“Let Jesus Be Your Influencer,” Cardinal Tagle Urges Asian Digital Missionaries at First Assembly

Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle urged Catholic digital missionaries from across Asia to allow Jesus to become the strongest influence in their lives so that their presence and work online can become authentic witnesses to the Gospel.

In a video message screened during the orientation for the First Asian Catholic Digital Missionary Assembly on September 10 at the Pope John Paul II Auditorium on the Radio Veritas Asia campus in Quezon City, Cardinal Tagle reminded more than 100 delegates from different parts of Asia that those who influence others are themselves shaped by people and experiences.

“It is good to influence others for the good, especially for the sake of witnessing to Jesus,” Cardinal Tagle said.

The four-day assembly, being held from September 10 to 13, carries the theme “Influencers to Witnesses: Synodal Way for Digital Mission in Asia.” It brings together Catholic digital missionaries, communicators and influencers to reflect on their role in the Church’s mission of evangelization in the digital environment.

Cardinal Tagle said people are influenced every day by many factors and urged digital missionaries to be attentive to the influences that shape their lives.

“My appeal to you, dear digital missionaries, be aware of what and who influences you,” he said.

He emphasized that influence does not begin with the person seeking to influence others.

“Every influencer has been influenced before influencing others,” Cardinal Tagle said.

For Christian digital missionaries, he said, Jesus should be at the center of that process of influence.

“It is our prayer that you will allow Jesus, in the power of his Word and Spirit, to be a big influence in your life, in your outlook,” he said.

Cardinal Tagle stressed that digital missionaries can offer authentic witness to others when they have personally experienced the transforming influence of Jesus.

“Having experienced the transforming influence of Jesus in your life, you will bear authentic, true, genuine witness to others that will influence them also,” he said.

“We influence others by what has influenced us,” he added.

The cardinal encouraged the delegates to deepen their relationship with Jesus through prayer and study.

“So, pray well, study well,” he said, adding that those looking for a friend and the best influence in their lives should turn to Jesus.

Cardinal Tagle also challenged the digital missionaries to share the light they receive from Christ rather than keeping it to themselves.

“Let Jesus and his light shine forth by being an influence in his name,” he said.

The orientation marked the beginning of the assembly, which brings together participants from different Asian countries and cultures for formation, discussion, sharing and collaboration in digital mission.

Cardinal Tagle concluded his message by praying for the participants and the gathering.

“May God bless all of you and your assembly,” he said.