Witnessing to the Gospel in the Digital Era

“The hour is coming, and is now here, when true worshipers will worship the Father in Spirit and truth; and indeed the Father seeks such people to worship him.  God is Spirit, and those who worship him must worship in Spirit and truth.”

John 4:  23-24

“…We must be aware that the truth which we long to share does not derive its worth from its ‘popularity’ or from the amount of attention it receives. We must make it known in its integrity, instead of seeking to make it acceptable or diluting it. It must become daily nourishment and not a fleeting attraction. The truth of the Gospel is not something to be consumed or used superficially; rather it is a gift that calls for a free response.

…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 (cf. Eph 1:10). The proclamation of the Gospel requires a communication which is at once respectful and sensitive, which stimulates the heart and moves the conscience; one which reflects the example of the risen Jesus when he joined the disciples on the way to Emmaus (cf. Lk 24:13-35). By his approach to them, his dialogue with them, his way of gently drawing forth what was in their heart, they were led gradually to an understanding of the mystery.

…The truth of Christ is the full and authentic response to that human desire for relationship, communion and meaning which is reflected in the immense popularity of social networks. Believers who bear witness to their most profound convictions greatly help prevent the web from becoming an instrument which depersonalizes people, attempts to manipulate them emotionally or allows those who are powerful to monopolize the opinions of others….  Believers encourage everyone to keep alive the eternal human questions which testify to our desire for transcendence and our longing for authentic forms of life, truly worthy of being lived. It is precisely this uniquely human spiritual yearning which inspires our quest for truth and for communion and which impels us to communicate with integrity and honesty….”

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI

Truth, Proclamation and Authenticity of Life in the Digital Age 

Message for the 45^th World Communications Day

June 5, 2011

For the complete text please visit:

http://www.vatican.va/holy_father/benedict_xvi/messages/communications/documents/hf_ben-xvi_mes_20110124_45th-world-communications-day_en.html

Some of us who have attained “a certain age” might not have imagined the “new” technologies which we are using today to communicate with each other.  I remember trying to “fax” documents from Pennsylvania halfway around the world to Australia to register for the 1996 World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations (WUCWO) General Assembly.  It was not as simple as it seems today, but it certainly was faster than sending documents through the post office!  It was just a few years ago when the WUCWO Vice President General and Board Member from Australia “introduced” me to Skype.  The first time I was able to see and speak with her on the computer over the internet left me positively giddy with amazement, especially as it was evening in Harrisburg and the next morning in Victoria.  Yet today it is quite natural—even expected-- to communicate with anyone from anywhere at anytime by the tap of a finger.  Technology allows us to overcome hours and miles in order to be united in faith and friendship.  The world becomes much smaller as we draw closer to one another.

On World Communications Day, Our Holy Father invites us to reflect on how we as Catholic Christians are witnessing to the Gospel in this digital era.  We are called to the basics of knowing and communicating the truth with authenticity.  We have the responsibility to be honest and respectful, to consistently witness the Gospel and the teachings of the Church, both personally and publicly.  The internet can be used to offer hope and meaning as well as contribute to truth and unity.

How are we using new communications technologies to foster human relationships which are truly deep and lasting?  Is the web impacting relationships with those whom we share the reality of our daily lives?  How do we as believers bear witness to our most profound convictions?



Joan McGrath, NCCW President 1995-1997; Maria Eugenia Diaz de Pfennich, WUCWO President General 1996-2006;

Karen M. Hurley, NCCW Representative to WUCWO 1996-2006, WUCWO President General 2006-2010;

at the WUCWO Assembly in Canberra, Australia, 1996





Joan McGrath, Karen Hurley, and WUCWO Assembly Participants

overlooking Canberra, Australia, 1996