Blogging Vatican meeting

I thought something was strange when my hit counter went skyward these last few days. 

Then I found out why !

I am on the list of 150 bloggers that got through the screening and final selection process to attend The Pontifical Councils for Culture and for Social Communications at The Vatican on May 2nd so the Vatican can “listen to the experiences of those who are actively involved in this arena” and “achieve a greater understanding of the needs of that community,” said a press release.

The conference, to be held in Rome on the day after the beatification of Pope John Paul II, will include morning and afternoon sessions. 
Anyone accepting the invitation has to pay their own way there as the Vatican assumed that it was intended for "bloggers" who would be in Rome for the Beatification. 
So I need to think hard about this !! 

I have been in a state of shock since getting the invitation and every time I go to post something I freeze but it is a great honour to be invited and also a big responsibility. 

If you want to see the complete list of 150 names and how the decisions were arrived at the link is here .....


A further description of the format of the event is below :( H/t to Rocco Palmo at Whispers in the Loggia who is also on the list for this information quoted below :)


"In two panels, speakers will open up some of the key issues in order to set up a more general discussion open to all participants. 
The first panel will involve 5 bloggers – they will be chosen to represent different language groups and each will address a specific theme of general relevance. The second panel will draw on people involved in the Church’s communications outreach – they will speak of their experiences in working with new media and initiatives aimed at ensuring an effective engagement by the Church with bloggers.

Among those participating at the meeting will be Cardinal Ravasi of the Pontifical Council for Culture, Archbishop Celli of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications and Father Lombardi of the Vatican’s Press Office and Vatican Radio. An important dimension of the meeting is to allow an opportunity for informal exchange and contact between those attending with a view to opening further avenues of interaction."