Pope Benedict XVI has invited people to proclaim the Gospel message through the internet, and young Catholics are responding during Facefaith week (30 May – 5 June), the week leading up to World Communications Day. Inspired by Pope Benedict’s visit to the UK and his World Communications Day message, they are spreading their love of the faith, blessing their Facebook friends with inspiring status updates, pictures and videos.
The idea is to share anything which expresses the Gospel message with friends. This could mean posting a prayerful reflection, an inspiring song or video, photos of a sacred place, a pilgrimage journey or some words of encouragement. To join in, upload your messages of faith to your Facebook profile from 30 May to 5 June. Spread the love of the faith with the 11,000-strong Papal Visit Facebook community at www.facebook.com/papalvisit.
Pope Benedict XVI said in his World Communications Day message,
“The web is contributing to the development of new and more complex intellectual and spiritual horizons, new forms of shared awareness. In this field too we are called to proclaim our faith that Christ is God, the Saviour of humanity and of history, the one in whom all things find their fulfilment. The proclamation of the Gospel requires a communication which is at once respectful and sensitive, which stimulates the heart and moves the conscience.”
Niamh Moloney, 26, the young Catholic well-known for her Papal Visit banner ‘We love you Papa more that beans on toast’, is encouraging people to spread the love of the faith,
“It’s a week for us truly to become digital disciples by spreading the love of the faith on Facebook. I’ve seen the power of spreading joyful noise when the picture of my banner went round the world and I think this week is an opportunity for us all to do this.”
On World Communications Day (5 June) the Church prays for communications professionals and there will be a collection in parishes for the Catholic Communications Network (CCN). The theme this year is ‘Truth, Proclamation and Authenticity of Life in the Digital Age’.
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Further information
World Communications Day web page: www.catholicchurch.org.uk/world-comms-2011 includes parish resources for World Communications Day, Pope Benedict XVI’s message for World Communications Day, and an article on the Virtual Visit.
Photo of Niamh Moloney during the Papal Visit:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/thepapalvisit/5001026926/in/set-72157624853974671
Niamh Moloney is available for interview, contact CCN.
Contact :
CCN
Tel: 020 7901 4800
Email: ccn@cbcew.org.uk <mailto:ccn@cbcew.org.uk>
