By Fr. Keith Amodia, SDB
Social Communications Delegate FIS

       Makati City, Philippines (via Zoom) October 20, 2022 -- TWENTY Social Communication representatives and members from the different Salesian Family groups in the EAO provinces came together for another session in the Online School for Social Communications. Fr. Keith J. Amodia, SDB of the Philippines South Province (FIS) led the reflection and discussion on existing and upcoming realities in the Digital Space and how the Salesian Family can prepare itself in its Youth Pastoral Ministry.

       The session began with an appreciation of the development of human society, culture and technology. Using Marshall McLuhan's philosophy of media, the group saw how new technologies and tools lead to new human behavior. Introducing the attendees to cutting-edge technologies in blockchain computing, artificial intelligence and quantum computing, Fr. Amodia asked the group, “How are the Salesians and the Salesian Family members preparing for the future?”

       The different attendees shared their insights and experiences of how new realities shape youth and youth culture and how technology extends and amputates human behavior. Recognizing the need for reflection and contextual pastoral response, the group reflected on different frameworks that can be used to future-proof education, evangelization and youth pastoral ministry.

       The session is the second for the month of October in a series of online formation already in its second layer. The Online School of Social Communications has been organized by Fr. Gildasio Mendes, SDB and coordinated in the EAO by Fr. Ambrose Pereira, SDB in order to upskill and share knowledge among Social Communication delegates, Salesians and members of the Salesian Family.

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