Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Rome (Fides Service) - To study and promote a progressive programme/path for the study of communications a group of forty women religious, Daughters of St Paul DSP from various different countries are in Rome to take part together the Congregation Superiors in a two week seminar 1-14 February. More specifically the seminar objectives include: to study the proposed plan and how to implement it at the personal, apostolic and community level and in all the stages of Pauline life to make their missionary activity more effective. After considering the programme’s origin and development the participants are now examining the culture of communications and the challenges it presents to society, the Church, the DSP. After viewing a survey on communications in different countries and at various levels, and an analysis of strategies for society of information and knowledge, the group listened attentively to lectures given by Prof. Pier Cesare Rivoltella, at the Catholic University of Milan, on the theory and evolution of communications; Prof. Rev Giuseppe Mazza of the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, on the theological aspect of communications; Sr Caterina Cangià, FMA, who traced pedagogical lines which stem from the challenges of old and new media. The last talk was given by Rev Silvio Sassi, Superior general of the Society of St Paul on the charismatic aspect which unites the Daughters of Saint Paul and the Society of St Paul.
Interesting and stimulating the contents proposed and from significant discussion following the lectures there emerged situations, state of mind, hopes, desires for renewal and questions regarding their mission to “be apostles today” in the great forum of communications. Freedom of expression, courage to speak out to denounce injustice, active and creative collaboration with the local Church, the challenges of the new media and new media languages to tell humanity about God. The Daughters of St Paul are convinced that today communications is a ‘womb’ where the individual is shaped. Media can modify even mindset, knowledge and experience of the world. Hence the need for ongoing study and research. Fr. Silvio Sassi said they must have hearts which are open to people, they must understand the anthropological transformation produced by communications in order to give “the whole God to the whole person”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 12/2/2007; righe 27, parole 382)
