(ANS – Chennai) – Fr. Ricardo Campoli, representing the Social Communication Sector in Rome, visited the Salesian Province of Chennai on March 2–3, 2026. The visit was a spirited encounter with the “digital pulpit,” where the timeless Salesian charism intersects with modern technology to build a “better home for everyone.”
The visit began at the Salesian Institute of Graphic Arts (SIGA), a renowned institution that has stood as a beacon of technical excellence since 1952. Addressing a gathering of young printers and graphic designers, Fr. Ricardo delivered a message bridging 19th-century Turin and 21st-century Chennai. He noted that while the world constantly changes, the true difference lies in how we respond to that change. Drawing from the life of Don Bosco, he offered the students three virtues for both professional and spiritual growth: Curiosity, Sacrifice, and Humility. He encouraged them to embrace these pillars to ensure their technical skills serve a higher purpose.
“Curiosity finds the suffering,” he said, “Sacrifice builds the dream, and Humility recognizes that God is the true architect.” Following this address, he toured the SIGA press, interacting personally with staff and observing the intricate printing technologies that have long defined the institute’s legacy.
The focus then shifted from the printed word to the moving image at Don Bosco College of Arts and Science (DBCAS). Here, Fr. Ricardo engaged with students pursuing a Master’s in Visual Communication, presiding over a special screening of his 2022 film Zatti, Our Brother. The session became an intellectual and spiritual laboratory, as students explored hidden plot details and the spirit behind the characters. Fr. Ricardo emphasized how the life of Saint Artemide Zatti, a humble infirmarian, could be translated into a cinematic language that resonates with modern audiences.
He stressed that for a Salesian communicator, the “lens” must always focus on the joy of service. He left the students with a powerful mission:
“You are the architects of a new culture. Do not let the glitter of technology blind you to the needs of the human heart. Use your curiosity to find the forgotten, your sacrifice to build their future, and your humility to let God work through you. Don’t just shine for the world; be the light that leads others home.”
Finally, Fr. Ricardo visited the Don Bosco Institute of Communication Arts (DBICA), the communications hub of the Chennai Province. He explored the latest developments within the center and inquired about current and future projects. He observed how DBICA serves as a vital nerve center for evangelization, ensuring that the Salesian voice remains resonant and prophetic across the digital landscape. His visit left a lasting impact, reinvigorating the Chennai Province’s mission to communicate hope and provide a voice for the voiceless in an ever-changing world.