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."



7 comments:

Concord Pastor said...

Fantastic, Phil! I'm very happy for you and to know that one of my blogging friends will be at the table in Rome. I know you'll represent us well!

Blue Eyed Ennis said...

Thanks Fr. Austin.Your support means a great deal to me. I'm in the process of trying to see if it's possible to get there at the moment - flights via Cornwall are very expensive.
It's awesome and I want to go but at the same time I am not sure if I am up to it.
Blessings and please keep me in your prayers.Nobody does prayer better than you as I've said before many times but I really need a special one now !! ( No pressure or anything!)

Fran said...

OH MY!! How wonderful!! I read the list but I did not see your name, so clearly I did not read closely enough!

This is such great news!

God bless and know that I will be praying for you!

Blue Eyed Ennis said...

Hi Fran;
It's great to hear from you. Hope you are OK.
Thanks so much for your support - you have always been there for me.
I need your prayers badly and can you do a candle too please?!!
Yes,I nearly missed it too . Number 122.

Phil Ewing said...

I'm sorry if some comments are not showing up here that were left a few daya ago from those who have used the Blogger system. They were published and they are showing up in my editing/management section but are not showing here !!
I have reported the problem so hopefully it will be sorted asap.

Phil Ewing said...

Thanks Claire :-)) and please join with me in praying !
Blessings

claire said...

I remember not long ago how you wondered whether you should not stop blogging. You got your answer and I rejoiced when I found out that you were one of the 150. Yes, it is both an honor and a responsibility. But I am sure you will find your way, as you always do, by following Him :-)