Media Mindfulness Blog

Sr Jennifer reflects on Pope Francis' World Communications Day message on the connection between social network communities and the human community. He challenges us to consider what it really means to be "connected."

Based on the writings of their founder, Blessed James Alberione, the Daughters of St Paul have created the "Canticle of Praise for the Media in Today's World." This special prayer helps us to see the technological inventions for communication as gifts of God to be used wisely in order to uphold the dignity of every human person and to proclaim the truth, beauty, and goodness of God.

In today's social media climate, I want to offer a means to grow in media mindfulness and personal reflection. Only if we seek silence, prayer, and personal reflection can we project the media virtues of prudence, justice, temperance, and fortitude. Holy Spirit, guide our online choices and give the spirit of discernment as we navigate the internet and our social media feeds!

Sometimes a film has the power to make us question our own motivations and beliefs. It can lead us to examine where we find true interaction with the Divine and whether the extraordinary supernatural situations become the only faith-confirming moments for us, or if we simply do not find the miraculous in the everyday.

As we liturgically reflect on St Paul's conversion story, we can look to film for inspiration on how that practically happens in people's lives. A true conversion or metanoia is really about a "change of heart," a transformation that takes place at the core of one's humanity. See my list of 10 films that do this so well.

Scott Young is co-founder and President of Culture Connection, a non-profit that generates program and provides support for thoughtful creativity, media experiences, urban adventures, and spiritual exploration. He interviews Sr Rose about her experience of being an internationally acclaimed film critic.

Manifest looks at the topic of faith and finding meaning in a world where, at times, there may not seem to be any meaning.

Today's documentary films are often accessible and compelling. If you have never been a fan of documentary films, here are three good reasons to give them a try.

The classic film about Archbishop Oscar Romero is re-mastered just in time for the canonization of this bishop who stood for the poor, even at the expense of his own life.

Chris Herlinger of Global Sisters Report interviews Sr Rose about her involvement with Hollywood and how current popular film can be a catalyst for theological reflection while helping to ask the questions about what it truly means to be human.