By: Joe Bedard, February 19, 2025
In an era where social media dictates cultural conversations, a new wave of evangelization is emerging. Across various platforms, young seminarians, Priests, and other religious
influencers are embracing their call to spread the Gospel in ways that mirror Christ’s own commissioning of His disciples.
In the Diocese of San Bernardino, this movement is particularly striking, as seminarians have taken the biblical mandate to go out ‘two by two’ and applied it to the digital sphere.
A New Digital Pentecost
Catholic social media influencers are not a new phenomenon, but the surge of seminarians from San Bernardino actively embracing digital evangelization is remarkable. They are producing content that ranges from theological reflections and prayer sessions to vlogs that showcase the daily life of a seminarian. Their approach is rooted in authenticity—offering a window into the joys and struggles of discernment, faith, and the priestly vocation.
Many of these seminarians have adopted the spirit of Jesus’ instruction in Luke 10:1, where He sends His disciples out in pairs to preach and heal. By working together, supporting one another’s content, and collaborating on projects, they create an online sense of brotherhood that mirrors their seminary formation. This digital ‘two by two’ model not only strengthens their personal faith but also amplifies their collective voice.
Meeting the People Where They Are
The Catholic Church has long emphasized the need to meet people in their lived realities, and today, that reality includes the digital world. The average person spends hours a day on social media, often encountering a mix of entertainment, news, and ideological discourse. By establishing a presence in these digital spaces, seminarians are able to engage with young Catholics, seekers, and even skeptics in meaningful ways.
One seminarian from Our Diocese of San Bernardino, Oscar Montalvo (@the.dailycross), who regularly posts reflections on Scripture, describes his motivation: “For me digital evangelization is where God comes to sanctify the means of technology. We have to spread the good news everywhere and at all times; even if that means through technology. In seminary, because of studies and our schedule, I am very limited to go out and do pastoral ministry. So I thought to myself how can I spread the Good News? As I was thinking about it my phone went off and I was like everyone has a phone and everyone has social media so let me share the good news that way”.
Another Seminarian of ours, Juan Samaniego (@juan_theOne), emphasizes the power of the digital pulpit as a place to teach the Youth about our faith: “Social Media presents a digital ground where many of our people spend their time, especially the youth. We can bring the good news to this space. If you told an apostle two thousand years ago there was a way to reach thousands of people without even leaving your room, why not seize the opportunity”?
Challenges and Opportunities
Of course, navigating the digital world comes with its own set of challenges. Social media can be a double-edged sword—offering a platform for evangelization while also exposing creators to negativity, criticism, and spiritual distractions. Seminarians must balance their digital presence with their formation, ensuring that their online ministry complements, rather than detracts from, their path toward the priesthood.
Yet, the opportunities far outweigh the challenges. The reach of a single post can extend beyond geographical boundaries, bringing the Gospel to people in ways that traditional evangelization efforts may not. The ability to connect, inspire, and guide through a well-crafted video or heartfelt post is a modern expression of the Great Commission.
A Call to Action
The rise of digital missionaries in the Diocese of San Bernardino is a testament to the ever-evolving nature of evangelization. It is a movement that reflects both the deep roots of Catholic tradition and the innovative spirit of the Church in the modern world.
For those discerning a call to evangelize, whether lay or religious, the message is clear: the mission field is vast, and the tools are at our fingertips. Just as the early disciples set out with nothing but their faith and the Word of God, today’s digital missionaries are armed with the same faith, only now, they also have a smartphone, a Wi-Fi connection, and a world in need of Christ’s love.
The question remains: How will you answer the call to evangelize in the digital age?
*Follow Our Seminarians through their journey to priesthood on their Instagram Platforms Below, and continue to pray for them as they are praying for you!*
Oscar Montalvo: @the.dailycross
Juan Samaniego: @juan_theOne
Comments