By Luis Chacon

On November 9th, the Salesian Social America Network orchestrated the third formative meeting. The focus of this engaging gathering was the effective communication of Salesian social works, exploring key criteria, defining roles, and devising strategies for content creation across contemporary languages and platforms.

Setting the Stage:

Under the guidance of Father Walter, a Salesian of Don Bosco, the event commenced with an inspirational call for attendees to emulate Don Bosco as a communicator par excellence. A brief prayer followed, setting the tone for a collaborative and enriching session.

Key Themes:

The main speaker, Nicolas Mirabet, provided a comprehensive exploration of the historical and ecclesiastical aspects of communication. From the sacred history of the Church to the Salesian congregation, Mirabet’s discourse spanned significant milestones. He concluded by previewing upcoming discussions on the integration of artificial intelligence in social communication by 2024.

Biblical Roots of Communication:

The presentation connected the essence of communication to Christianity, referencing Luke 6:12-23, portraying Jesus as a natural communicator. The role of St. Paul as an expert in advertising in Acts 17:18-34 was also highlighted, emphasizing the pivotal connection between Christianity and effective communication.

Evolution of Church Communication:

The journey of communication within the Church was traced from the inauguration of Vatican Radio in 1931 by Pope Pius XI to the groundbreaking use of Twitter by Pope Benedict XVI in 2012. The Salesian congregation’s communication history, dating back to the creation of the Salesian Bulletin by Don Bosco in 1877, was also explored.

Communication in Salesian Congregation:

Highlighting the charismatic nature of communication in the Salesian congregation, the discourse covered the inception of the Salesian Communication System in 2011 and the establishment of the Salesian Bulletin in 1877.

Components of Authentic Communication:

Mirabet emphasized the three pillars of authentic communication: people, context, and mediations. Genuine communication, he asserted, demands mutual attention and dialogue, forming a circular and dialogical model.

Planning for Impactful Communication:

The discussion progressed to the importance of planning for influence, stressing the need for precise messages tailored to defined audiences. The five-step planning process involves setting objectives, identifying target audiences, crafting messages, determining communication channels, and scheduling dissemination.

Fostering Inclusive and Empowering Communication:

The speaker underscored the significance of creating a cohesive communicational identity based on a rights-focused approach, advocating for the avoidance of stereotypes, prejudices, and offensive language. The call was to empower individuals, promote equal opportunities, and challenge stigmas faced by vulnerable populations.

Showcasing Social Works:

The session emphasized actively and consciously showcasing the values, achievements, and impact of social works. Sharing success stories, overcoming challenges, and highlighting positive impacts contribute to a more significant societal influence.

Becoming a Part of a Larger Network:

Recognizing their role in a broader network, participants were urged to project and engage in each action, understanding that collective strength arises from individual contributions. The Salesian tools, including the Salesian Bulletin and the Salesian Social America Network, were emphasized as essential resources.

Leveraging Technology for Connectivity:

The discourse concluded by highlighting the importance of embracing technology to connect people, share knowledge, make informed decisions, and build relationships within communities of shared interests.

In essence, the third formative meeting, skillfully orchestrated by the Salesian Social America Network, not only shed light on the historical and ecclesiastical foundations of communication but also provided valuable insights for fostering impactful and inclusive communication in the digital age. As the Salesian Family continues to evolve, so too does its commitment to being a beacon of effective and ethical communication in the service of its charism and mission.