Shrines must become ‘beacon of hope for devotees,’ says young Filipino social communicator

A young Filipino communicator underlined the important mission of shrines to become beacons of hope for millions of devotees.

Marc Shane Riparip from the Diocese of Malolos in the Philippines said that these popular pilgrimage sites must take their role seriously as “dynamic sources of continuing evangelization.”

“Shrines media has a mission in maintaining our shrines imbued with a sense of the Divine, where the faithful can draw strength, express their faith, and experience a profound connection with Jesus, Mary, and the saints,” he said.

Riparip was attending the Catholic Social Media Summit (CSMS) during the first weekend of December in the Archdiocese of Cebu, a national gathering of media workers and social communication volunteers.

Even though the social communications ministry often lacks proper support and resources, Riparip believes this will inspire young Catholics to persevere in becoming a blessing to others, especially in the digital world.

“May they become instruments [of God] to deliver the Good News of Christ to everyone, especially the weary and those who are becoming hopeless in life,” he said.

On the other hand, Leonor Rosales from the Diocese of Kalibo found profound happiness in meeting other ‘cyber missionaries,’ letting her know that she is not alone in this ministry.

“I couldn't imagine that from the small room where I started, with only God as my companion, I have reached a larger stage,” she said. “I am no longer alone but with a bigger family of God's servants.”

“I carry home the amazing stories of people I've talked to, the smiles and laughter I witnessed from my fellow missionaries, and the lessons from the speakers,” she also said.

Meanwhile, Katya Santos from the Apostolic Vicariate of Puerto Princesa shared that she was thinking of taking a break from her media apostolate because of financial and health reasons. Thankfully, the CSMS reignited her heart.

“The Catholic online media community in the Philippines [is] just on fire; my drive and passion for doing my communications ministry were revived,” she opened up.

Santos also served as one of the panelists during the event, where she talked about her life and challenges as a social communicator volunteer in one of the Philippines’ most remote dioceses.

On the other hand, Gracine Buletin of the Archdiocese of Cebu said that CSMS empowered and motivated her. 

“The speakers were informative and inspiring, providing valuable insights into online evangelization,” she explained.

For Saldy Zantua of the Diocese of Antipolo, the two-day summit was full of newfound knowledge and inspired him to “provide better service towards the Church.”

Now in its 12th year, this iteration of CSMS welcomed more than 400 participants from various parts of the Philippines.

This was organized by the Media Office of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), through the efforts of the Filipino youth organization YouthPinoy and the media company Areopagus Communications.- Luke Godoy