Journalists and Opinion Leaders to Promote Brotherhood to Heal the Wounds of the World
Unanimously, media executives, journalists, and opinion leaders highlighted the significance of Ecuador hosting the 53rd International Eucharistic Congress, which will reflect on the theme “Brotherhood to Heal the World.” In an informational meeting organized by the IEC 2024 organizing committee, media representatives and editorialists committed to spreading the good news of the Congress and the urgency of promoting fraternity to heal the wounds suffered by Ecuador, Latin America, and the world in these current times.
According to the social communicators present, it is possible to communicate positive news from Quito, Ecuador, and the world. They announced their commitment to sharing good news based on the theme of the International Eucharistic Congress, “Brotherhood to Heal the World.”
Journalism Can Convey Positive Messages
Francisco Rocha, President of the Ecuadorian Association of Newspapers (AEDEP), emphasized the importance of holding the International Eucharistic Congress in Ecuador and considered that the theme “Brotherhood to Heal the World” is “a call for humanity to practice and live fraternity, solidarity, and to connect with each other, so that in the world of ideas, we can disagree, but above all, have the ability to reach agreements.” He added that journalism can bring more positive messages to humanity.
Thinking Collectively and Extending a Hand to the Neighbor
Meanwhile, Thalía Flores, correspondent for Spain’s ABC newspaper and columnist for various media outlets, noted that the theme “Brotherhood to Heal the World” evokes “something positive, an act of faith, a purpose to do something in this turbulent world.”
“Each citizen, each human being needs to make a positive gesture, as healing the world means extending a hand to our neighbor, thinking collectively rather than individually,” added the communicator, who emphasized that “Brotherhood to Heal the World” also invites “all of us to get involved positively, thinking that there is a God who inspires us.”
Walking Together to Heal the Wounds
Similarly, journalist and director of the television program Políticamente Correcto on Ecuavisa, Carlos Rojas, considered that the theme of the Eucharistic Congress, which will take place in the coming days in Quito, suggests that “there are elements and figures in society that must walk together, with convictions and values, to achieve an essential objective: healing the wounds that Ecuador faces at present, such as violence and the destruction of social fabric and families. If we do not address these realities from a spiritual perspective, we will not be able to heal,” he emphasized.
Fraternity to Recover Values That Have Been Trampled
Meanwhile, General Paco Moncayo Gallegos, former mayor of Quito and columnist for El Universo newspaper, expressed satisfaction knowing that “the city of Quito will host such an important event, as it will be the focus of all humanity, at a time when fundamental values are being trampled.” He added that the International Eucharistic Congress should “commit all Quito residents to be part of this great experience of faith that we will live.”
On the other hand, he pointed out that “the world is sick, as we see genocidal wars, poverty, and large waves of migration.” Similarly, he said, Ecuador is sick, which is why this Congress is very timely as it seeks to contribute to healing the wounds.
Humanity Needs to Connect
Likewise, journalist Francisco Herrera Arauz, director of the digital newspaper Ecuadorinmediato, highlighted the importance of holding the International Eucharistic Congress in Quito and that the theme of fraternity is the call made by Pope Francis in the encyclical Fratelli Tutti, “which makes humanity reflect on the need to meet, to reconnect to share and to avoid confrontation.”
He finally noted that journalism can contribute to promoting fraternity by changing the hate speech that currently dominates, especially on social media.
The Eucharistic Congress is a Privilege and a Blessing for Ecuador
In the meeting with media executives and opinion leaders, Father Juan Carlos Garzón, Secretary General of the International Eucharistic Congress, explained that everything is ready for the largest gathering of the universal Church in Ecuador, which will take place from September 8 to 15, 2024.
He said that Ecuador being chosen by Pope Francis as the host for this Congress is a privilege and a blessing.
He highlighted that this event returns to Latin America after 20 years, as the last International Eucharistic Congress took place in Guadalajara, Mexico, in 2004.
He reported that the Congress in Quito will have the largest participation of international delegations, as more than 50 delegations have confirmed their presence so far.
He also detailed that, prior to the International Eucharistic Congress, a Theological Symposium will be held to reflect on the theme “Brotherhood to Heal the World.” This academic event will take place at the Cultural Center of the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador from September 4 to 7.
In his presentation, he invited journalists and opinion leaders to share the good news of the 53rd International Eucharistic Congress.
