For the first time, representatives of almost all the Spanish-speaking Provinces of America participated in a meeting of this kind, sharing their experiences in the field of music and working on the coordination of common initiatives, in a project aligned with area 8 of the Congregation's Communication Plan: memory and artistic heritage. The initiative aims to strengthen the Salesian artistic legacy and amplify its impact on the evangelisation of young people in the digital age.
On this occasion, Fr Gildasio Mendes recalled the special bond that Don Bosco had with music. "Don Bosco loved music, he played the violin, he loved to sing and he put music at the centre of his Preventive System" he noted. He added that singing is an expression of the joy that emanates from a heart that loves God and that flourishes in friendly relationships with others.
Aware of the importance of digital culture in the lives of young people, Fr Gildasio Mendes stressed that music is one of the most appealing, interactive and attractive means and languages for communicating. He expressed the desire to promote music at the service of catechesis, pastoral care and evangelisation in digital culture.
In line with these objectives, the formation of the Don Bosco Music Networking network was announced, a body which seeks to identify and connect Salesian musicians and composers from the same area. The five main objectives of this network include the identification of musical talents; the creation of working groups on digital platforms; the exchange of musical material; the construction of a regional platform for the publication of music; and the composition of new Salesian songs.
In addition, as part of the work, Fr Ricardo Campoli, Reference person for the Americas (Interamerica and America Southern Cone Regions) within the Sector for Social Communication, illustrated the multimedia project he is carrying out together with the America Social Communication Team (ECSA) to organise, systematise and publish music, videos, films, audiovisuals and theatrical works with the collaboration of the Delegates for Social Communication from the different Provinces.
