Pope: "Liturgy is Truly the Apex of the Church's Life"

From Vatican Information Service:

VATICAN TELEVISION: SERVICE FOR COMMUNION IN THE CHURCH

VATICAN CITY, 18 DEC 2008 (VIS) - Staff members, contributors, and advisors of Vatican Television (CTV) were received by the Holy Father this morning on the occasion of the celebration of CTV's 25th anniversary this year.

After greeting Cardinal John Patrick Foley, President Emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications and Fr. Federico Lombardi, S.J., General Director of CTV, Benedict XVI recalled the phrase "Videre Petrum" (to see the Pope) "a desire that has brought uncountable pilgrims to Rome" and which "can be fulfilled, at least in part, thanks to radio and television, which have allowed so many ... to participate in the ceremonies and events of the Vatican and the other places visited by the Pope in carrying out his ministry".

"Your effort is, above all, a precious service for communion in the Church", added the Pope, "Your collaboration with Catholic television stations has been characteristic from your very inception" and "it is encouraging to know that not a few Catholic television stations in various regions of the world are connected to you. In this manner, a ever greater number of faithful can see, live or recorded, what happens at the center of the Church".

"Television, however, is not seen only by Catholics. In offering your images to the major television stations of the world and the main state or commercial channels, you assist the proper and timely dissemination of information on life and the teaching of the Church in today's world, at the service of the dignity of the human being, of justice, and of dialogue and peace".

Referring later to the transmission of liturgical ceremonies the Holy Father reaffirmed that "liturgy is truly the apex of the Church's life, the time and place of a profound relationship with God. Following the liturgical event through the attentive eye of the camera, which allows those who cannot be physically present to participate spiritually, is an arduous and noble task".

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