By CSCom News Service

       20 May, FIN Province, via Google Meet -- To celebrate the 57th World Communication Sunday, the Salesians of Don Bosco of the Philippines-North Province (FIN) organized a timely webinar that brought together the Salesian Family members and young people in the Province.

       A young confrere, Cl. Paul Dungca, whose MA paper delves into it, was its resource person. He discussed the benefits and challenges of integrating AI into youth ministry, the ethical considerations that must be taken into account, and the potential impact of AI on the future of youth ministry.

       Under the theme "Youth Ministry and Artificial Intelligence", the webinar provided an overview of the influence of AI on our accompaniment of young people.The event commenced with a warm welcome from Fr. Harris Pakkam, the Director of the Agenzia iNfo Salesiana (ANS).

       Fr. Pakkam's welcome remarks set the tone for an engaging and thought-provoking session. He shared his thoughts with the audience that AI cannot be a substitute for human intelligence or human creativity; it’s only a help.

       Quoting Pope Francis, he added that “technology should be human-centered, ethically grounded, and directed toward the common good.”

       Touching on the upcoming 2023 World Youth Day theme “Mary went in haste,” he challenged the audience, particularly the SDBs, to accompany the young in rediscovering the meaning of ‘haste.’

       World Communication Sunday, an initiative of the Catholic Church, is celebrated annually to recognize the vital role of communication in promoting social cohesion, peace, and justice. This event, organized by the FIN Province, is a testament to the Province's commitment to encouraging meaningful conversations that transcend boundaries and foster a sense of unity among individuals from diverse backgrounds.

       As the webinar drew to a close, participants expressed their appreciation for the enriching experience and the valuable insights gained from the forum.

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