The muscle of form, image, language and idiom in preaching the Word

Image: MiamiInk

From Archbishop Claudio Celli, president of the Vatican's Pontifical Council for Social Communications:

"Like Our Lady of Guadalupe, Catholic communicators must share the message of the Gospel in a way that reflects the culture of their audience and uses images and gestures to capture imaginations and hearts."

In a Dec. 12, 2007 statement marking the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Archbishop Celli... told Catholic communicators in Latin America that the success of their efforts depends on their love, humility and creativity.

As the "model of perfectly inculturated evangelization," Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to the Mexican Indian Juan Diego in 1531 looking like an indigenous woman, he said.

"She adapted herself to the mentality of her audience, his culture, his rhythm," Archbishop Celli said. "Her message was not made up of words alone. It was gesture, form, image, language and idiom."

Mary's example, he said, was one of "loving communication and full acceptance of the world of the other, which has a dynamic impact that changes the listener forever."

In addition to Latin American Catholics, Archbishop Celli's remarks are critical for any and all who are charged with communicating the Gospel message. As a preacher and pastor I'm encouraged, affirmed and challenged by these words.

We live in an age of communication miracles. We who bear the message of the One who wrought miracles need to use every tool at our disposal to spread the Word of Christ in the "gesture, form, image, language and idiom" of those who hear us.
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