Embracing the Mission: Catholic Faith Defenders and the Art of Apologetics

Catholic Faith Defenders' mission is to guide the faithful on how to take a strong stand for the Church.

Arguments about faith are almost inevitable. Just spend a few hours (or even a couple of minutes) scouring through online discussions and you will certainly find a lot of people arguing about their religious perspectives.

Some are standing up for their own theologies, while others are finding errors in beliefs that differ from theirs.

In today’s digital age, when access to information is almost limitless and the sharing of opinions is extremely convenient, the topic of religion has become quite controversial and sometimes taboo. Therefore, every Catholic must know how to defend their faith in case they find themselves being questioned or attacked about their creed.

One organization in the Philippines has dedicated itself to this very mission, guiding the faithful on how to take a firm stand for the Church: the Catholic Faith Defenders (CFD).

According to CFD National President Bro. Ryan R. Mejillano, honor the rich tradition of the Church through the art of apologetics, which contributes to shaping a society that truly appreciates the beauty of the Catholic faith.

A growing mission

CFD was founded in Cebu City on July 3, 1963. The 60-year-old organization is an accredited member of the Episcopal Commission of the Laity of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) through the Council of the Laity.

There are currently numerous chapters of the organization operating throughout the Philippines with proper support from their respective bishops.

Cebu Archbishop Jose S. Palma serves as their archbishop protector, and Fr. Lucas Inoc and Fr. Abe Arganiosa are the national theological advisers. Meanwhile, Fr. Fran Villegas takes on the role of national spiritual director.

Mejillano revealed that CFD membership has grown by 61% in 2023.

“This surge… reflects the increasing interest and commitment to our mission of defending and spreading the Catholic faith,” he shared. “New members have not only joined our ranks but have also actively participated in our programs.”

“It is about being prepared to give in a reason for the hope that is in us and doing so with gentleness and respect,” Mejillano

A preservation of tradition

According to Mejillano, their work in CFD is concentrated not just on winning arguments about the faith, but also on sharing the love and truth of Christ through the preservation of Catholic tradition.

“It is about being prepared to give in a reason for the hope that is in us, and doing so with gentleness and respect,” he said. “It strengthens our personal faith, enables effective evangelization, and clarifies misunderstandings.”

For Mejillano, apologetics is extremely vital in today’s modern world, which sees the rapid rise of secularism and relativism.

“This can create an environment where people are indifferent or hostile to religious discussion, making it difficult to engage in meaningful conversations about faith,” he said.

A chance for laity empowerment

Mejillano explained that they are actively working with people at the parish to equip them, especially the youth, with relevant knowledge and skills for defending the Church.

“We [can] organize regular training sessions and workshops focused on apologetics,” he said.

CFD also holds an annual national convention that gathers their representatives and members from across the Philippines.

On June 8 and 9, the event’s 47th iteration will take place in Antipolo City.

This year’s convention will focus on defending the faith in the digital age, which will explore identifying fake news, the ethical use of artificial intelligence, and managing online conflicts about faith.

A work for the clergy

Furthermore, Mejillano calls on priests to provide full support to the mission of raising awareness and knowledge about Catholic apologetics.

“In our ever-evolving world, the role of a priest as a defender of the faith has never been more critical,” he said. “As shepherds of God's flock, you are uniquely positioned not only to guide your parishioners but also to fortify them against the misconceptions and challenges that confront our Church today.”

Mejillano also took note of how the Second Plenary Council of the Philippines in 1991 decreed that “parish priests must encourage and support the training of lay Catholic faith defenders.”

A steadfast duty

With the rampant misconceptions about the Church these days, Mejillano said every single Catholic must make it a point to study apologetics.

“These misunderstandings can cause confusion and prejudice, which hinder effective evangelization and dialogue,” he said.

“In a world that is often skeptical or even hostile to religious beliefs, being equipped with the knowledge and skills to defend the faith is vital for every Catholic.”