Asian Catholic Digital Missionary Assembly: From Influencers to Witnesses
A four-day first ever Asian Catholic Digital Missionary Assembly 2026 was organized by Radio Veritas Asia (RVA) and the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences – Office of Social Communication (FABC-OSC) in partnership with the Vatican Dicastery for Communication through the Fully Present Network at Manila, Philippines from 10th to 13th September 2026.
The theme of the assembly was “Influencers to Witnesses: Synodal Way for Digital Mission in Asia”. It highlighted the essential aspect i.e. “We cannot but speak” from Acts 4:20. The assembly witnessed the gathering of around 100 delegates who were digital influencers, content creators, communicators, writers, journalists and media professionals.
The programme began with welcome Mass at RVA Three Saints Chapel presided over by Fr. Felmar C. Fiel, SVD, General Manager, Radio Veritas Asia. He mentioned that what we precisely need in the digital mission today is to be authentic witnesses – building bridges, not barriers, and leading others to Jesus Christ. The participants also had orientation, cultural encounter and fellowship to grow in communion and communication.
Most Rev. Gilbert A. Garcera, D.D., Archbishop, Archdiocese of Lipa and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) reminded delegates during the opening Mass that authentic witnessing begins with self-examination and listening. He asked all to verify content before you publish, listen before you judge, understand before you interpret and give context before you condemn.
In his keynote address, Most Rev. Marcelino Antonio “Junie” M. Maralit, Jr., D.D., Bishop, Diocese of San Pablo and Chairman, FABC–OSC emphasized the importance of dialogue in mission for Asian Catholic Digital Missionaries focussing on understanding Asian realities. In a digital world where voices and perspectives come from different cultures, communities, religions, status and experiences, dialogue becomes a bridge that helps us listen, understand and walk together, he added.
There was a Panel Discussion on Asian Digital Realities with Dr. Anna Jihyun You from South Korea, Fr. Felmar Fiel, SVD from Philippines, Dr. Fr. Cyril Victor Joseph from India and Miral Atik from Jerusalem. Conversation in the Spirit with Fr. Columba Jordan, CFR from Ireland took participants to reflect on their calling and mission.
Dr. Nataša Govekar from Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication shared about the Faith Communication in the Digital World programme and its cohort. She also mentioned the activities of Fully Present Network and its initiatives.
Case Study analysis and workshop was moderated by Dr. Peter Monthienvichienchai from Thailand, Michael Unland from Germany and Edwin Lopez from Philippines. It helped the participants to delve deep into the nuances of digital communication and Artificial Intelligence.
Most Rev. Rex Andrew C. Alarcon, D.D., Archbishop, Archdiocese of Cáceres and Chairman of the CBCP Episcopal Commission on Social Communication reminded the participants that our mission goes beyond influence. We are called to build communities where people listen, support and uplift one another in Christ. As digital evangelizers, you are not here individually; but we are called to be a Church, he said.
Shared Mission and Co-creation session focussed on building towards “World Youth Day” Seoul 2027, South Korea. The local organizing committee did a presentation on the significance of WYD 2027 to encourage Asian Digital Missionaries to be part of it and how it plans to engage a highly digitalized, yet often isolated, modern generation of young people. This landmark event aims to connect the Asian Church with the world.
FABC Vision and Pastoral Direction was highlighted by Dr. Fr. John Mi Shen from China, who mentioned the pivotal role of every digital influencer in content creation. He asked participants to journey from being just influencers to authentic witnesses and become digital missionaries of Asia fostering a synodal spirit of listening, collaboration and shared mission.
Asian Digital Missionary Network Workshop was guided by Pie Mabanta-Fenomeno from Philippines who asked the participants to discuss and collaborate in designing strategy for the Asian Digital Missionary Network. Participants and delegates from Asia were given opportunities for content creation and networking. At last, the assembly synthesis was done, group discussion and sharing helped the participants to reflect and plan for the common good of the mission of the Church.
His Eminence Pablo Virgilio “Ambo” S. Cardinal David, D.D., Bishop, Diocese of Kalookan and FABC-Vice President said that the digital mission begins not only with what we say, but with how deeply we listen. As missionaries in the digital world, may we create spaces where every voice, especially those often unheard, can be seen, valued and understood. During the Closing Mass and Rites of Commissioning for the Asian Digital Missionaries, he asked the delegates to go as digital missionaries and not just go into the world merely as content creators.
Sumit Dhanraj, India
(A participant of the Asian Catholic Digital Missionary Assembly 2026)