“The world is in constant change, and we do not know what comes next. It is undergoing a continuous process of metamorphosis, which entails ongoing challenges.” With these words, Fr. Fabio Pasqualetti, dean of the Faculty of Social Communication Sciences of the Pontifical Salesian University, introduced the theme of “Evangelization in the age of Artificial Intelligence (AI): challenges and opportunities”.
By Charles Gachara Munyu *
The theme was part of the program in the last week of the ongoing formation course for a group of Consolata Missionaries celebrating their jubilee, held at the General House in Rome during the month of September 2025.
“We are in the digital world, and we must learn how to cope with its complexity”, noted Fr. Pasqualetti. “The Church has the opportunity to employ modern technology and contemporary means of communication to reach a secular and modern audience, while remaining faithful to the Gospel message. At the same time, it has the responsibility of setting ‘a sense of limit’ to the use of such powerful tools, ensuring that technological progress does not diminish humanity’s capacity for reflection and discernment”.
Talking about the use and dependence on technologies, Fr. Pasqualetti emphasized: “Everything that is done by a machine, and not by me, is something I lose. The machine can never replace the human person. True intelligence – he argued, – lies in the integration of the mind, the heart, and courageous action. The present challenge for the Church is not primarily about communication or content, but about the means employed and the preservation of its identity. This compels us to ask: What does it mean to live and to be a Christian in today’s world?”
General Administration
Another topic of reflection faced by the 15 missionaries participating in the course was that of administration in the Institute. The General Administrator, Fr. Fredrick Agalo presented a synthesis of the mission of his office, recalling the Constitutions: “The General Offices are consultative and executive bodies under a director, entrusted with the promotion of the various activities of our Congregation. They study situations and problems within their area of competence; they propose programs and, following the approval of the General Government, oversee their implementation. They maintain contact with their counterparts in the various provinces, and they animate and coordinate them” (Const. 131).
According to Fr. Agalo, our official documents on the economy emphasize key values: “transparency, sobriety, solidarity, and the common fund. They insist that economic formation must begin in initial stages and continue throughout ongoing formation. This formation is meant to shape our lifestyle and encourage a more responsible use of money and resources”.
In our experience of Consecrated life for those who follow Jesus, the economic dimension is of particular importance. “It influences fundamental choices in life, choices that must reflect the vow of poverty we profess, and a lifestyle that is sober, fraternal, and lived in solidarity”, observed Fr. Agalo
Developing projects
Closely related to Administration is the responsibility of developing projects and identifying means of financial support. Ms. Chiara Giovetti, coordinator of “Fondazione Missioni Consolata Onlus”, presented the services of this foundation, a non-profit organization of the Institute whose mission is to provides Consolata missionaries worldwide with guidance and assistance in securing donor funding for development initiatives and projects. At the Institute, evangelization and human promotion go hand in hand but we need to coordinate and organize our actions in all fields.
Postulation office
The celebration of the canonization of our Founder, Saint Joseph Allamano on 20th October 2024, concluded a long process which began in 1944, following the decision of the General Chapter of 1939 to initiate the cause of beatification,” recalled Fr. Jonah M. Makau in his presentation of the Postulation Office, which he coordinates. This office, mandated by article 132 of the Constitutions, has the task of promoting causes of holiness within the Institute.
Missionaries are invited “to help the General Government identify, in the different parts of the world where we serve, those individuals who have lived their missionary vocation in a heroic manner,” to begin the canonical processes required by the Church. This task requires the active involvement of missionaries in motivating the faithful and providing accurate information. Thus, the work of the Postulation Office is closely connected with history and the preservation of memory.
Historical and Memorial Legacy Office
Fr. Ashenafi Yonas, Consolata missionary who is studying church history at the Gregorian University in Rome introduced the work of the Historical and Memorial Legacy Office with the words: “True memory is not static; it is dynamic and alive.” He explained that history serves as a lens that allows us to understand our present reality. The past is not simply gone; rather, it is a resource for discernment. To study history is to look inward: to rediscover who we are, what we have inherited, and what kind of future we are building together.
“The recovery of memorial legacy is essential for Consolata Missionaries to remain faithful, vibrant, and united in their missionary vocation.” With these words, he concluded, inviting all missionaries to live the charism with authenticity and renewed commitment.
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In addition to these topics, the participants on the course shared about the various mission fronts and the organization of the Institute in the countries where the 15 missionaries are working in Africa, Latin America and Europe.
* Father Charles Gachara Munyu, IMC, missionary in Venezuela.
