"Tell Everyone About Jesus": Cardinal Ferrão Urges Priests to Embrace The Chosen Encounter

July 21, 2026: Recognising the growing influence of digital media in shaping how people engage with faith, Cardinal Filipe Neri Ferrão has encouraged priests to embrace The Chosen Encounter as a practical resource for catechesis and faith formation, helping people encounter Jesus Christ through Scripture, prayer and reflection.

Delivering the welcome address at 'The Chosen Encounter Training Programme' at the Pastoral Institute St Pius X in Goa, the President of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) said the initiative reflects the Church's commitment to bringing the story of Jesus Christ closer to parishes, institutions, families and communities through the possibilities offered by digital media.

Cardinal Ferrão, who also serves as President of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences (FABC), said the CCBI has been collaborating with 'The Chosen India Team' to make the story of Jesus Christ more accessible through digital media.

"The Chosen is a historical drama based on the life of Jesus Christ, created by American filmmaker Dallas Jenkins and launched as a television series seven years ago," he said. "Till date, it has been watched by over three hundred million people across the world, including in the Vatican, and it is being dubbed in various other languages."

He noted that the series presents the life of Christ through the eyes of those who encountered Him. "While remaining rooted in the Gospel narratives, the series uses creative storytelling to invite people into a deeper reflection on Sacred Scripture and an enlightening encounter with the person of Jesus Christ."

Rooted in Scripture

Referring to the Second Vatican Council's Dogmatic Constitution on Divine Revelation, Dei Verbum, Cardinal Ferrão said the Church has long encouraged making Sacred Scripture accessible to all the faithful through prayer, reflection and meditation.

He said digital media productions such as 'The Chosen' can become valuable resources for catechesis and faith formation, helping especially young people and families rediscover the beauty, richness and transformative power of the Gospel.

Quoting Pope Leo XIV's catechesis during the Jubilee of Digital Missionaries at St Peter's Basilica on July 29, 2025, he recalled the Pope's invitation to the Church in the digital age: "We have a duty to work together to develop a way of thinking and to develop a language of our time, that gives voice to Love. It is not simply a matter of generating content, but of creating an encounter of hearts."

Inspired by the Holy Father's message, Cardinal Ferrão explained that 'The Chosen Encounter' has been developed as a faith formation initiative that goes beyond simply watching a television series.

Through carefully selected five- to eight-minute clips from 'The Chosen', accompanied by Scripture reflection and prayer, the programme seeks to create "a true encounter of hearts", leading people into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and His Word.

CCBI Plans Nationwide Rollout

The Cardinal said the CCBI hopes to make 'The Chosen Encounter' available across parishes, dioceses, commissions and institutions as an effective resource for catechesis, faith formation and Gospel outreach.

He also announced the Church's collaboration with 'The Chosen India Team' in preparation for the release of 'The Chosen: Crucifixion' during the Lenten season next year. The film will be released globally across 30 countries and is scheduled to reach audiences in India through PVR INOX theatres by the second week of March 2027.

Cardinal Ferrão thanked 'The Chosen India Team' and offered special appreciation to Ajin Joseph, Associate Secretary of the CCBI Family Commission with special charge for the Pro-Life Ministry, who has been appointed by the CCBI as the Catholic Engagement Manager for 'The Chosen'.

'Tell Everyone' About Jesus

Concluding his address, Cardinal Ferrão expressed his hope that 'The Chosen Encounter' would become "a powerful instrument to lead many hearts to Jesus Christ."

He prayed that the initiative would help build, as Pope Leo XIV has encouraged, "networks of relationships, love, and authentic encounters where the wounded find healing, the distant rediscover faith, and every person experiences the transforming love of Christ."

Encouraging the priests attending the programme, he said, "I would deeply desire that, after going through this short Training Programme on 'The Chosen Encounter', each one of you may become to the people under your pastoral care, joyful digital missionaries who, like the Samaritan woman at the well, go forth with courage and enthusiasm to 'Tell Everyone' about Jesus."

"May God bless this mission and all of you abundantly," he concluded.

By Catholic Connect Reporter