Dear Parishioners and Friends,
Greetings from Malta.
These last two weeks I was engaged in a meeting of the Regional Superiors of the Missionary Society of St. Paul. Besides Fr Martin and the General Council of our Society, also participating were Frs Louis (Malta), Alex (Peru/Cuba), Pierre (Pakistan), Hector (Philippines), and myself (Australia). We started off with a three-day retreat and community building, making time to reconnect with each other, and sharing about our life, communities and ministry in the various regions. We also discussed several issues… community, spiritual life, support, safeguarding, financing, and more.
We also had the opportunity to meet some of our younger brothers who are preparing themselves to become priests. They were engaged in a week-long vocation ministry seminar and were happy to share with us their enthusiasm and passion towards this ministry. Amidst the challenges and struggles we face, we encounter young people who are thirsting for a more spiritual life and discerning their commitment to a life dedicated to God and to the proclamation of the Word.
We ended our meeting around the tomb of our founder, Joseph Depiro, who shared his missionary charism with us members of the Society.
Continuing our reflection on Magnifica Humanitas, today we focus on some practical takeaways from this encyclical.
Pope Leo XIV warns that “when efficiency becomes the ultimate measure of value, human beings are tempted to see themselves as a project to be optimized rather than as persons called to relationship and communion” (MH 112).
Some practical questions about AI-assisted technology in relation to ordinary daily life:
- The content of AI is very appealing. Does it help me remain faithful to the truth? (MH 237)
- Does it help educate me and allow me to educate others? (MH 238)
- Does it help me cultivate genuine closeness in relationships and cherish places and times where physical presence remains crucial? (MH 239)
- Does it help me participate in the promotion of justice and peace? (MH 240)
Pope Leo does not call for a rejection of AI, but reminds us that as a a very useful tool, it needs to be developed and used in a way that enhances the magnificence of humanity. (MH 4). (to be continued… )
God bless you.
Fr Silvio