Vatican Media Day to Focus on Children

 

"Children and the Media: A Challenge for Education"

VATICAN CITY, SEPT. 29, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI has chosen "Children and the Media: A Challenge for Education" as the theme for the World Communications Day 2007.

In presenting the theme today, Archbishop John Foley, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, said: "The theme chosen by our Holy Father for World Communications Day underlines the need for parents and educators to realize the important formative influence of the media in the lives of children."

World Communications Day, the only worldwide celebration called for by the Second Vatican Council ("Inter Mirifica," 1963), is observed in most countries, on the recommendation of the bishops of the world, on the Sunday before Pentecost (in 2007, May 20).

The announcement of the theme is customarily made on Sept. 29, the feast of the Archangels Michael, Raphael and Gabriel, the latter having been designated patron of those who work in radio.

The Holy Father's message for World Communications Day is traditionally published in conjunction with the Memorial of St. Francis de Sales, patron of writers (Jan. 24), to allow bishops' conferences, diocesan offices and communications organizations sufficient time to prepare audiovisual and other materials for national and local celebrations.