Last Friday, the second meeting of Catholic influencers was held, organized by the Catholic Association of Propagandists (ACdP). The event had the outstanding participation of Monsignor José Ignacio Munilla, bishop of Orihuela -Alicante.
Monsignor Munilla recalled how Pope Benedict XVI already spoke of the importance of evangelizing the “digital continent.” He reflected on how, years ago, it was common for couples to meet through family or in shared places. However, today, it is increasingly common for these first crushes to be digital. The same happens with Jesus Christ: before, people used to meet Him in the family or the parish, but now many discover Him through social networks.
The bishop pointed out that a person who is far from God will hardly go to a parish, but could find a message that transforms his life through a YouTuber, an Instagrammer, or a radio station.
However, he also highlighted the need to have a critical awareness of the digital world.
He encouraged us to be sober and persevering. Sobriety is essential to prevent even good things from generating addiction, while perseverance helps us to remain firm without letting ourselves be carried away by frustrations or ephemeral successes. He pointed out that our strength must be inner peace, assuring us that only meekness will give us the flexibility to receive blows and not break. And not return evil for evil.
Monsignor Munilla also spoke of prophecy, stating that we are called to be the prophets of this century, for which reason we must have knowledge and discernment.
Not everyone should get into the same puddles, but in those in which they are capable of contributing. Finally, he stressed the importance of giving personal testimony, since this is what helps people the most. He urged us to be creative, as a reflection of our union with God, and to evangelize with sensitivity. We do not need to be charismatic leaders, but we do need to be effective and aware of our vocation on the networks. He also reminded us that our action must be complemented with an “extra” of prayer, since this is the basis that supports any evangelizing effort.
