(ANS – Rome) – The meeting of the Directors of the various editions  of the Salesian Bulletin (SB), gathered in Rome from May 17, concluded with two assignments: a visit to the Osservatore Romano and  Vatican Press and the definition of some common working commitments.

The work of the Directors of the SB was intense.  On Thursday and Friday there was a series of addresses on various topics, presentations of the experiences of  several SBs, group work  and general debates in the hall. Besides a renewed attention to continuity and fidelity of the SB to its identity and purpose, as desired by its founder Don Bosco, particular attention was paid to the presence of the SB ion the internet.

“But we cannot continue thinking of the Salesian Bulletin, a communications activity launched by Don Bosco himself, as just a ‘traditional’ medium:  it needs to evolve”, said the Salesian coadjutor Jesus Garcia, who presented the theme ‘Towards an institutional digital journalism: Challenges and opportunities for the Salesian Bulletin’. – “Its readers have evolved, ways of consuming communication products have evolved, whatever the Salesian Bulletin makes possible has evolved...with Don Bosco and with the times”.

The rhythm of work eased up on Saturday morning, but only apparently.  On the occasion of a guided visit to the Osservatore Romano, the Vatican Press and the Vatican gardens, the Directors of the SB met Fr.  Sergio Pellini, Director  General of the Vatican Press – which edits the Osservatore Romano – and Dr.  Carlo Di Cicco, the vice-director. They explained the history, organizational structure and renewal process of the Osservatore Romano.

In the afternoon the practical conclusions were drawn up. The next few years will see the SBs committed to several  common leading editorial fronts, such as the 27th General Chapter, the Bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco, along the path indicated by the Rector Major – history, educational method and spirituality of the saint – Project Europe and the pilgrimage of the casket in the old continent.

Regarding digital communication, in the light of some experiences already in action, a further step towards  digital communication was recommended, looking to a “Salesian Webulletin, paying attention to  the identity, positioning, the relation to the printed edition and to the target, moving decisively towards the semantic web in synergy with institutional websites.

The Directors of the SB were keen to share the riches of the various editions across the world, looking for increased dialogue between them, setting up a net of communication and, finally, to promote a more intense animation of the Salesians towards greater awareness and spread of the SB.

On Sunday morning the meeting was restricted to the Directors of the SB from Europe. Some editions of the SB are already offering a significant contribution to information and awareness about Project Europe, launched officially three years ago by the Salesian Congregation.  It was recommended also to activate teamwork between the various means of communication of a nation or Province, including the SB.

Published 21/05/2012