Thanksgiving Celebrations and Gratitude for Media Technologies
As the chill of autumn sets in and foliage paints the landscape in vibrant hues, the spirit of Thanksgiving encourages Americans to reflect on their blessings. This year, a member of the Daughters of St. Paul shared how this holiday, traditionally a time for family gatherings, takes on a unique form within her religious community, focusing on gratitude not only for personal and communal blessings but also for the advancements in media technology.
The sister expressed her gratitude for media technologies, which allow her to connect visually with her family scattered across North America, a luxury made possible by video calls, a stark contrast to the once-a-year in-person visits. "I thank God often for the ability to video chat with my family," she noted, emphasizing the role these technologies play in maintaining familial bonds despite physical distances.
In her community, Thanksgiving is marked by attending Mass, sharing a meal, and extending invitations to those who might otherwise spend the day alone, embodying the spirit of community and inclusiveness. This year, their celebration included a reflection on the "Canticle of Praise for the Media," inspired by Blessed James Alberione, who recognized the potential of media as tools for enlightenment and evangelization.
The prayer, part of the broader document "Inter Mirifica" from Vatican II, celebrates various forms of media—from the printed word to digital communication, acknowledging their contributions to entertainment, education, and the spread of faith. It also calls for the ethical use of such technologies, praying for their application towards the common good and against misuse.
This Thanksgiving, as families across the nation gather, the Daughters of St. Paul encourage everyone to consider the positive impacts of media technologies in their lives. "Let Thanksgiving be a time when we focus on the positive contribution media technologies make possible for us every single day," the sister remarked.
The prayer and other media-centric prayers can be found in the book "Live Christ! Give Christ! Prayers for the New Evangelization," available at Pauline Books & Media, reinforcing the message of using media for the greater good.
As we celebrate Thanksgiving, let us remember to give thanks not only for the tangible gifts but also for the intangible connections made possible through modern media, fostering a deeper sense of community and shared humanity.