The visit coincided with the conclusion of the Novena to Mary Help of Christians, and Fr. Gildasio joined in the activities organized at the provincial house in Lagos, the Post Novitiate in Ibadan, and the shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Akure.
In Lagos, Fr. Gildasio met with members of the provincial house community and staff of the communication department, gaining an understanding of the cultural, socio-political and economic situation, and noting the vibrant and multifaceted nature of the local populace.
At the Post Novitiate in Ibadan, Fr. Gildasio was warmly welcomed by the philosophy students. During the festive mass of Mary help of Christians that he presided over, he emphasized Mary as a model of Christian life and communication. He expressed his positive impression of the creativity Salesians have put into formation, particularly in their use of music, art and dance as methods of communication.
Fr. Gildasio stressed the importance of continuing the province's digital transformation efforts. He suggested defining good strategies, providing Salesian and professional formation for those involved in communication, and implementing creative digital projects like digital radio, mobile journalism, and provincial news.
At the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians in Akure, Fr. Gildasio presided over Mass and visited various community projects including the health center, radio, and printing press.
Back in Lagos, Fr. Gildasio met with the provincial communication delegate, Br. Samuel Job, to discuss the province's communication projects, the website for the Africa-Madagascar Region, and further digital transformation plans.
In the provincial council meeting, Fr. Gildasio expressed gratitude for the Salesians' work in promoting the charism, particularly in communication. He emphasized that communication must serve the charism and be in dialogue with the gospel and Salesian preventive system, while also being rooted in local cultural and traditional values.
Fr. Gildasio encouraged the province to form young Salesians to evangelize in the digital culture and artificial intelligence ecosystem. He also suggested restarting the Salesian Bulletin, at least with two annual editions.
