Tuesday 21 September 2010

News of the World calls Benedict "People's Pope"



The other day, I mentioned the Sun's positive coverage of the papal visit. In England, the largest circulation Sunday paper is the News of the World ("Whose life can we ruin today?") As with the Sun, it is far more widely read than the broadsheets and has a significant impact on public opinion. In today's edition, the subs came up with the headline "Bene's from heaven" and the strapline "People's Pope leaves Britain with a smile on its face".

In the run-up to the visit, there were many occasions when I had to respond quietly and patiently to clergy who solemnly told me that Pope Benedict did not have much appeal to ordinary people. So it is hugely gratifying to see the News of the World characterise him as the "People's Pope". By Fr. Tim Finnigan.

Friday 17 September 2010

Pope to British politicians: "Religion is not a problem, but a vital contribution to national life"



This was the most delicate political event of Benedict XVI's trip to the United Kingdom. The Pope went to Westminster Hall to meet with 1800 British politicians, business leaders and intellectuals. Courtesy of www.romereports.com

Tuesday 7 September 2010

Papal Images for the Papal Visit

PRESS RELEASE – SEPTEMBER 8th 2010.

The Catholic Bishops’ Conference have taken the inspired decision to officially appoint Papal Images as a supplier to the forthcoming visit to the UK by Pope Benedict XVI.


Papal Images has been launched to specifically offer an opportunity for photographs of the Pope prior and during the event to be down loaded direct to mobile. This is the FIRST TIME this has been offered at a live event in the UK and it reflects the way that the clergy are now embracing modern technology.


The company run by Darren Snape was formed when he observed how many times crowds of people try without success to take photos on their mobile at a live event and then are disappointed with the result.


Taken live during the four day events the papal images are immediately down loaded to purchase and available as the event closes each day as well as being shown in full at the web store. These photographs can be bought to use as a wall paper but are also a photographic record of the historic event distinct from traditional merchandize! These can then be carried around at all times on the users mobile phone picture album! Those that did not secure access to the events are also able to feel part of the occasion by securing the same images chosen from www.papal-images.com. The site has images of the Pope taken at his summer palace just a few weeks ago available now. The official papal visit web site also provides a direct link.


The Catholic Church launched a daily text service over seven years ago now widely used. Indeed Pope Benedict XVI called for priests to discover new digital possibilities in order to proclaim the Word of God and carry out their ministry. This was part of his address on World Communication Day in May of this year.





He specifically stated that " the development of new technologies and the larger digital world represents a great resource for humanity as a whole and for every individual and it can act as a stimulus to encounter and dialogue" His address encouraged priests to use this technology to encourage new pastoral possibilities. Down loading photographs of the Pope falls neatly into this category.

The number of people in the UK alone using mobile phones now approaches 16 million of which 4 million are Catholics and with 1.5 million sending photographs last year. Accordingly the take up of this offer should be high and the revenue will undoubtedly help pay for the cost of the trip whilst at the same time providing a fresh means of the clergy connecting to their congregation.


Gerry Kehoe Director of Operations for the Papal Visit at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference
states " the technology being embraced by papal-images will allow Pilgrims to obtain a high
quality photographic record of these historic events. This is an exciting opportunity and we are delighted to incorporate this into the Holy Father’s visit ”


www.papal-images.com

Contact ; Darren Snape – 07971 967771.

Wednesday 1 September 2010

Aid to the Church in Need Annual Mass and ‘Hope Without Fear’ Event, taking place at Westminster Cathedral and Hall, Ambrosden Avenue London , SW1P 1Q

Aid to the Church in Need Annual Mass and ‘Hope Without Fear’ Event, taking place at Westminster Cathedral and Hall, Ambrosden Avenue London , SW1P 1QW

on – Saturday, 16th October Mass of Our Lady (Feast of Margaret Mary Alacoque).

The day begins with Sung Latin Mass in Westminster Cathedral at 10:30am. Mass will be followed by an afternoon of talks in the cathedral hall. We are delighted to welcome some very special guests from the suffering Church in Sudan and Siberia .

Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala of Tombura-Yambio, south Sudan is leading his people in south Sudan through a time of great uncertainty. Despite the country’s fragile peace agreement, he has seen his people fall victim to atrocious attacks, including crucifixion. Benefactors are helping to provide hope, funding Christian education at the Save the Saveable schools, training seminarians, Sisters and catechists, and helping priests reach Christian communities with new vehicles.


Father Michael Shields from Magadan, Siberia is a long-time friend of Aid to the Church in Need. An American from Alaska , he chose to serve in a former communist gulag camp in Magadan, Siberia . Millions died here. Father works for those who survive, ensuring their stories are told and their suffering acknowledged by the authorities. He is the author of the Aid to the Church in Need publication Martyrs of Magadan – a book that tells the stories of 15 survivors of the gulags. Earlier this year, Aid to the Church in Need paid tribute to Father Michael’s work by including him in the book Heroic Priests.

Neville Kyrke-Smith, UK Director, Aid to the Church in Need has travelled extensively in Eastern Europe and, this year, he will give an update on the help benefactors are giving to Christians in Ukraine , where he recently visited.


John Pontifex , UK Head of Press and Information, Aid to the Church in Need
will speak about suffering, faith and hope in Pakistan and how benefactors are helping to nurture this hope.


For more information please visit our Website http://www.acnuk.org/events.php/223/aid-to-the-church-in-need-annual-mass-and-hope-without-fear-event-westminster
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