attachment was made upon recommendation of the Diocesan Commission on Social Communications under Rev. Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II and supported by our very own Commission on Social Communications - Vicariate of St. Anne.
"The Church needs to be concerned for, and present in, the world of communication, in order to dialogue with people today and to help them encounter Christ. She needs to be a Church at the side of others, capable of accompanying everyone along the way."
His Holiness, Pope Francis
Message for the 48th World Communications Day
Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines
Episcopal Commission on Social Communications
OFFICE OF THE EPISCOPAL HEAD
Bishop's Residence
Immaculate Conception Cathedral Compound
Brgy. Malinao, 1600, Pasig City
June 1, 2014, Ascension Sunday is World Communications Day. Each year, the pope reflects on the importance of social communications as tools to proclaim the Good News.
This year, Pope Francis challenges us to a better sense of ‘neighborliness’ to bridge gaps even in this digital age.
Just as the apostles were urged no longer to ‘look up’ but ‘look down’ and go down from the mountain to fulfil their mission of evangelization, our shouts joy and praise to God should evangelize our neighbors.
It is by power of Jesus Christ that we can fulfil our task of evangelization here on earth. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus challenges us to make disciples of all nations by baptizing in the name of the Triune of God, knowing that reaching out to our neighbour is motivated by the loving presence of Jesus who is with us till the end of time.
What are the various practical and effective ways by which we can evangelize others today? There are many – sharing of God’s Word in-family gatherings, life testimonies and examples, use of social media, service in the parish, reaching out to the poor, etc.
Pope Francis reminds us in his message for the 48th World Communications Day: “God communication helps us to grow closer, to know one another better and ultimately, and to grow in unity. The walls which divide us can be broken down only if we are prepared to listen and learn from one another. We need to resolve our differences through forms of dialogue which helps us grow in understanding and mutual respect. A culture of encounter demands that we be ready not only to give, but also to receive.” (Pope Francis, January 23, 2014)
Most Rev. Mylo Hubert C. Vergara, D.D.
Bishop of the Diocese of Pasig
Episcopal Head, CBCP - Episcopal Commission on Social Communications
