This event was carried out online through the Zoom platform, and saw the participation of 14 people: in addition to Fr Mendes dos Santos, the Provincial Delegates for Social Communication of the Provinces of South Argentina, North Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, Colombia-Medellin, Colombia-Bogota, Central America, the United States West and the communication manager of the Regional Center of the Salesian Coadjutor (CRESCO) of Guatemala.
The meeting's theme was communication challenges in the time of Covid-19 and following the 28th General Chapter. The meeting began with a dialogue between those present on the experience lived in the pandemic and on the work done in each Province to help the most needy. Immediately afterwards, the General Councilor for Social Communication spoke about current problems and how Salesian Social Communication should be developed at this time and in the future.
"Although the pandemic is a difficult time for all humanity, it has given great value to the media and communication itself. Being together is necessary and digital media have been the channel to carry out the exchange of messages. Faced with this reality, the Salesians need to be trained in Social Communication and in the knowledge and appropriation of the tools: not only from a technological point of view, but above all to be able to communicate the true message" was one of the conclusions reached.
For his part, Fr Mendes dos Santos reiterated: "If communication was an appendix before, today it is fundamental. Every Salesian must be a communication expert. Knowing how to communicate is essential for evangelization. The content of communication is born from the Gospel and is an ever new force."
During the virtual meeting, which lasted almost two hours, the participants reflected on the Salesian charismatic identity, on the role of young people, on working in synergy with the Youth Ministry, on the need and importance of working with lay people ...
As the General Councilor for Social Communication wrote: "What is Salesian-style communication? It is that great love that springs from our educational heart and flows to the very last breath, because those who love in the name of Jesus and serve the poorest and most needy will always be the communicator of a message that is always new and never ages."
