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NEWS
MUMBAI, July 14:
Salesian Sister Animates Youth in Faith, Leadership and Media Literacy Across Western India
News reported by: SALESIAN SISTERS, PROVINCE OF ST. MARY MAZZARELLO, BOMBAY (INB)
Sr. Betty Menezes conducted educational and pastoral programmes across Salesian institutions in Mumbai, Ahmednagar, Benaulim, and Sulcorna Boarding, Goa, in June and July 2026, offering students, teachers, and boarders opportunities for faith formation, leadership development, media literacy, and value-based education.
These programmes were rooted in the Salesian charism and inspired by the Church's vision of integral education. They were guided by the Rector Major's Strenna 2026, "Do Whatever He Tells You," which encourages participants to place God at the centre of their lives and to become compassionate, responsible and hope-filled members of society.
A major component of the programme focused on the Youth Pastoral Project, inspired by the encyclical of Pope Leo XIV. Through reflections on the biblical narratives of Babel and Jerusalem, Sr. Menezes highlighted the importance of unity, humility, teamwork and collaborative leadership. In this context, the Tower of Babel illustrated the consequences of pride and division, while Jerusalem was presented as a model of shared vision, mutual trust and commitment to the common good.
The sessions also emphasised care for creation, urging students to become responsible stewards of the environment through practical and sustainable actions in their daily lives.
Media education formed another key element of the programme. Participants were introduced to Artificial Intelligence (AI), AI tools, photography, human intelligence, and the ethical use of digital media. They were then encouraged to use technology creatively and responsibly while ensuring that human values, compassion and critical thinking remain central to technological advancement.
Sr. Menezes also familiarised participants with the responsibilities of Media Coordinators and the annual initiatives of the Salesian Social Communication Sector, highlighting the role of media in education, communication and evangelisation.
Interactive workshops, group discussions, creative drawing exercises and presentations featured prominently throughout the programmes, ensuring active student engagement.
As part of the Youth Pastoral Project, students from Wadala, Ahmednagar and Benaulim presented school development projects outlining their vision of communities built on Gospel values, unity, respect, collaboration and service. Likewise, boarders at Sulcorna Boarding showcased a community project proposing practical initiatives to strengthen fraternity, discipline, responsibility and mutual support within the boarding community.
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Publisher: Libreria Editrice Vaticana
Year of publication: 2026
Available from: 4 March 2026
Pages: 928 pp., Paperback
