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Fatorda, Goa, June 9

Salesians Explore Artificial Intelligence for Evangelisation and Youth Ministry

10 June 2026

News reported by: Francis Xavier

The Salesians of Panjim-Konkan Province (INP) held a seminar-cum-workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Don Bosco Engineering College, uniting religious leaders and pastoral workers to explore digital tools for evangelisation, education, and youth ministry.

The programme attracted 42 Salesians, including Provincial Fr. Clive Telles, members of the provincial council, rectors, commission heads, institution in-charges, and representatives from various provincial commissions. The gathering examined the opportunities and challenges that AI presents in advancing the mission of the Church and the Salesian Congregation across Goa, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.

Resource person Leo Victor led the sessions. He demonstrated how to apply AI in practice to sermon preparation, catechetical content development, youth engagement, educational outreach, administrative management, and digital evangelisation. Participants trained hands-on with AI-powered platforms that can support communication, language translation, pastoral planning, content creation, and music production.

Drawing from the teachings of Pope Leo XIV in the encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, Victor emphasised that artificial intelligence should support, rather than replace, the personal and relational dimensions of ministry. Participants discussed the ethical use of technology, the protection of human dignity, and the Church’s responsibility to guide technological development with Gospel values.

The seminar addressed recent Church teachings on artificial intelligence and encouraged priests and pastoral workers to become digitally competent leaders who can engage effectively with today’s technology-driven generation.

Participants observed that AI creates new possibilities for reaching young people who increasingly live in digital spaces while keeping authentic human accompaniment at the centre of pastoral care. One participant remarked that if Saint John Bosco were alive today, he would likely establish a “virtual oratory” where young people could find a welcoming community, receive guidance in knowledge and faith, and grow in a safe and supportive environment.

The programme ended with participants renewing their commitment to use technology responsibly, ethically, and creatively in evangelisation, education, and youth ministry. They pledged to remain faithful to the Salesian charism while responding to the realities of the digital age.