Pope Benedict XVI urged priests to join the digital revolution through social networking. In his message on the world communication day he said “priests can discover new possibilities for carrying out their ministry to and for the Word of God”. This year’s theme for the world communication day would be “The Priest and Pastoral Ministry in a Digital World: New Media at the Service of the Word”. He says it is the duty of the priest that he should use unique possibilities offered by modern communications.

Now a days one can’t avoid the opportunities given by social net working. It’s the easiest method to reach to the world. Blogs replace the orthodox way of newspapers. Micro blogging makes things even more easier. Pop Benedict XVI urged christian priests to use social networking to reach to young people. This is a great move in the right direction. Through blogs and social networking sites priests can reach to their target audience more easily and effectively. By his message pop asked them to be a part of the ongoing digital revolution.

Once again I quote St.Paul “Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel”, using advanced ways to spread Gospel is an innovation in it’s way. Now youngsters are more exposed to digital communication methods. They, it seems, are not that much exposed to church. We see publicity stunts by corpoartes, film stars and even political leaders through TV and digital media now a days. Why not the church. After all priests are trying to spread the Gospel. Pop and the pastoral ministry urges priests to be a part of this revolution for all good reasons.

I think one addition step can be taken in this regard. Every church can start their own blogs. Priests can preach through this. Promote online communities as well. Church can also raise funds for the needy through online instead the time taking orthodox ways. Let all the doors be open and explore all the possibilities. Church should be a part of Digital revolution.

As a christian I can have anything, but all are not good for me like said St. Paul. Globalization has changed our lives. Moreover it changed our thinking pattern and outlook. Being a man residing in a global village you should not be separated by religion and nationality (My Australian brothers and sisters and those who are in Shiv Sena please excuse). Communication revolution, with the entry of internet, made this possible. I repeat the cliché world is now at my finger tip. During the last years of 20^th century social networking came into existence. When the 21^st century started it became popular like anything. (It is believed that social networking will replace email in the near future). UN predicts that world population will touch 900 billion by 2050. Now all over the world around 150 crore people are using internet. The number increases drastically. Pop’s message came at the right time.

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Watch this video  : Give witness to faith in social networks : Pope Benedict XVI

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