About Illuminaire
Empowering Consecrated Life in the Digital Age
Illuminaire is a transformative conference carefully crafted for priests, religious, and those in consecrated life, with the aim to empower the participants to navigate the digital age effectively, leverage technology for the betterment of their ministries and the Church’s mission and understand its impact on one’s daily life.
The Digital Revolution and Consecrated Life
This conference is primarily organized by the Social Communication Sector of the Salesians of Don Bosco and South Asian Salesian Social Communications Body (BOSCOM) in collaboration with the Vatican Dicastery for Communication, the Social Communications Department of the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) and the Catholic Religious of India (CRI).
The digital revolution has fundamentally reshaped every aspect of human life, including the experiences of consecrated individuals. This conference seeks to address the opportunities and challenges presented by this new digital landscape.
What will you gain?
Through a series of engaging talks and hands-on workshops, Illuminaire will provide you with:
Understanding the Digital Landscape: Gain insights into the impact of the digital world on consecrated life.
Practical Skills for Ministry: Learn effective strategies for integrating technology and social media into your outreach efforts.
Framework for Digital Discernment: Develop skills for ethical decision-making in the digital realm.
Digital Evangelization Tools: Equip yourself with the knowledge and resources needed for impactful digital outreach.
Cultivating Digital Well-Being: Discover strategies to promote resilience against digital addiction and enhance overall well-being.
Join Us
We invite you to save the date and register yourselves to take part in this unique opportunity to update and refine your skills. Together, let’s explore how technology can be harnessed to serve the Gospel and advance the mission of the Church in the digital age. Be courageous and creative to embrace the opportunities that the digital world offers for our mission, and learn to guide those you serve in navigating this evolving landscape.
MEET the TEAM
Fr. Gildásio dos Santos Mendes
Fr. Gildásio dos Santos Mendes, Councillor for Social Communication, leads the Salesian Congregation’s global efforts in social communication. With a Doctorate in Media Human Interactions from Wayne State University and a Master’s in Digital Media Arts from Michigan State University, he has served as Pro-Rector and Rector at UCDB and Santa Teresa Salesian School, and as Provincial in Brazil.
Fr. Pakkam Michael Harris SDB
Fr. Pakkam Michael Harris is the current Director of the Salesian News Agency (ANS) in Rome. He has worked in various roles at the Salesian Headquarters and the Vatican, including as a consultant and coordinator for communications. Previously, he was the Director of the Don Bosco Institute of Communication Arts in Chennai, India. He has extensive experience in media-related fields, including directing and producing short films, conducting workshops, and organizing film festivals.
Fr. Ernest Rosario SDB
Fr. Ernest Rosario SDB is a distinguished media professional, filmmaker, and music composer with a deep commitment to empowering marginalized youth through technology, multimedia and storytelling. He holds a master’s in Film and Television Production from Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, and has directed numerous educational multimedia projects. As the Director of Don Bosco Institute of Communication Arts (DBICA) and BOSCOM (Salesian Media Network of South Asia), Fr. Ernest spearheads media initiatives across South Asia.
Sr. Euginia Laloo, FMA
Sr. Euginia Laloo, a member of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, from the Shillong Province, brings a rich tapestry of experience in media technologies, education, and English literature to her work. Currently she serves as the Provincial Councillor, and coordinates the Social Communication sector and acts as an animator at Auxilium Provincial House in Shillong. Sr. Euginia’s diverse interests encompass Photography, Graphic design, reading, and writing. She has contributed insightful articles to Teenager magazine and Global Sisters Report, and co-authored three volumes documenting the history of the FMA in Northern India from 1923 to 1983.
Fr C. M. Paul, SDB
Fr. C.M. Paul, SDB, the Founder-Director of Radio Salesian (2016) and Salesian TV-YouTube (2018), has significantly advanced the use of media for outreach and education. He also established the Mass Communication Departments at Don Bosco University in Guwahati (2014) and Salesian College in Sonada, Darjeeling (2017). An award-winning media priest, Fr. Paul has held various influential roles, including director of ANS-Rome, National President of Unda/OCIC and Signis India, editor of The Herald Weekly, and a member of the Central Board of Film Certification. He founded the Mother Teresa International Film Festival in Calcutta (2003) and has produced 200 uninterrupted episodes of Salesian News Asia Pacific, showcasing stories from 26 provinces in the region.
Sr. Rajendran Thimena Celine, FMA
Sr. Rajendran Thimena Celine, a member of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, skilfully blends her academic prowess with her commitment to Social Communication. Armed with a Master’s in Computer Applications from Tamil Nadu and another in Social Communication from the Salesian Pontifical University in Rome, she currently holds the position of Assistant Professor and Head of the Department of Computer Science at Auxilium College, Katpadi. Passionate about the transformative power of media, she serves as the Social Communication Coordinator for the Chennai Province, where she has initiated a range of Media Education seminars and workshops for both students and educators. Her leadership extends to school and college Media clubs, where she fosters Media Literacy and responsible usage among youth.
Fr. Arockia Selvakumar SDB
Fr. Arockia Selvakumar SDB, Managing Director of Don Bosco Alaihal Media and Social Communication Delegate for the Salesian Province of Tiruchy, is a leader in media, technology, and spirituality. A Gold medalist with an MBA in Media and Entertainment Management, he spearheads innovative initiatives like Smart Liturgy and Angel AI, focusing on evangelization through AI and new media. He is a sought-after speaker and consultant on AI, media, and social media, addressing key religious and educational forums across India.
Fr. Michael Makri Sdb
Fr. Michael Makri SDB is a member of the Salesian of Don Bosco Society and an accomplished author, filmmaker, and app developer. He created the first Khasi Bible Android App and Khasi Bible Games App, while also producing notable documentaries like Sajer and Jahbara. An active contributor to local newspapers and journals, Michael has written several books, including Teen Talk (2020) and Ka Social Media (2016). He continues to innovate in media and technology, developing OTT platforms and applications for Don Bosco Media Network.
Fr. Joaquim Fernandes SDB
Fr. Joaquim Fernandes, SDB, is a Salesian priest with a rich background in communication and education. Formerly the Delegate of BOSCOM South Asia and Director of Tej-Prasarini, Don Bosco Communications, he also served on the Salesian World Advisory Body for Social Communications. He was a guest lecturer at St. Pius College, Mumbai, for 12 years and is involved with SIGNIS India and the Indian Catholic Press Association. Currently, he is the Vice Principal at Don Bosco High School and Junior College in Naigaon.
Sr. Dr. Teresa Joseph, FMA
Sr. Dr. Teresa Joseph, FMA, is a Salesian Sister from the Bombay Province, India, with a Master’s in Science of Education specializing in Catechetics and a PhD in Missiology focusing on Inter-religious Studies, both from prestigious Roman universities. She is a prolific author, contributing numerous articles and several books to journals in India and abroad. Sr. Teresa was part of the drafting committee for the Indian National Catechetical Directory and collaborated with the FMA General Council in the Mission Sector from 1997 to 2002.
Fr. Sathish Paul Sdb
Fr. Sathish Paul is a Salesian priest from the province of Chennai with a professional background in Art and Graphic Design. With extensive experience in the field, he brings creativity and innovation to the mission. Deeply committed to sharing God’s love, he believes in the power of art and aesthetics to engage and inspire young people, making faith accessible through visual and creative platforms.