Daughters of Saint Paul

Palo marks World Communications Day with recollection for media practitioners

The Archdiocese of Palo celebrated the 51st World Communications Day on the Solemnity of the Lord’s Ascension with a recollection for local media practitioners.

Held in St. John School of Theology on May 28, the recollection was attended by local journalists, publishers, producers, station managers, reporters and technical staff.

Msgr. Rex Ramirez, Archdiocesan Vicar General explained the message of World Communications Day, themed “Fear not, I am with you. (Is 43: 5) Communicating Hope and Trust in our Time” contextualizing the message to what is happening in society today.

“End of the world means the return of the Savior,” Msgr. Ramirez said in response to a question raised by one of the attendees on whether the happening in Marawi may mean that the end of the world is coming.

“The world will end because Jesus returns,” he added. “It is not that Christ will come because it is the end of the world. For Christians, the reason of the end of the world is the coming of Christ. We should be excited and we shall see him as he is.”

Stressing the importance of being prepared spiritually, he urged the participants to live life well and to pray always. “So what if the world ends. Does it depend on you? It will come whether we like it or not, or whether we are prepared or not.”

“These are some factors that should help us be more conscious of our mortality. Is it not that Jesus said: ‘I will prepare a place for you. So that where I am you will also be’,” he continued.

Sr. Gemma Ria F. dela Cruz, FSP, Secretary of the Social Communications Commission gave an input on the Spirituality of Communication. She highlighted two points in her talk: first, Jesus Christ as the Perfect Communicator, the One who perfectly communicated the love of the Father to us through His Words, Works, and His total Self. Second is the living out of the words of St. Paul: “I live now not I but Christ lives in me” (Gal 2:19).

Thanking all the participants on behalf Fr. Chris Militante, Archdiocesan Director of Social Communications Commission, Sr. Gemma encouraged them to go and proclaim the Truth., adding that they are commissioned not just by anybody but by Christ, especially during the celebration of the Solemnity of the Lord’s Ascension.

The recollection concluded with the Eucharistic Celebration presided by Msgr. Ramirez, followed by a blessing for media practitioners, and agape.    

The Archdiocesan Commission on Social Communications of Palo holds a day of recollection for local journalists, publishers, producers, television and radio hosts every year during World Communications Day.

by Sr. Gemma Ria dela Cruz, FSP