The event marked the renewal of the radio sector of the two Salesian Regions of America (Interamerica and South Cone America), following priority number 3 of the Rector Major's program proposals for 2020-2026: to live the "SALESIAN SACRAMENT OF PRESENCE" by prioritizing radio in its ministry to the Salesian mission: youth. The group also accepted the proposal of the Global Covenant for Education: the person at the center of the educational process, the promotion of women, and the care of the Common Home.
In her welcome address, Salesian Radio in America animator Jocasta Pimentel underscored enthusiasm, the same joy as Don Bosco, as the central element of the appointment. "Our Founder remains a great example of a communicator, and starting from this encouragement we received from Don Bosco, we can reach out to young people with a proposal that will animate them and help them in their life journey. Radios must be a means of education and evangelization with young people, families, and communities," she said.
The talk offered by Fr. Gildasio Mendes, General Councilor for Social Communications, highlighted Pope Francis' message for World Communications Day 2022 and also the Salesian Congregation's focus on promoting radio. He pointed to three pillars: Heart, Reality, and Church, focusing on the right place for the human being. "Communication must be at the service of mission. The Radio Network of America functions as a space for the voice of young people. And the plan we are working on links the Rector Major's proposal and the Global Compact for Education, always remembering that people must be our priority," Fr. Mendes explained.
The second day of the event featured a presentation by the Executive Director of the Salesian Network Brazil (RSB) and general coordinator of the Edebê Publishing House, Fr. Nivaldo Pessinatti, on "Communication: living the Salesian sacrament of presence in the perspective of the Emmaus text." With an extensive program, the meeting also discussed the future plans of the radio sector in the two Salesian Regions of America in light of the principles of Communication for the Salesian Congregation, the planning of joint actions to celebrate the canonization of Artemide Zatti (with a presentation by Fr. Ricardo Campoli, Contact Person for America) and the Bicentennial of Don Bosco's 9-year dream (with a presentation by Fr. Matia Makula, Contact Person for Africa and Europe).
The meeting program also included a visit to the "Dom Bosco" Social Work in Itaquera, where cultural and sports projects are developed with children, youth, and adults from the local community.
The third and final day was devoted to reading the Radio Plan, sharing personal impressions of the implementation of the event, the contribution of Fr. João Carlos, Brazil's Delegate for Social Communications, on sustainability in the context of radio, the celebration of the Eucharist, and a visit to the Museum of Sacred Arts in São Paulo. Finally, it is worth noting that each participant will be asked to respond to an evaluation questionnaire that will be used in the preparation of new sector meetings.
https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/16228-brazil-salesian-radios-a-space-for-young-people-s-voices#sigProIdba00c2eff4
