Last month, I had the incredible privilege of attending the 2-day Jubilee of Digital Missionaries & Catholic Influencers in Rome on July 28-29, 2025. This extraordinary gathering brought together Catholic content creators, digital evangelizers, and online ministers from around the world to explore our calling as "Instruments of Grace" in the digital age.
Over those two transformative days, I filled pages with insights, challenges, and inspiration that have fundamentally shifted how I view my role in digital ministry. The speakers didn't just talk about social media strategy or content creation techniques -- they called us to something much deeper: authentic witness, purposeful engagement, and the courage to bring the light of Christ into every corner of the Internet.
What follows is a synthesis of the notes I took during this powerful event. I've organized the key themes and insights that emerged, hoping they might inspire and guide other digital missionaries who, like me, are seeking to navigate the unique challenges and opportunities of evangelizing in our connected world.
Whether you're a seasoned Catholic influencer or someone just beginning to explore how faith and digital platforms intersect (like me), these reflections offer a roadmap for becoming true instruments of grace online.
Before I walk you through my notes, here's a highlights reel that captures the energy and spirit of those two incredible days in Rome:
Jubilee of Digital Missionaries & Catholic Influencers: We are Instruments of Grace - Summary
Core Identity and Mission
We are instruments of grace - called to be in this world but not of it. As digital evangelizers, we speak the language of the modern world while remaining rooted in eternal truth. Our mission extends beyond the tech-savvy; all Catholics are called to digital evangelization, participating in service and communion as we bring the Good News to every corner of the digital world.
Authentic Witness Over Success
Authenticity over image-building is paramount. We preach the Gospel not to build successful personal brands or merchandise ourselves, but to save souls. Our goal is to win souls, not arguments. We are blessings to share, not products to sell. God uses our brokenness for His glory, not ours - we must stop pointing to ourselves and surrender our platforms to Jesus.
Content with Purpose and Love
Meaningful content over mere content creation defines our approach. In a world overwhelmed by meaningless content, we must create with love, reflecting our values and seeking truth and life's meaning. Our content should emerge from what burns in our hearts, not from FOMO or ego-centric motivations. We don't negotiate principles to please crowds.
Encounter and Community Building
Digital encounter spaces transform how we engage. Instead of focusing on ourselves, we ask our audiences how they feel and create platforms for genuine encounter. We build digital communities that serve as bridges and connections, sharing bread and prayer together. We don't isolate but actively foster unity within the Church.
Hearts on Fire
The fire within must be kindled. The world needs hearts that burn and words that emerge from silence. This transformative fire far surpasses any artificial lights the world offers. We must identify what burns in our hearts and courageously share it, as love naturally communicates itself.
Truth and Hope Over Metrics
Value lies in truth shared, not likes received. While algorithms know everything about our digital behavior, they cannot measure the soul, love, or grace. We communicate truth and communion, having the courage to dream new versions of the world. As creators and artists, we generate meaning and hope, serving as agents of communion and evangelization.
Unity and Compassion in Communication
Unity within diversity remains essential. We face the challenge of algorithmic filtering that reduces diversity, and we must resist creating enemies over differing opinions. Following Jesus's prayer in John 17:21 for unity, we work together with the Church rather than against each other. Our communication should never encourage rage, even when the Church itself sometimes lacks compassion.
The Revolutionary Power of Listening
Silence and listening have become revolutionary. We must remain human, giving others the powerful feeling of being truly heard. This includes posting positive comments, including other believers, and showing solidarity with those who need support.
Salt and Light Balance
Both salt and light are necessary for effective digital ministry. The Church with too much salt becomes parochial and stuck, while light alone can become shiny, superficial, and empty. Digital missionaries need the salt of the one, holy, Catholic, apostolic Church combined with creative evangelization that brings light to the world.
Practical Applications
- Meet quarterly with priests and bishops for guidance and accountability
- Support fellow believers and missionaries in challenging situations
- Focus on building people up through experimental approaches
- Maintain regular communication with Church hierarchy
- Remember that we don't know who we'll ultimately influence - faith is an unmeasurable gift
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