A Social Media Network to Amplify the Gospel Message in the Digital World Is in the Works - Philippine Bishop

In what could well be a way forward for Church social communicators, a member of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said they are looking into the possibility of creating a social media network that will bring together content creators and social media practitioners who will amplify the Gospel message in the digital world.

This was revealed by Bishop Marcelino Antonio Maralit, head of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Social Communications, during a press conference held at the Ateneo de Cebu on December 3.

Bishop Maralit was in Cebu to speak before participants of the 12th edition of the Catholic Social Media Summit.  He was joined in the press conference by Monsignor Pedro Quitorio, CBCP Media Director, Fr. Ilde Dimaano, Director of Social Communications in the Archdiocese of Lipa, and Mr. Edwin Lopez of EWTN.

In a separate interview with Radio Veritas Asia (RVA), Bishop Maralit said that since social media content is governed by algorithms that determine how content is filtered and recommended to users, a social media cohort with a shared Catholic missionary orientation can amplify the Gospel message.

Pressed for details of the proposed Catholic Social Media Network, Maralit, who is the bishop of Boac, Marinduque, disclosed that the proposal will have to be discussed further in meetings and digital coffee talks with social communications ministries and partners conversant with different social media platforms.

“There is nothing concrete yet.” Bishop Maralit said, but added that Catholic social media is just one venue. 

“Fortunately, there are many young people who see their role in this missionary venture and are stepping up. God will provide the laborers,” he said.

Some 400 participants joined the two-day 12th edition of the Catholic Social Media Summit organized by the CBCP, Youth Pinoy and the Archdiocese of Cebu.

Held in the Ateneo de Cebu, participants were mostly social communications workers from different dioceses, parish volunteers, religious congregations and lay organizations. 

The youngest participant was a 14-year-old student, while the oldest was a 75-year-old religious sister.  - Malou Guanzon Apalisok