Meetings, discussion groups, workshops, concerts, congresses, theatrical performances, animations, cineforums, round table sessions, exhibits, contests, reading competitions, press conferences, meetings with authors, awards, prayer vigils, lectios, Eucharistic Celebrations, live TV coverage, social talk, Happy Books…. This is the colorful kaleidoscope of initiatives that have been offered by the SSPs and FSPs during the Communications Weeks and Communications Festivals they have been holding in Italy for the past eleven years with the encouragement and support of the Social Communications Office of the Italian Bishops’ Conference. The purpose of the annual event is to utilize the bond between communications and culture as a strategic environment for pastoral renewal and evangelization in contemporary society.
To circulate ideas, give life to creative dynamics and dialogue, heighten sensitivity to WCD, augment a circular flow of relations between ecclesial and socio-cultural organisms, offer spaces and motives for reflection on life, on interpersonal and media-generated communications, on the Church, on God, on the wealth of values and potentials in our cities that can make human encounters beautiful and fruitful…. This is undoubtedly the best way to heighten awareness concerning the pastoral importance and significance of World Communications Day–a Day established by the Church in response to the solicitations of Vatican Council II and which this year is celebrating its 50th anniversary.