“The influence of Internet on the spiritual life of the Salesians in Dimapur Province”

“The influence of Internet on the spiritual life

of the Salesians in Dimapur Province”

About the Interview:

     The whole process is to focus on the impact of internet in the spiritual life of the Salesians of Dimapur Province and in their apostolate. It is being conducted as part of the course on “Media and Religion: Mutual Influences.” The method applied here is online interview. The respondent is not individually identified and the responses are used for the better understanding of the focus of the same.

Respondents: 20 Salesians (Priests, Theologians and Clerics)

Context:

     Living in the IT World, the information and knowledge is on one’s palm (Miniature technology). The Internet has satisfactorily provided a space to meet human’s innate desire, that is, to know and to stay connected.

 

     It is surprising to note that the Catholic Church has spoken about the media long before:  “Vigilanti Cura” in 1936 by Pope Pius XI, “Miranda Prorsus” in 1957 by Pope Pius XII, “Inter Mirifica” in 1963 (Vatican II Decree), “Communio et Propessio” in 1971 and many more. The Church speaks of Media as a ‘Gift’ and to use media to impart “religion pure and undefiled.”

      The emergence of digital civilization has entered into every culture, tribe and community of the people in North-East, India, where the Salesians of Dimapur Province are present. Therefore, the Salesians, as well as, the bulk of the young people have access to the internet in their computers and more so in smartphones. So, it leads us to reflect on the influence of the internet on the spiritual life the Salesians of Dimapur Province and to see how they can in turn share their spirituality with the youngsters.

• What is Salesian Spirituality?

•          *Integrated life lived in Don Bosco’s spirit.

•          * It is based on St. Francis de Sales’ spirituality.

•          *Union with God.

•          *Reason, religion and loving kindness.

• Does internet contribute to the growth of Salesian Spiritual life? How?

•         *  Yes. The latest encyclicals of the Holy Father, Salesian website or ans, good reading material, sermons and talks, inspiring audio-visuals, Catholic facebook pages and other Catholic websites, all these contribute to the growth of one’s spiritual life.

•         * Depends on the users.

•         * Neutral tool-depends on the choice.

•         * A platform to share faith with the young and thereby enriching one’s own faith.

•          *It unites all the Salesians.

•  Does Internet provide a greater space for Salesians to reach out to the youngsters?

•         *Beyond doubt.

•         *Internet is the “New Areopagus” (Pope John Paul II).

•         * It is a unique Salesian presence.  Here distance does not matter.

•         *It helps in networking with the youth.

•         *It helps to keep the young informed of the various activities of the Church and the Salesians.

•  Will the use of internet make a Salesian more effective in today’s context? Why?

•         * Don Bosco with the time. The numbers of youngsters present in the internet is much greater than in the schools and boardings.

•         * Being the educators of the young, we can enter straight into their heart and mind through facebook, whatsapps, youtube, twitter etc… If we don’t who else will?

•         * Salesians need to be present where the young are present.

•         *We can equally fill the internet with holy materials to counter attack the filthy materials.

•   Should the young Salesians be educated and trained in the effective use of Internet? Why?

•          *Definitely Yes! Living in an IT age, this has become mandatory. Either we lag behind without being literate or lead ahead with IT.

•          Yes, to enable them to learn various possible ways to be effective in their ministry.

•          *Yes, a Salesian needs to understand the four dimensions and the Church’s teaching in order to be effective.

•          *Yes, because it is the digital age. If you do not run, you may be run over or at least thrown to the sides. Don Bosco was at the van guard of progress what about you?

• Conclusion
• •          Greater need to be present and accompany the young in the virtual world.
• •          Celebrating Salesian’s spirituality and sharing faith.
• •          Dissemination of Salesian Youth spirituality:

    *The dimension of education to the faith,

    *The educational and cultural dimension,

    *The dimension of group and social experience,

    *The vocational dimension.

         The internet gives a new opportunity to grow and acquire insight in the realm of spirituality. it also provide a greater space to reach out to many more youngsters.

By Cl. Daisinlung Sebastian Kamsuan sdb                                                                                             Guide: Fr. Robert Pen sdb