Papal Message for World Communication Day 2003

On the occasion of the /37th World Communication Day/, the Holy Father calls us to use our media responsibly and binds us “to contribute to peace in all parts of the world by breaking down the barriers of mistrust, fostering consideration of the point of view of others, and striving always to bring peoples and nations together in mutual understanding and respect.”

For more than 60 years, the ministries of the “Rosary Priest” have been entertaining, inspiring and educating families around the world using mass media. In the beginning Father Patrick Peyton, CSC, used the medium of Radio. At the time he was considered a “Media Pioneer” as he utilized broadcast to reach families across the United States. Today his ministry continues its radio broadcasts and also reaches people around the world through television, billboards and the internet.

At Holy Cross Family Ministries we strive to fulfill Our Holy Father’s call for, “striving always to bring peoples and nations together,” through our series of documentaries, /The Prayer in Action Series/. This series provides viewers with insights into the lives and struggles of people in other cultures and in difficult life situations.

/Against All Odds: Three Families in Peru/– documentary that examines the social, economic, educational and emotional challenges faced by three families from different geographical locations in Peru. Tells the moving story of how these families share the recognition that they can make a difference for themselves and their families; they have the power with the help of God to lead transformed lives.

/Glidepath to Recovery/ – film covers the programs of Father Peter Young, who has spent more than 35 years with men and women struggling to free themselves from addictions. It shows how this Catholic priest helped these individuals turn their lives around and become healthy, employed, tax-paying citizens with families, friendships and futures.

/Room Enough for Joy/ – heartwarming film in which you will meet people who have dedicated their lives to working with those with disabilities. It is the story of a L’Arche community, where volunteers share their lives with mentally and physically disabled people.

/Voices of Appalachia/ – touching documentary tells of the trials faced by many families living in poverty-stricken Appalachia. It also portrays their dreams that will not die thanks to the power of prayer in their lives.

/We Have a Table for 4 Ready/ – story of the St. Francis Inn of Kensington, one of the poorest sections of Philadelphia. This film focuses on the daily meal service to 500 people by Francisan Friars.

Another important ministry activity is Family Theater Production’s billboard campaign, which is the longest-running billboard campaign in the United States. Beginning in 1947, inspiring messages have been posted across the United States to promote prayer and peace. These impactful designs have appeared on more than 100,000 billboards in more than 134 cities in 41 states. Father Peyton’s famous slogan, “A World at Prayer is a World at Peace” is as meaningful a message today as it was when it was first coined.

May we continue our prayer for peace around the world through a commitment to Pope John Paul II’s prayer,

“My prayer, therefore, on this year’s World Communications Day is that the men and women of the media will more wholly live up to the challenge of their calling: service of the universal common good.”

Yours in Jesus through Mary,

Father John Phalen, CSC
President
Holy Cross Family Ministries


/For Our Holy Father’s complete message for the 37th World Communications Day/, http://www.zenit.org/english/visualizza.phtml?sid=30454(click here)

/For more information or to order the documentaries discussed above,/ http://www.hcfmstore.org/main/browse.php?typeId=1&viewAll=1(click here)