Artificial Intelligence in the Salesian Mission

By Fr Joyston Machado SDB for BIS Mumbai

Sonada, August 23, 2025 

From August 19 to 21, delegates from across South Asia gathered at Salesian College Sonada in the scenic hills of Darjeeling for the annual Executive Meet, held under the theme “Artificial Intelligence in the Salesian Mission.” The three day event brought together communication leaders to reflect on emerging technologies and their place in education, youth ministry, and pastoral engagement.

The meeting opened with a solemn Eucharistic celebration in the college chapel, presided over by Fr Dr Joseph Pauria, Provincial of Kolkata, setting a spiritual tone for the proceedings.

At the inaugural session, Fr Johny Nedungattu, Rector of Salesian College Siliguri, welcomed the delegates, while Principal Fr Dr Babu Joseph offered his formal greetings, noting:

“It is a privilege to host this convergence of communicators, especially as we engage with the challenges and possibilities that artificial intelligence presents to our mission.”

A significant moment of the meet was the virtual address by Fr Fidel Orendain, General Councilor for Social Communication in Rome, who encouraged delegates to focus on building meaningful relationships through communication.

“Be builders of communion,” he said. “Our efforts must go beyond technical skills and media management, and reflect authentic witness in the way we communicate.”

The gathering included 12 Provincial Delegates for Social Communications representing different regions of India.

Over the course of the three days, the group engaged in input sessions, discussions, and planning exercises, centering on media formation, youth accompaniment, and the ethical and effective use of AI in the context of the Salesian mission.

As the meet concluded, participants left with a renewed sense of purpose and a shared commitment to using digital tools, not as ends in themselves, but as means to deepen connection, serve the young, and advance the values at the heart of the Salesian charism. This gathering wasn't just a meeting, it was a movement. A renewed call to create, collaborate, and communicate with authenticity, empathy, and purpose. In the words echoed through the halls of Sonada: “If we don’t tell our story, who will?”