(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 ....
Listen: