Catholic Missionaries Discern AI's Role in Faith and Human Connection

The Digital Dilemma for Disciples

In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, even the Salesians of Don Bosco are navigating the complex intersection of faith and technology. A recent study across the Americas reveals a thoughtful, if sometimes wary, embrace of machine-learning tools within their mission. This isn't just about adopting new tech; it's about preserving human connection and spiritual depth in a rapidly automating landscape.

This comprehensive research, spanning ten provinces from Mexico to Bolivia, gathered insights from over 1,500 Salesians and lay collaborators. The goal? To understand how generative AI is impacting communities, schools, and youth ministries. The findings paint a picture of cautious optimism, highlighting both the immense potential and the significant ethical pitfalls of integrating AI into religious life.

What the Study Revealed

The study, initiated by Fr. Hugo Orozco, Regional of Interamérica, uncovers a dual sentiment. There's genuine enthusiasm for AI's ability to streamline tasks like translations, catechesis, and administration. Salesians envision algorithms freeing up valuable time, allowing them to focus more on core mission activities. This could empower elder confreres, offering user-friendly tools with voice dictation and large text to foster communication and ongoing learning, effectively bridging the digital divide within their own ranks.

Still, this optimism is tempered by strong reservations. More than half of respondents fear AI could diminish crucial personal contact and spiritual discernment. Concerns also extend to ethical risks, the spread of misinformation, and data misuse. The consensus among Salesians isn't a blanket rejection or a blind acceptance; instead, it's a call for careful, spiritual discernment. They insist AI must remain a servant, enhancing human connection rather than replacing it.

Why It Matters Now

Here's the catch: young people already depend on digital tools for learning, communicating, and even seeking moral guidance—often before consulting a mentor. This seismic shift challenges Salesians to redefine their presence in what they term today's “digital courtyards.” It's no longer just about competing with technology, but about guiding its use to cultivate conscience and critical thinking among the youth.

This reflects a broader societal tension between tradition and technology. The Salesians' experience underscores the challenge for any established institution in adapting to a tech-driven future while staying true to its foundational values. Their mature community, mostly aged 51 or older with decades of service, views AI not as a master, but as a potential ally to deepen authenticity, presence, and faith, ensuring technology supports human encounter rather than superseding it.

The Path Forward: Formation and Discernment

The most consistent recommendation from the study is a pressing need for robust formation—technical, ethical, and spiritual. Salesians across the continent emphasize that any serious engagement with machine learning must integrate moral reflection and pastoral discernment. They're calling for regular training programs, starting from initial religious instruction and continuing throughout their apostolic lives. Think short workshops, peer-learning networks, and local “AI champions” to mentor others.

Such training aims to ensure that educators and pastoral workers remain faithful to Don Bosco’s vision of integral education, which unites reason, faith, and affection, even in digital spaces. This proactive approach ensures that AI becomes a tool for deeper prayer, thought, and love, rather than a wedge that separates individuals from genuine human or spiritual connection. The second phase of the research will now focus on young people's own hopes and questions regarding AI, faith, and vocation, continuing this vital dialogue.

Our Take

The Salesians' journey into AI is a microcosm of a much larger global conversation. It highlights the profound shift in how spiritual guidance and community are accessed, particularly by younger generations. Their measured approach—valuing human connection above algorithmic efficiency—offers a crucial blueprint for other organizations grappling with technological disruption. It reminds us that while algorithms can process information, they can never replicate the empathy, discernment, or personal presence that defines human relationships.