About two dozen representatives from different Salesian Regions, exponents of the Communication Sector, the Salesian Bulletin, and Salesian publishing houses gathered for a working meeting and sharing of communication practices in the service of the Salesian mission.

In the meeting’s opening prayer, Fr. Gildasio Mendes, General Councilor for Social Communication, said, “I’m very happy to hold this meeting after two and a half years without seeing you in person.” Fr. Mendes also recalled the excellent work done by each of those present as well as the enormous dedication of each to the field of Communication.

It is a meeting marked by fraternity, rich in the exchange of experiences and significant in the search for new knowledge and practices of communication for the good of everyone’s mission, always at the service of young people. Moreover, participants are invited to contribute to a general working document for the sector, which aims to explore concepts and processes while creating a common vision.

This 25-part document analyzes and explores ideas such as “communication, creative, narrative and aesthetic processes,” “communication and Salesian charism,” “communication, Salesian identity and mission,” “communication and spirituality,” among many other concepts and ideas. Each participating region is invited to integrate its own ideas and perspectives into this working document, which is intended to be global.

During the World Consultation on Communication, the Department’s Plan for Communication is also analyzed and worked on.

The first day was also marked by a moment of tribute to some of the members present: a gesture with which the General Councilor for Social Communication wanted to highlight the work done, over several years, by each of the honorees, in the various Salesian Regions they represent.

The World Consultation on Communication 2022 was also the moment chosen for the launch, in Portuguese, of Fr. Gildasio Mendes’ 23rd book, entitled “Eu Confio em ti!” (I trust in you!), which is intended to be a “meaningful testimony” that contributes to the “meaningful experience and joy of trust.”

During the World Consultation, participants will also have the opportunity to take part in some educational, cultural, and religious visits to the cities of Lisbon, Estoril, the place that will host next year’s meeting of Salesian youth who will participate in WYD Lisbon 2023, and the Marian shrine of Fatima, a national and international center of Marian devotion.

The visit to Fatima will include moments of prayer and the Eucharist in the Chapel of Apparitions, which will be presided over by Fr. Gildasio Mendes. At the end of the visit, and before returning to Lisbon, participants in the Consultation on World Communication will also recite a prayer of Consecration to Our Lady of Fatima.

ANS – Agency of Salesian News