22nd August, 2022, New Delhi : The Province of Jesus the Good Shepherd was blessed by the visit of Fr. Gildasio Mendes dos Santos, General Councillor for Social Communication from 17th to 22nd August, 2022. He was received and welcomed at the airport (T – 1) by Rev. Fr. Davis Maniparamber, the Provincial and Fr. Ashok Kujur, the Delegate for the Social Communication on 17th August, 2022 at 7.45 PM
During the time of his stay he interacted with the Provincial, Provincial Delegate for Social Communication and the members of the Commission for Social Communication. He had a glimpse of the province by visiting some of the communities of the New Delhi – Provincial House, DBTI, Alaknanda, SPCI, Ashalayam, Najafgarh and FMA Sisters at Vasant Vihar. He also visited some historical places like Raj Ghat, the Taj Mahal, Lotus Temple, Akshardham Temple etc. Due to cyclonic depression and heavy rains, his trip to Ranchi had to be cancelled.
On 18th of August, Fr. Gildasio visited Taj Mahal, one of the seven wonders of world, at Agra. He was simply mesmerized by its grandiose and beauty. In the evening of 18th August, Fr. Gildasio was officially welcomed by Fr. Provincial, Rev. Fr. Davis Maniparamben in the presence of the Salesians of nearby communities in the provincial House. He was presented with a Silver Jubilee memento and a traditional shawl.
In his welcome speech, Fr. Provincial thanked Fr. Gildasio for his visit to the New Delhi Province which geographically holds the largest portion of Salesian India. Fr. Provincial said – “The province of New Delhi sincerely appreciates your visit, dear Fr. Gildasio. It would certainly invigorate us so that we live our Salesian Sacrament of Presence with a very special effort being made to enter the world of Social Media, very specifically into the digital world with a clear Salesian identity and empowering those responsible for communications to narrow the digital divide and promote evangelization of digital world which the young have today as their playground. We assure you dear Fr. Gildasio Mendes, our prayers and collaboration in in your ministry”.
In his interactions, Fr. Gildasio highlighted the importance of Social communication. He said – “Social communication affects the fabric of daily life. The digital media affects all spheres of society, in particular economic, religious, educational, social, political and cultural spheres. The digitization is making the world a ‘global village’. We need to respond effectively to the challenges of the world of cyberspace. While we need to pay attention to the prudent risks that come with frequenting the digital world, we need to commit ourselves to entering the digital world “where the young in particular are at home in a significant manner, ensuring the appropriate professional and ethical formation of confreres and collaborators and applying the Salesian Social Communication System” (GC 27, 75-4).
He further added – “Communication is not about the use of instruments of technology. Rather, it is transmitting a message that emerges from the depths of one’s being, a message that one is convinced of, that is lived out and that has stood the test of time. It is the lived message that is conveyed through our lives and that is reinforced through our words and images, our publications and our productions. For us, this message is the message of the Gospel and the person of Jesus Christ. We shouldn’t limit ourselves to simply providing information on the internet and in social media or on being online day and night. Our challenge is to evangelize the digital habitat. We need to make Social Communication at the service of creation, of society, church, and humanity as a whole, with special predilection for the young”.
“Communication,” he said, “has to do with whole body, the province. The networking of the communities will determine the progress of the use of social communication. ”
“The congregation has been growing on the ground of culture. The Salesians need to go back to the roots, the cultures. Each province has its uniqueness because of the different circumstances and cultural groups. We need to empower and promote those cultures. The congregation goes with the rhythm of each of the provinces in the world. The talents and contributions of Salesians, be they writers, painters, singers, preachers, etc., contribute to the growth of the congregation”, he added.
The General Councillor also said that “art is the heart of the congregation.” “Don Bosco gave expression to his love and message of the Gospel through various arts. Congregation has power when we work for the mission. We should use resources wisely for the mission, by promoting communities, help provincial and his team, uplift the weaker sections of the society. “The best contents are the Salesians themselves, who carry and promote cultures in the digital world”, He added further.
On 19th of August, Fr. Gildasio met with Provincial and his Council along with the members of the commission for the Social Communication. He congratulated the New Delhi Province for the various communication-related activities being carried out in the communities. “We need to broaden the understanding of the concept of communication”, he said.
On the same day, Fr. Gildasio visited Salesian provincial Conference of South Asia (SPCSA) house at Palam Gaon. The Salesians presented a brief report of the works and activities of their respective departments like Education, DB Tech, Young At Risk and Bosco Net. The General Councillor was impressed with the strong networking system and collaboration of Salesian Provinces of South Asia region. Fr. Gildasio also visited Don Bosco Ashalayam and Snehalaya, a house for the young at risk, at Palam Gaon. The young people won the heart of the General Councillor with their songs and dances.
On 20th August, Fr. Gildasio visited Don Bosco Technical Institute, Okhla and witnessed the marvelous works being done in the institute. He had the glimpse of the workshop, training section, Media section, the printing press etc. Addressing the students he said – “arts is very crucial and the most powerful tool of social communication. “Music,” he said, “is the best way to express the values of your community.” Recounting the life-story of Don Bosco, the General Councillor said that he was a composer, writer, musician and preacher. He used arts to design the preventive system of education.
0n 21st August, Fr. Gildasio visited Nazafgarh Parish and took part in the Sunday Eucharistic Celebration. “A parish is the gathering of the people of faith,” he told the parishioners. “This faith makes us one and continues to support us to build the Church. You must invest in your faith for a better tomorrow. You need to promote music, culture, sustainable economy and make awareness about ecology.”
On 22nd of August Fr. Gildasio celebrated Holy Mass for the Salesian Sisters at Holy Child Auxilium School, Vasant Vihar and interacted with the school students. The students had the opportunity to clarify some doubts and concepts regarding the social media. The students asked intelligent questions and Fr. Gildasio patiently clarified all the queries and doubts.
22nd August was the last day of the stay of Fr. Gildasio in New Delhi Province. Around 3.00 PM Fr. Gildasio left for the Airport (T – 3) accompanied by Fr. Ashok Kujur. He flew to Mumbai to continue his mission of visiting Indian Provinces.
Fr. Ashok Kujur