2008 World Communications Day to focus on media, service

Published: 2007-10-30

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Catholic Church's 2008 observance of World Communications Day will focus on the need for the media to be more focused on service than on itself. As the theme for the observance, Pope Benedict XVI has chosen "The Media: At the Crossroads Between Activism and Service; Seeking Truth in Order to Share It With Others." The Vatican announced the theme Oct. 30. A papal message for the observance is expected to be published Jan. 24, the feast of St. Francis de Sales, patron of journalists. Archbishop Claudio Maria Celli, president of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications, said the theme is a call "to reflect on the role of the media" and "especially, the increasing risk of their becoming self-absorbed and no longer tools at the service of truth -- something which is meant to be sought and shared." In most dioceses, World Communications Day is celebrated on the Sunday before Pentecost. That means next year World Communications Day will fall on May 4.

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