He concluded his address by affirming: “It is the responsibility of the Social Communication Sector to safeguard this heritage and to ensure that today’s digital culture and the emerging culture of Artificial Intelligence do not replace this foundation.”
Although brief, the visit was an intense one. From 29 June to 1 July, Fr Orendain met in Buenos Aires with the communication teams of the Argentina North and Argentina South Provinces, the Argentine edition of the Salesian Bulletin, and the National Social Communication Team. Throughout the visit, he was accompanied by Romina Herrera (ARN), Nicolás Mirabet (ARS), Fr Néstor Zubeldía and Juan José Chiappetti (Salesian Bulletin).
During the various meetings, held at the Provincial House of Argentina South in the Almagro district of Buenos Aires, the General Councillor listened to presentations on the work of the National Social Communication Team and its collaboration with the communication team of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians. He also devoted particular attention to meetings with the Provincial Delegates and communication teams, who presented the progress made in implementing their respective Social Communication projects.
Special attention was likewise given to the Salesian Bulletin team, which, in addition to updating the General Councillor on the current situation of the magazine founded by St John Bosco in 1877, discussed preparations for the 150th anniversary of its foundation in Turin, to be celebrated next year.
The visit, however, was not limited to meetings. On the morning of Tuesday, 30 June, Fr Orendain was welcomed by Professor Flavio Sturla, who accompanied him on a visit to the majestic Basilica of Mary Help of Christians in Almagro. The visit was not only an opportunity for prayer but also included an in-depth presentation of the basilica’s history, architecture and artistic heritage.
In the afternoon, he met with the Youth Ministry Team of Argentina South, which was gathered at the Provincial House during those days. He then travelled to the La Boca district, where he visited the “San Pedro” Salesian House and was welcomed by the Director, Santiago Valdemoros, and the Parish Priest, Fr Enrique Romani. There he toured the culinary training workshops of the Vocational Training Centre (CFP) and enjoyed a cake and coffee prepared by the students as part of their practical training.
He later visited the “San Juan Evangelista” Salesian House, where he concelebrated the Eucharist with Salesian priests Fr Pedro Estupiñán, Fr José Armando Cortéz and Fr Otto Kalemberg. The Mass was presided over by Fr Ricardo Cámpoli.
At the conclusion of the celebration, he was welcomed by the Director of the house, Fr Alejandro León, together with the leadership team of the secondary school known locally as “La Nocturna,” which serves young people and adults who have been excluded from the traditional educational system.
On Wednesday, 1 July, the final day of his stay in Buenos Aires, Fr Orendain visited the Mater Misericordiae Church in the Congreso district, where Fr John Cagliero and the first group of Salesian missionaries who arrived in Argentina settled in 1875. Guided by the Rector, Fr Mariano Erra, he visited the museum, toured the church and attended a multimedia mapping presentation illustrating the history of the Salesian Congregation in Argentina.
“I would like to congratulate the Social Communication Delegates of Argentina North and Argentina South, as well as the Youth Ministry teams, for the quality of their relationships, the depth of their reflections and their evident commitment to the Salesian mission. Their presentations demonstrated not only a clear awareness of their responsibilities, but also a genuine desire to respond with creativity and fidelity to the pastoral and communication challenges of our time,” Fr Orendain said at the conclusion of the visit.
He added that he was leaving Argentina encouraged “by the professionalism of the lay people, the growing culture of collaboration between the two Provinces, the openness to innovation, and the attention given to evangelisation, education, the safeguarding of children and young people, indigenous peoples, and the formation of young people in digital culture.”
Finally, stressing that the shared mission of Salesians and lay people “reflects the richness of our Salesian charism,” he encouraged everyone to “strengthen strategic planning, consolidate organisational communication, and continue building a culture of collaboration that places communication at the service of the mission.”
