NEW DELHI, NOV. 12, 2007 (Zenit.org).- Cardinal-designate Oswald Gracias is encouraging the Church in India to implement Benedict XVI's suggestions for World Communications Day during that Church's own celebration this Sunday.
The Church in India will celebrate Communications Day with the same theme the Pope chose for his message: "Children and the Media: a Challenge for Education."
The Indian bishops' conference affirmed that many regional offices had translated the papal message into local languages.
Cardinal-designate Gracias asked parishes to mark the day with special liturgies, preferably involving media professionals and artists. He also suggested a study day on the theme for media personnel.
Benedict XVI's message emphasized the need to properly educate children in the use of the media.
Criteria based on principles such as beauty, goodness and truth can offer guidelines in selecting programming or even video games, the Indian bishops recalled, alluding to the Pope's message.
"True education helps children to avoid themes or situations which impoverish or deceive them under the guise of freedom, or where a relentless desire for novelty is created," a statement from the bishops' conference said. "The ideal is that children can learn how to choose what is best for themselves, helping them to grow in goodness and joy."
ZE07111209 - 2007-11-12