'Inter Mirifica' : 50 years on ...

(Vatican Radio ) It was December 4th 1963, so half a century ago, when the first two decrees of the Second Vatican Council were passed. The documents focused on the liturgy and on the mass media.
Veronica Scarisbrick brings you a programme centred around the decree on mass media which goes by the title of 'Inter Mirifica '. A decree which in a sense echoes Pius XII's encyclical 'Miranda Prorsus' dated six years earlier .
The pope to sign 'Inter Mirifica' was Paul VI who in this document highlights how: " It is the duty of Pastors to instruct and guide the faithful so that they, with the help of these same media, may further the salvation and perfection of themselves and of the entire human family. In addition, the laity especially must strive to instill a human and Christian spirit into these media, so that they may fully measure up to the great expectations of mankind and to God's design" .
In this programme you can listen to Vatican Radio archive recordings of the Latin words of Paul VI at the time of the passing of the decree as well as the witness of someone who took part in the Second Vatican Council. He's the late Cardinal John Patrick Foley who eventually became President of the Pontifical Council for Social Communications. Also featured in this programme is Blessed John Paul II speaking in English ....
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