Welcome to the Jubilee of the World of Communication!
The Jubilee of the World of Communication kicked off with a beautiful Mass commemorating St. Francis de Sales, the patron saint of journalists, at the Basilica of St. John Lateran.
By Tiziana Campisi
The Jubilee’s opening ceremony highlighted the importance of heart and hope for every journalist. The event began with a penitential liturgy led by Father Giulio Albanese, followed by an international Mass presided over by Cardinal Reina. A relic of St. Francis de Sales, symbolizing the heart of the celebration, was brought from Treviso to Rome.
Pope Francis’ message for the 59th World Communications Day, emphasizing the sharing of hope with gentleness, set the tone for the Jubilee.
Disarming Communication Following Christ’s Example
In his homily, Cardinal Reina spoke about the Jubilee as a time of mercy and emphasized Pope Francis’ call to be “communicators of hope” and to “disarm communication.” Reflecting on the Gospel account of the woman caught in adultery, Cardinal Reina highlighted Jesus’ gentle and non-aggressive approach to communication, focusing on truth and reflection.
Cardinal Reina stressed the importance of humility in communication, reminding us that only God is the ultimate judge. He emphasized Jesus’ recognition of the woman’s dignity and the hope for renewal, urging us to follow Christ’s example.
A Horizon of Hope
Cardinal Reina concluded by reflecting on Jesus’ words to the woman: “Go and sin no more.” These words symbolize hope and transformation, offering a path to renewal. He encouraged communicators to embrace a style of communication that respects human dignity and promotes care for our world.
A Call to Conversion
The penitential liturgy before the Mass focused on Pope Francis’ Bull of Indiction for the 2025 Jubilee, inviting participants to reflect on hope and embrace a path of conversion symbolized by passing through the Holy Door. Father Albanese challenged communicators to see their work as a mission field, emphasizing the importance of aligning communication with God’s love and charity.
Communicating Charity
As the event concluded, Father Albanese urged communicators to assess whether their work reflects God’s charity or worldly motives. He echoed Pope Francis in calling for communication that fosters hope and contributes to a more fraternal world.
