Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bangalore (Agenzia Fides) - “Christimes” is the new Catholic newspaper being published in Bangalore, in the state of Karnataka (southwest India), in an effort to offer good news, to announce the Gospel, and to give a voice to the poor and marginalized.
The journal was begun by the local Salesian Province. The journal's director, Salesian Father Gilbert Choondal, is enthusiastic about the new project and has said: “In our work, we ask ourselves: 'If there had been newspapers at the time of Jesus' birth, what would they have reported? Would they have addressed the slaughtering of the innocents in Bethlehem? Would they have had the courage to report on the massacre or to criticize the powerful Herod? Would they have reported the news of the birth of a Baby in the cave? In our experience of communication, we try to respond to these questions and react as if it were those times.” Explaining the project and the purpose of the journal, the Director affirms: “We hope to take the faithful who will read our paper back to 2,000 years ago, with the goal of making them relive, in modern times, the story of the Incarnation, to participate in its significance and relevance.”
The subtitle of the journal mentions a quote from the book of the Prophet Isaiah, “Bring Glad Tidings” (Is. 61:1). “Our objective is to evangelize, of offering news that informs, forms, and transforms the life of every person,” said Fr. Gilbert.
The first issue of the journal sold over 5,000 copies, which was a great source of encouragement for the Salesians. The next issue will be about Easter.
Through “Christimes,” the Salesians of Bangalore have responded to the requests of the Indian Bishops who have for some years had the priority of reinforcing the Church's presence in the area of the mass media and using the “new pulpits” to evangelize, which implies using all the new forms of communication that the new technologies offer society. (PA) (Agenzia Fides 12/1/2009)
