World Communications Day
Pope Francis, following tradition, has released his message for World Communications Day on 24 January, the Feast of St Francis de Sales – patron saint of Catholic writers and journalists.
The Holy Father stresses the need to listen before speaking truth with a pure heart to “see beyond appearances and overcome the vague din which, also in the field of information, does not help us discern in the complicated world in which we live.“ The call to speak with the heart,” he says, “radically challenges the times in which we are living, which are so inclined towards indifference and indignation, at times even on the basis of disinformation which falsifies and exploits the truth.”
The Pope hails the example of the great Doctor of the Church, St Francis de Sales, and his commitment to patient, heartfelt dialogue with everyone – even those who opposed him. A gifted theologian, his phrase “Heart speaks to heart” inspired many, none more so than the recently canonised Saint John Henry Newman who, on being made a Cardinal in 1879 by Pope Leo XIII, chose as his cardinalatial motto, Cor ad cor loquitur or Heart speaks to heart. Catholics in England and Wales will remember with affection that ‘Heart speaks unto heart’ was also the motto for Pope Benedict XVI’s historic visit to the UK in 2010.The 57th World Communications Day is celebrated on 21 May 2023.
Today’s Sunday’s Second Collection will be for World Communication Day
This year’s World Communications Day is celebrated today Sunday, 21 May 2023. The theme comes from Ephesians 4:15, Speaking with the heart - 'The truth in love'. In his message to mark the day, Pope Francis stresses the need to listen before speaking truth with a pure heart to "see beyond appearances and overcome the vague din which, in the field of information, does not help us discern in the complicated world in which we live.
" The Holy Father, warning against indifference and indignation, hails the example of the great Doctor of the Church, St Francis de Sales, in particular his commitment to patient, heartfelt dialogue. A gifted theologian, his phrase 'Heart speaks to heart' inspired many, none more so than the recently canonised Saint John Henry Newman, who chose the phrase as his cardinalatial motto, 'Cor ad cor loquitur'. Catholics in England and Wales will remember with affection that ‘Heart speaks unto heart’ was also the theme for Pope Benedict XVI’s historic visit to the UK in 2010.
You can read Pope Francis’ message for the day, and, if you feel you can, support the work of the new Communications Directorate of the Bishops’ Conference.
