World Communications Sunday takes place on Sunday, May 28, the Feast of the Ascension of Our Lord. The theme is Communicating Hope and Trust in our Time and its inspiration comes from Scripture, Isaiah 43:5 “Fear not, for I am with you.”

In 1967, Pope Paul VI initiated World Communications Day to be celebrated by the Church the Sunday before Pentecost, as a way of recognizing the gifts of communications technologies and their use in promoting gospel values. This year, Pope Francis’ message for this special event is entitled: “Fear not, for I am with you” (Is 43: 5): Communicating Hope and Trust in our Time.

Why this message of hope and trust? It is easy to see that the world is in need of hope. With the rise of violence, terrorism, poverty and bullying, Pope Francis calls us to to be a positive presence in the world.

Our sisters, too, are committed to giving hope in today’s world. When we pray for others, for example, or serve them in ministries in schools, hospitals, parishes and elsewhere, we give hope to people in need. In addition, we invite you to visit our Have Hope Give Hope web page and enjoy a variety of reflections on hope.

Let us continue to have hope in God and share that hope with others every day in every way.

A Prayer for Communications Sunday

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.

Courtesy of catholicireland.net