It was an occasion for the members to re-connect, several months after their meeting in Lisbon for the world advisory meeting and share highlights and strengths of the region. Each regional coordinator shared plans, projects, and activities for the year of their region.
While, addressing the members, Fr Gildasio stressed the need to be relevant and visible in the field of Social Communication. He reminded all to work towards unity and harmony with the Church and the Salesian Congregation. He encouraged all to support the new project of ‘Voices’ that plans to emphasize the importance of peace in the world amidst the growing situation of violence, inequality, social injustice, migrants, oppression, the marginalized etc and stressed that it was indispensable for the Social Communication Sector to give Voice to those unheard and silenced voices. He thanked the coordinators for their dedication, commitment, and planning in each of their regions. He spoke about the new document of communication and announced that the department will specifically deal on Artificial Intelligence and the GPT chat application. “Understanding transformation and following the rhythm of technology is vital today for those in communication”, he affirmed.
In the sharing of the regional coordinators there were points of convergence. The Salesian Sacrament of presence in the digital world and the Global Compact of Pope Francis were presented in different ways. Despite the differences in language and ethnic backgrounds, efforts are being made by the different regions to seek possibilities for assistance, networking, and collaboration. Strengthening presence in different media platforms - audio, print and the digital media were presented. The reminder of the stark reality of the war in Ukraine as it nears its one-year mark, the need for solidarity and pastoral work were also discussed.
Fr Maciej Makula explained about the meeting of the Editors of Salesian Bulletin to be held from 21 to 26 April 2023, in Valdocco. 70 participants – Salesian Bulletin Directors and Editors - from all over the world are expected to attend the meeting. The meeting would be in line with the five dimensions of the Social Communication Sector: living communication in an evangelical, synodal, Salesian, convergent and artistic way. “After a gap of three years, it promises to animate, accompany, and renew the Information policy of the Salesian Bulletin as it strives to highlight the Salesian Charism throughout the world”, said Fr. Makula.
The details of the Don Bosco Global Youth Film Festival with its theme: ‘Love builds peace and solidarity’ were explained by Fr Harris Pakkam, coordinator of this project. He briefly mentioned the nuances of the second edition of the festival and also highlighted on the participation by the Salesian Family. He exhorted everyone to promote the festival in all the regions and concluded stating that the last date for submitting the films would be 31 July, and that the festival would be held worldwide on the 13-14 October 2023.
Fr. Makula once again shared information on the Communication Convention to be held form the 1-7 August 2024. It will deal with communication in the Church and the Congregation and look at the future with migrants and refugees. The digital environment and a communication of encounter will also be part of the program. A media visit to Rome and the Vatican Radio is also planned.
Fr. Ricardo Campoli, shared with everyone the objectives and dreams of the ‘Salesian Spotify’ the digital music podcast, that will bring together all collection songs on Don Bosco and Salesian Charism from across the world. He affirmed that it would be very relevant to document and unite all our forces and create this rich resource of Salesian songs and digital material from across the world.
The other meetings for the regional coordinators planned for the year are 8 May, 8 September and 5 December 2023.
