Young Bangalore Priests Urged to Embrace Role as ‘Digital Shepherds’

Chikkamagaluru, October 1, 2026: Forty-five young priests of the Archdiocese of Bangalore were urged to see the digital world as an emerging field of pastoral ministry and evangelisation during an ongoing formation programme held at Spoorthi Sadan, Pastoral Centre, Chikkamagaluru, from September 28 to October 1.

The session on “Digital Shepherding” was led by Fr Cyril Victor Joseph, Coordinator of the CCBI Media Apostolate, as part of the formation programme on priesthood, pastoral ministry and mission in the digital environment.

Fr Cyril highlighted the growing role of digital platforms in communication, relationships, information-sharing and faith exploration. He encouraged the priests to approach the digital environment not merely as a technological space but as a pastoral and missionary field.

A key focus was synodal communication, with emphasis on listening, dialogue, participation and communion. Rather than simply broadcasting messages, priests were encouraged to use digital platforms to create opportunities for meaningful interaction and encounter. Digital storytelling was also presented as a way of sharing experiences of faith and strengthening participation in parish and diocesan life.

The formation programme explored the emerging role of priests as “digital shepherds”, particularly in helping people navigate challenges such as misinformation, online scams, phishing, cyberbullying, privacy threats and digital addiction.

Practical aspects of internet safety were also discussed, including strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, secure connections, software updates, privacy settings, safe handling of links and downloads, regular data backups and responsible online behaviour.

The priests were further reminded of the permanence of their digital footprint. Online comments, photographs and other communications can remain accessible for years, requiring prudence and responsibility in their use of social media.

The session also addressed pastoral boundaries in digital communication, including late-night personal messages, online controversies, requests for sacramental ministry through digital platforms, dependence on social-media metrics and the management of parish WhatsApp groups.

The programme concluded with a call to the young priests to combine pastoral sensitivity, responsible communication and missionary creativity in their digital engagement, enabling them to accompany people both within parish communities and in the increasingly influential online environment.

By Catholic Connect Reporter