Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) President Archbishop Gilbert Garcera called on Catholic journalists, digital influencers, and missionaries to leverage modern communication tools not just to spread the Gospel but also to serve as instruments of sharing Jesus’ message across the region.
In his homily on the celebration of the Holy Eucharist on Sept. 11, 2026 the second day of the first Asian Catholic Digital Missionary Assembly, Archbishop Garcera underscored the significance of listening, engaging, serving, and witnessing faithfully in their digital endeavors.
Reflecting on the history of Radio Veritas Asia, Archbishop Garcera shared his experience as the Administrative Director of the station for seven years following the People Power Revolution in 1986. He highlighted how the station, through analog shortwave transmission, became a vital voice for the Church in various Asian countries, broadcasting in multiple languages including Telugu, Urdu, Tamil, and Filipino.
He further added that Radio Veritas Asia was born out of the vision of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) to bring the Gospel to the diverse realities of Asia. Although technology has evolved from shortwave radio to social media, podcasts, and livestreams, Archbishop Garcera reaffirmed that the mission of Catholic media remains unchanged.
“The mission remains: to bring truth, hope, and the Gospel to the peoples of Asia,” he said.
The Archbishop introduced the concept of “whispering Jesus in Asia,” a call to approach the mission with humility, listening, friendship, and living among the people. This approach he said, highlights the importance of understanding the culture and experiences of marginalized groups, including the poor, migrant workers, and victims of injustice.
“We do not just proclaim Jesus in Asia; we whisper Jesus in all of Asia,” he emphasized.
He urged Catholic media professionals to listen before speaking about others, reminding them that they are not merely content creators but witnesses with a moral responsibility on the information they share.
“Before we speak about people, learn to listen to people,” he said.
Archbishop Garcera challenged communicators to resist measuring truth by the number of clicks, likes, or shares.
“In a world where truth can easily be measured by popularity, we must never allow that to become our standard,” he said.
As misinformation and artificial intelligence continue to pose challenges, the Archbishop emphasized the heightened responsibility of journalists and influencers, and those who create content about the Catholic faith.
“Therefore, verify before you publish. Listen before you judge. Understand before you interpret. Give context before you condemn,” he said.
In closing, he urged journalists, digital influencers, and missionaries to be voices that speak, listen, and provide hope in Asia. The digital mission, he emphasized, is not just about reaching more people through technology but a call to bring Christ into the digital realm in ways rooted in truth, human dignity, justice, peace, and the common good.
Carrying the theme, ‘Influencers to Witnesses: Synodal Way for Digital Mission in Asia,’ the assembly was held until September 13, 2026, at the Radio Veritas Asia compound in Fairview, Quezon City.
Photo from FB / Radio Veritas Asia
