Belgrave & Ferntree Gully Youth Gathering
10 July 2026
Who Are We Becoming? Exploring Humanity, Faith and Technology
Join us for an engaging evening of conversation and reflection as we explore how technology, artificial intelligence, and social media are influencing our lives and what the Christian faith has to say about remaining authentically human in a digital age.
Our discussion will be based on Pope Leo XIV's new Encyclical, Magnifica Humanitas ("Magnificent Humanity"), which reflects on human dignity, freedom, responsibility, and the opportunities and challenges presented by today's rapidly changing technologies.
Whether you're enthusiastic about AI, concerned by its impact, or simply curious, this evening offers a welcoming space to listen, reflect, ask questions, and share ideas.
Event Details
Date: Friday, 7 August
Time: 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Location: St Thomas More Parish Presbytery, Belgrave VIC
Dinner: A light dinner is included at no cost.
Presenters: Henner Castaneda
Topics Include
- What is an Encyclical Letter?
- The "Original Goodness" of Creation: our vocation to safeguard the dignity of every human person.
- The Tower of Babel and the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls: pride, freedom, responsibility, and God's vision for humanity.
- From Rerum Novarum to Magnifica Humanitas: how Pope Leo XIII defended workers during the Industrial Revolution, and how Pope Leo XIV addresses the human challenges of the Digital Revolution.
- Artificial Intelligence and the technocratic paradigm: its impact on work, relationships, the economy, leisure, and care for creation.
- Breaking free from algorithm-driven habits of watching, buying, and thinking.
- Building a "civilisation of love" in the digital world: responding to online hostility, cancel culture, and discovering what healthy digital communities can look like.