- 10 June, 2026
MARGAO, Goa, June 10, 2026: Recognising the growing impact of digital technologies on pastoral ministry and leadership, more than 40 Salesian priests, including the senior leadership of the Salesians of Don Bosco's St. Joseph Vaz Province (INP), participated in a day-long workshop on Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Don Bosco College of Engineering, Margao, on June 9.
The workshop, held from 9 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., brought together Provincial Fr. Clive Telles, Vice Provincial Fr. Banzelao Teixeira, rectors of Salesian communities, commission heads and priests engaged in various ministries across Goa, Konkan and other regions of the province.
The programme sought to equip Church leaders with practical knowledge and skills to navigate the opportunities and challenges presented by the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
The sessions were led by Leo Victor, an Oracle and Google Certified Generative AI Professional, educator, digital transformation consultant and AI trainer. Through demonstrations and hands-on exercises, participants explored the growing role of Artificial Intelligence in evangelisation, education, administration, communication and pastoral outreach.
Priests were introduced to a range of AI-powered tools capable of assisting with sermon preparation, catechesis, content creation, social media engagement, educational planning, research and administrative work. The workshop also showcased applications for text generation, image creation, video production, presentation design and productivity enhancement.
Addressing the gathering, Victor encouraged participants to view Artificial Intelligence as a resource that can strengthen rather than replace ministry.
“Every technological revolution presents both opportunities and challenges. The Church has always embraced tools that help communicate the Gospel more effectively. Artificial Intelligence can help us reach people in new ways, serve communities more efficiently, and devote more time to human relationships and pastoral care,” he said.
A significant portion of the programme focused on the ethical dimensions of Artificial Intelligence. Drawing on recent reflections of the Holy Father regarding AI and human dignity, Victor stressed that technology must always remain at the service of humanity and the common good.
He reminded participants that while AI can enhance productivity and creativity, its use must be guided by moral responsibility, transparency, truth and respect for the dignity of every human person.
“Artificial Intelligence should be used to build people up, not put them down. It should empower, educate and serve humanity rather than manipulate, exploit or diminish human worth. As Church leaders, we have a responsibility to ensure that technology remains a force for good and contributes to the common good of society,” he said.
Participants described the workshop as both practical and enlightening, noting that the interactive sessions helped them identify ways to integrate AI tools into their pastoral, educational and administrative responsibilities.
The strong participation of provincial leadership, rectors and commission heads reflected an increasing awareness within the Church that digital literacy and technological competence are becoming integral to effective leadership and mission in the twenty-first century.
Through discussions and collaborative learning, participants examined how emerging technologies can be harnessed responsibly for evangelisation, youth ministry, education and service to God's people.
The workshop concluded with a renewed commitment by the Salesians of Don Bosco's INP Province to prepare Church leaders for the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly changing digital world.
Organisers emphasised that when guided by ethical principles and Gospel values, Artificial Intelligence can become a powerful instrument for mission, education and human flourishing.
By Leo Victor
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