(ANS – Rome) – On the evening of May 14, 2026, the Salesian Social Communication Sector at the Salesian Headquarters welcomed members of the Rome Communication Network (NetCom Rome) for a meaningful encounter marked by dialogue, professional exchange, and fraternal sharing.
Around twenty communication professionals, collaborators, and media practitioners gathered at the Salesian Headquarters for the meeting, animated by the Sector under the leadership of Fr. Fidel Orendain, General Councilor for Social Communication.
Communication at the Service of Mission
In his presentation, Fr. Orendain offered an inspiring overview of the role of communication in the Salesian mission today. Rooted in Salesian identity and charism, communication was presented not simply as a technical function, but as a pastoral priority — a service to communion, collaboration, and commitment to mission.
He outlined the renewed framework guiding the Sector’s work worldwide, now articulated around four major focus areas:
- Evangelization and formation in the digital age
- Animation and organizational synergy
- Strategic institutional communication
- Creative content production and digital mission
These priorities reflect a “return and refocusing,” not a reinvention, of the Salesian Social Communication System, strengthening its capacity to respond to the challenges of digital culture, artificial intelligence, intercultural dialogue, and media ethics.
Fr. Orendain emphasized the Sector’s global responsibility: accompanying Salesian Regions, supporting Provincial Delegates, fostering intersector collaboration (Youth Ministry, Missions, Formation, Economy), and promoting professional, ethical, and mission-driven communication across the Congregation.
ANS and the Salesian Bulletin: Telling the Salesian Story
The meeting also featured presentations from members of the communication team.
Fr. Harris Pakkam, Director of ANS (Agenzia iNfo Salesiana), illustrated how the agency serves as the Congregation’s global news network, sharing daily reports, stories, and initiatives from Salesian presences around the world. Through multilingual platforms and digital outreach, ANS ensures a unified narrative that strengthens the identity and visibility of the Salesian mission.
Fr. Andrei, representing the Salesian Bulletin, presented the publication’s ongoing commitment to preserving and communicating the spirit of Don Bosco. By combining tradition with contemporary media approaches, the Bulletin continues to reach the Salesian Family and a wider audience with content centered on faith, education, youth, and culture.
Dialogue, Collaboration, and Shared Vision
The atmosphere throughout the encounter was warm and interactive. Participants engaged in thoughtful questions and exchanges on topics such as digital evangelization, institutional credibility, crisis communication, and the ethical use of emerging technologies.
The visit continued with a guided tour of the communication offices, studios, and media production spaces of the Generalate. Guests were able to witness firsthand the integrated work of ANS, social media coordination, multimedia production, and strategic planning carried out by the Sector.
The encounter concluded with expressions of gratitude and a renewed spirit of collaboration. Members of NetCom Rome left enriched by the experience and with a deeper appreciation of the Salesian commitment to communication at the service of young people and the Church.
In an era shaped by rapid digital transformation, the Salesian Social Communication Sector continues to affirm that authentic communication is not merely about transmitting information, but about building communion, fostering networks and collaboration, and strengthening the shared commitment to the mission entrusted by Don Bosco.