World Communications Day
This year’s World Communications Day is celebrated this Sunday, 21 May 2023. The theme comes from Ephesians 4:15 ‘Speaking with the heart – ‘The truth in love’. In his message to mark the day, Pope Francis stresses the need to listen before speaking truth with a pure heart to “see beyond appearances and overcome the vague din which, in the field of information, does not help us discern in the complicated world in which we live.”
The Holy Father, warning against indifference and indignation, hails the example of the great Doctor of the Church, St Francis de Sales, in particular his commitment to patient, heartfelt dialogue. A gifted theologian, his phrase ‘Heart speaks to heart’ inspired many, none more so than the recently canonised Saint John Henry Newman, who chose the phrase as his cardinalatial motto, ‘Cor ad cor loquitur’. Catholics in England and Wales will remember with affection that ‘Heart speaks unto heart’ was also the theme for Pope Benedict XVI’s historic visit to the UK in 2010. You will find information, resources, prayers and more on the Bishops’ Conference website: www.cbcew.org.uk/world-communications-day
Prayer
O God, whose word is truth
and in whose light we see light,
guide those who tell the story of our times through word and image.
Make them seekers after truth
and advocates of human dignity.
Grant discernment to all who rely on their labours,
and, as we confront the pain and promise of this world,
awaken in us a sense of wonder at your presence
and of longing for your peace.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God for ever and ever.
Amen.
PENTECOST – 28 MAY 2023
This year the short joint afternoon Pentecost Service will begin at Liverpool Cathedral at 3pm with a short address from the new Bishop of Liverpool, Bishop John Perumbalath. We will then make our way to the steps of our Cathedral to finish with a short service on our Piazza and then if the weather is suitable a party on the steps with an opportunity for picnic and some children’s and family activities and games. The theme of the service this year is ‘Many Nations, One Church’. It would be great if people could bring various national flags little or larger and even come in national dress just to show our rich diversity of nationality and culture yet our unity in Christ.
