BRAZIL, Gerson Silva Figueiredo and Gabriel Felipe Oberle. On Septeber 17 and 18, the city of Londrina has taken another step in the building of a Covenant Culture. Londrina hosted the First Congress for Schoenstatt Journalists (CCS).
The Congress emerged from a desire to serve the Church constantly, always having clear that the way to sanctity today is to deepen further the experiences in the Covenant of Love.
In addition to the advisers, Fr. Alfonso (JUMAS) and Sr. M. Nilza (Press Adviser for the Institute of the Schoenstatt Sisters of Mary), there were 13 participants representing the cities of Londrina (PR), Cornelio Procopio (PR), Ibipora (PR), Guarapuava (PR), and Sao Bernardo do Campo (SP). They had all gathered with the aim of seeking better ways to use what they are already doing – favoring the Church and Schoenstatt. Among them we can highlight the initiative of Rodrigo Ishiya, Víctor Niczay, Danila Ribeiro, André Peres and Andrea Felgueiras in the creation of “Sanctity,” a publicity enterprise which seeks to transform good ideas into the sanctity of divine inspiration.
Church Documents in the Area of Communication
Some Church documents in the area of communication were also studied: Communication in the life and mission of the Church in Brazil (the CNBB study), Aetatis Novae (Pastoral Instruction from the Pontifical Council for Social Communication), Inter Mirifica (Decree from the Second Vatican Council), and from Communio et Progressio (On the means of Social Communication ) – and during the reflection – some points were extracted which will help with future work, emphasizing the difficulties and opportunities for Schoenstatt communication.
The duration of the Congress was brief for the participants, but served to motivate continuous work. One can be aware of the importance of the tools we have at our disposal. Sufficient is to use them in addition to a dynamic and continuous process for keeping them actualized! Our country can be much better as long as we strive for it.
Our country can be much better, sufficient is that we strive for it
In summary: in reality, it becomes a cultural problem. Schoenstatt has much more to offer, we know it! The CCS, being a pioneer, only wants to foster an attitude, a stance different to what we are accustomed to seeing in society, and especially within the Movement. Our country can be much better, sufficient is that we strive for it.
The steps have been taken. Approximately one month ago, in August of 2011, the First Conference for Schoenstatt industrialists took place following the same line of the Communication Congress. With this we can see clearly that we are going through a transformation of thoughts and ideas where our Brazil will be the greatest beneficiary.
The next steps for the Communication Conference have been set. Soon the fruitfulness of this small conference will appear – which in spite of the limited time – was incredibly fruitful. Experiences were narrated regarding the support and help from many persons. We are especially grateful to Beto Nassif from Londrina for the project “alianca com Maria” (Covenant with Mary), and to Pedro and Flavia Urnau from Ibipora who have contributed financially for the realization of the CCS.
Source: www.jumasbrasil.com.br
Translation: Carlos Cantú, Schoenstatt Family Federation, La Feria, Texas USA 10062011
