Rome, Italy - 2 August 2024 - The activities of the World Conference on Social Communication "Shaping Tomorrow" kicked off in the afternoon of the first day, Friday 2 August, with a captivating talk by Sister Xiskya Valladares, a Religious of the Congregation of the Purity of Mary, and co-founder of the digital evangelisation project "iMisión". Also speaking before the Secretary of the Vatican's Dicastery for Communication, Bishop Lucio Adrian Ruíz, the nun conducted a pleasant interaction with the audience, emphasising that "if we want an adolescent to understand us, without losing our identity, we have to embrace their language". On the strength of her 14 years as a "digital missionary" and her experiences on various social networks, Sister Valladares first highlighted some traits of the young people of "Generation Zeta": for example, that they are not really passive, but demanding; that they seek spontaneity understood as authenticity; or that they have a desire for immediate answers. He then indicated some of the techniques and paradigms needed to intercept them on the social networks: understanding the network as a space for conversation; developing creativity to the utmost; gamifying evangelisation (carrying it out in a playful manner); knowing how to fit in with viral trends; or, again, putting one's feelings and emotions into play. All this, not to get a few more 'likes', but to achieve a real involvement of one's followers, and to succeed in the end in really reaching people's hearts.

Rome, Italy - 2 August 2024 - After the opening ceremony, the first working session of "Shaping Tomorrow" saw the intervention of one of the central coordinators of this World Communication Conference, Fr Fabio Pasqualetti, Dean of the Faculty of Social Communication at the Salesian Pontifical University. He spoke on the topic 'Epochal Changes: Digital Culture and Artificial Intelligence', illustrating the elements of today's communication. In the face of the technical, anthropological, educational, social and political challenges it entails, Fr Pasqualetti proposed effective communication processes and solutions for the Church and the Salesian Family, starting from a reflection on Christian identity today and the communicative capacity of a witness based on coherence and credibility, as well as - in response to today's multicultural and social reality - on dialogue and merciful action. Thus, in conclusion, quoting Pope Francis, the Dean of the FSC recalled the purpose of communication to be at the service of human encounter. He further explained the theme in today’s context of young people to be different from the times of Don Bosco, as well as in the past 30 years. Speaking of Salesian context of Social communications, Fr Pasqualetti recalled the theme of last General chapter; ‘What kind of Salesian for today’ in the context of the new language of communication and the difficulties on communications today between family, society and Church.

Rome, Italy - August 2024 - More than 150 delegates and social communication experts gathered in the morning of Friday, 2 August 2024 at the inauguration of the World Conference on Social Communication "Shaping Tomorrow", promoted by the Social Communication Sector of the Salesian Congregation and the Faculty of Social Communication Sciences of the Salesian Pontifical University (UPS). Those present, gathered at the Aula Magna of the UPS, were able to listen to the welcome messages and introductory speeches by Fr Maciej Makuła, main coordinator of the event; of the Rector Magnificus of UPS, Fr Andrea Bozzolo; of Fr Gildasio Mendes, General Councillor for Social Communication; and finally of the Rector Major of the Salesians of Don Bosco, Card. Ángel Fernández Artime.

(ANS – Tiruchy) – The Salesian Province of Tiruchy is set to mark a momentous milestone, celebrating the Silver Jubilee of its foundation on August 5, 2024, in Thanjavur, the historic location where the first Salesians arrived in India in 1906. The Jubilee festivities will be presided over by Rev. Fr. Stefano Martoglio, the Vicar to the Rector Major, at Don Bosco Thanjavur. The event will commence with a solemn Eucharistic celebration, featuring concelebrants such as Rev. Fr. Biju Michael, the South Asian Regional, and all the Provincials of the region. A grand cultural event will follow, showcasing the diverse mission activities of the province.

(ANS – Rome) – In the presence of the Rector Major of the Salesian Congregation, Cardinal Ángel Fernández Artime, the World Conference on Social Communication "Shaping Tomorrow" began on time at 9 a.m. on 2 August 2024 in the Aula Magna of the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS). In the room full of Delegates and communication experts from all over the Salesian world, the first messages of greeting and direction of the work resounded. "I am convinced that the digital world today is one of the indispensable challenges for the Congregation", the 10th Successor of Don Bosco shared in his introductory address.

(ANS – Rome) – After so much waiting, whole months of preparation and an increasingly intense work of attention to detail in recent weeks, the World Social Communication Conference organised by the Sector for Social Communication of the Salesian Congregation and the Faculty of Social Communication Sciences of the UPS, entitled "Shaping Tomorrow", is finally about to start in Rome at the Pontifical Salesian University (UPS). As scheduled, today, the first day, is dedicated to receiving and welcoming participants from all over the world, while the official opening will take place on Friday, 2 August 2024.