"Word and Silence: Path of Evangelization"

[MariaChristi]

…Word and silence: learning to communicate is learning to listen and contemplate as well as speak. This is especially important for those engaged in the task of evangelization: both silence and word are essential elements, integral to the Church’s work of communication for the sake of a renewed proclamation of Christ in today’s world. To Mary, whose silence “listens to the Word and causes it to blossom” (Private Prayer at the Holy House, Loreto, 1 September 2007), I entrust all the work of evangelization which the Church undertakes through the means of social communication.

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

How important for us to listen to the words of Pope Benedict regarding “Word and silence” as we seek to fulfill the Church’s mission to evangelize!

Full text of his message for World Communications Day can be read HERE

 

[kkollwitz]

“silence and word: two aspects of communication which need to be kept in balance”

Catholics are already pretty good at the silence side of the seesaw when it comes to evangelization.

Hey, I have that Mary prayer card right behind me! Isn’t it great? I’m in Greenville, where are you?

 

[MariaChristi]

“silence and word: two aspects of communication which need to be kept in balance”

Catholics are already pretty good at the silence side of the seesaw when it comes to evangelization.

Hey, I have that Mary prayer card right behind me! Isn’t it great? I’m in Greenville, where are you?

Dear kkollwitz,

Yes, I agree. Many Catholics can be more “comfortable” staying silent rather than they are sharing words with others in evangelization. But if more silence was spent in listening to God’s Word and in studying the words of the Saints and the Magisterium of the Church, then all of us, I think, would be more fruitful in our communication with others. I believe the Pope is a good example for us. He spends quality time in silent prayer and contemplation and produces profound words to help all who hear or read his words.

Mary prayer card? Are you referring to the picture of “Our Lady and Mother of Joyful Hope” in my signature? We visited the shrine driving up from Beaufort, SC. Have you visited the shrine?

 

[kkollwitz]

No…I just have the prayer card.

 

[MariaChristi]

No…I just have the prayer card.

Dear kkollwitz,

Ah, you would be blessed by driving to the shrine whenever you can. It would be about 3 and 1/2 hours from Greenville to Kingstree. The Shrine is a small but lovely place. If you click on the link (the words Mother of Joyful Hope) in my signature, you can find a lot of info. about the shrine and contact info for Fr. Stan. He is good about returning e-mails too.

My husband and I (with his mother and one of his sisters), packed a lunch and made a pilgrimage to the shrine some months ago. Father offered Mass for us and we prayed the Rosary before the Blessed Sacrament. The original Icon from which the prayer card was made hangs above the altar in the shrine. We were all blessed by our time there. It was an all day pilgrimage – our traveling time was about 3 hours, as I remember it. Well worth the time.

 

[kkollwitz]

Hey I know Fr. Stan- he used to celebrate Mass at least occasionally at Edisto Island. We’ll plan on making a visit, thanks. I never put the artwork together with the shrine.

 

[fide]

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

How important for us to listen to the words of Pope Benedict regarding “Word and silence” as we seek to fulfill the Church’s mission to evangelize!

Full text of his message for World Communications Day can be read HERE

Pope Benedict has so much to say to the Church! It is a blessing to read his thoughts. Thank you for posting the link. The link deserves a visit, and a hearing.