John Paul II Foundation

Pope: Message for the 46th World Day of Social Communications

Pope Benedict XVI^th has released his message for the 46^th World Day of Social Communications which falls on May 20^th, 2012. The theme he has chosen this year is "Silence and Word: Path of Evangelization".

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

As we draw near to World Communications Day 2012, I would like to share with you some reflections concerning an aspect of the human process of communication which, despite its importance, is often overlooked and which, at the present time, it would seem especially necessary to recall. It concerns the relationship between silence and word: two aspects of communication which need to be kept in balance, to alternate and to be integrated with one another if authentic dialogue and deep closeness between people are to be achieved. When word and silence become mutually exclusive, communication breaks down, either because it gives rise to confusion or because, on the contrary, it creates an atmosphere of coldness; when they complement one another, however, communication acquires value and meaning.

Relics of John Paul II arrive in Colombia

Hundreds of faithful have converged on a cathedral in the Colombian capital to see drops of blood of the late pope John Paul II, who was beatified last year.

The blood, contained in a glass case, was brought to Colombia from Germany and placed at Bogota's Central Cathedral on public display.

Relics of Blessed John Paul II will be on display for veneration January 2-22 in the cities of Bogota and Cartago.

Vatican Congress looks at the role of the family through film

This June, Milan will host the sixth World Meeting of Families. The John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family launched this congress to see how movies can help promote the concept of family. It involved two filmmakers and an Italian actress, and Cardinal Ennio Antonelli, president of the Pontifical Council for the Family, was there to close the meeting.

Official video of World Youth Day Madrid 2011, now on the web

Some of the best moments of World Youth Day in Madrid, can now be seen on the web, for free. The one hour documentary, which translates to “The Chronicle of an Unforgettable Week,” has been posted on Youtube.

Discover the power and beauty of faith – Rome’s meetings

In the Eternal City, on Sunday January 8^th the cycle of the meetings titled: The power and beauty of faith based on the John Paul II catechesis about Credo, was inaugurated. The John Paul II Foundation – The Centre for Research and Documentation of the Pontificate of Pope John Paul II and the chaplaincy by the St. Stanislaus B. & M. Polish Church organized the cycle. The series of lectures and discussions constitute a preparation to the announced Year of the Faith.

Prelate Pawel Ptasznik welcomed all guests gathered in the John Paul II auditorium by the St. Stanislaus B. & M. Church (via delle Botteghe Oscure 15). He pointed out that the time after the beatification provides a great opportunity to focus more on His teachings.