“Preach the Gospel in the Digital World” - Abp. Ledesma

Most Reverend Antonio J. Ledesma, SJ, Archbishop of Cagayan de Oro, echoed the message of the Holy Father Pope Benedict XVI urging  his  priests to be present in the digital world and communicate the Gospel during the  concelebrated Mass on the occasion of the 44th World Communications Day on July 13, 2010, at St. Augustine Cathedral.

In his homily, the bishop pointed out 3 insights from the theme of the Pope’s message, “The Priest and Pastoral Ministry in a Digital World: New Media at the Service of the World.” First,  the Theology of Priesthood, second, its Christology, third, the theology of culture.  He said that the priest, as a man of God has the primary duty to proclaim who Jesus Christ today. His understanding of Jesus Christ is the focal point of his listening to the Word being proclaimed. One’s culture has to be in line with the Gospel and not the culture of his own interests.  He added that the web is a place where the priest   can bring Christ’s message to all people, and it is also the place where he can proclaim the new life which comes from the Word.

The mass was also attended by the students and faculty of Communication courses   of Xavier University and Lourdes College.  Present were representatives from the media namely: The Sunstar Daily, Mindano Gold Star Daily, Mindanao Current, Golden Banner, The Corridor, ABS CBN-CDO, RGMA, RPN5, Bombo Radyo, DXCC, and DXIM Radyo ng Bayan.

The celebration was spearheaded by the staff of Social Communication Apostolate of the archdiocese and the Daughters of St. Paul.