By Matters India Reporter
QUEZON CITY, September 14, 2026: Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle urged Catholic digital missionaries from across Asia to allow Jesus Christ to be the strongest influence in their lives so their online presence and work can become authentic witnesses to the Gospel.
In a video message shown during the orientation for the First Asian Catholic Digital Missionary Assembly on Sept. 10 at the Pope John Paul II Auditorium on the Radio Veritas Asia campus in Quezon City, Cardinal Tagle addressed more than 100 delegates from different parts of Asia.
“It is good to influence others for the good, especially for the sake of witnessing to Jesus,” said Cardinal Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization.
The four-day assembly, held from Sept. 10 to 13, carried the theme, “Influencers to Witnesses: Synodal Way for Digital Mission in Asia.”
The gathering brings together Catholic digital missionaries, communicators and influencers to reflect on their role in the Church’s mission of evangelization in the digital environment.
Cardinal Tagle reminded participants that people are shaped daily by various influences and encouraged them to pay close attention to what guides their lives.
“My appeal to you, dear digital missionaries, be aware of what and who influences you,” he said.
He emphasized that influence begins with being influenced by others.
“Every influencer has been influenced before influencing others,” Cardinal Tagle said.
For Christian digital missionaries, he said, Jesus should remain at the center of that process.
“It is our prayer that you will allow Jesus, in the power of his Word and Spirit, to be a big influence in your life, in your outlook,” he said.
Cardinal Tagle said authentic witness in the digital world flows from a personal encounter with Christ and the transformation that follows.
“Having experienced the transforming influence of Jesus in your life, you will bear authentic, true, genuine witness to others that will influence them also,” he said.
“We influence others by what has influenced us,” he added.
The cardinal also encouraged participants to deepen their relationship with Jesus through prayer and study.
“So, pray well, study well,” he said, adding that those seeking friendship and guidance should turn to Jesus.
He further challenged delegates to share Christ’s light with others.
“Let Jesus and his light shine forth by being an influence in his name,” Cardinal Tagle said.
The orientation marked the opening of the assembly, which includes formation, discussion, sharing and collaboration among participants from different Asian countries and cultures.
Cardinal Tagle concluded by offering prayers for the delegates and the gathering, saying, “May God bless all of you and your assembly.”