Online ZOOM, World - 17 May 2024 -- The Social Communications Councillor, Fr Gildásio Mendes, Fr Ricardo Campoli, Fr Harris Pakkam and Fr Maciej Matia Makula and the Coordinators of the Salesian regions met online to review the Social Communication program of each region and to plan for the regional and international events ahead.
The meeting opened with a prayer to Our Blessed Mother, as the Feast of Mary Help of Christians is drawing closer. Fr Gildásio then expressed his appreciation to the 'Great Team' for their dedication and support to Social Communications ministry. He highlighted the importance of digital transformation, the process of Pastoral Planning, organization, and Coordination as a team. Fr Mendes spotlighted the fact that the Salesian delegates for Social Communication are moving forward with the implementation of the third priority from the Rector Major's Action Programme from GC28. A special announcement was made about the launching of ISCAI (International Salesian Council for Artificial Intelligence). "It is a Salesian response to the fast-evolving AI eco-system" said the General Councillor for Social Communications.
The Africa-Madagascar and Europe Region under Fr Macije Matia Makula shared achievements, progress and plans. Fr Rigobert Met spoke of communication strategies for peace and ecology as Salesians in the Africa-Madagascar region realize the importance of formation for confreres, lay mission partners and our young people. He stressed the increased awareness of the instruments of communication and mobile journalism.
Fr Marcin Wosiek shared about the many languages, the quest to learn at the upcoming Conference and the need to promote the General Chapter. He also inquired about what the future holds for the delegates and the coordinator as planning for the Salesian Bulletin and other programs need to be done. Fr Javier Valiente shared about the diversity and different realities in each province, the development of AI and the work of coordination that exists amidst the provinces.
From the Americas, Fr John Pablo Abreu highlighted the work of the coordinators in the different countries regarding the Salesian Bulletin, Publishing Houses and the Radio stations and his efforts to coordinate, network and move forward.
Fr Ambrose Pereira shared the growth of coordination of the East Asia Oceania Region. "After the Voices program in Thailand, Fr Albeiro Rodas sdb, Don Bosco Kep, Cambodia, organized joint formation, training, and sharing of indigenous cultures. These have been held in collaboration with the participation of the Southeast Asian countries. The 'Namuncurá Short Film Festival has now been organized to dwell on ancestral territories" he said. Translations of the documents of the congregation in several provinces have received a boost with the support of Fr Julian Fox, and an upgrade of the Boscolink and AustraLasia website was discussed.
Fr Ernest Rosario sdb, through a detailed presentation spoke of the programs and events held in the South Asia Region. The Voices program, BOSCOM executive meeting, BIS reporting news workshops, Digital forums held, DBGYFF awards, Coordination of the Music composers, Mobile Journalism workshop, a Media Conference, 'Shepherds for a Digital Age', etc. were presented. He also spoke of the challenges, and the plans to unite Salesians, Teachers, and students. He then briefed the members of the first International Salesian Commission for Artificial Intelligence (ISCAI) meeting held online on the 7th May. "The commission has been set up in an effort to stay relevant to the signs of the times, to reap the benefits of the fast-evolving AI technology and to empower the Salesian family and its beneficiaries with knowledge and tools and its ethical and moral principles", he said.
In updating the members on the 'Shaping Tomorrow Conference', Fr Makula Maciej informed the members that the organization is progressing well and that there will be 130 to 150 participants. "Enrolment has been closed, the finalization of the keynote speakers done, and we look forward to a fruitful meeting", he said.
Members were then reminded of the DBGYFF Season 3 event that is open to all youth between the ages of 14-25 years. Fr Harris Pakkam sdb, encouraged all to promote participation in the event, and organize the film festival at different venues. "The inaugural program will be held in New York on the 14th October and we look froward to an interesting and effective event that includes several young people", he said.
In conclusion, Fr Gildásio Mendes, Councillor for Social Communications spoke of his willingness to be of assistance and help at any time. He appreciated the seven regions networking in diversity and multi culturalism, dealing with relevant issues and propelling the congregation forward. "The DBGYFF, MoJo and AI are digital seeds that brings about a Digital Transformation", said Fr Gildásio.
The meeting then concluded with a prayer to Mary Help of Christians.
