Connecting Personal Witness with the Digital World

On May 30, as part of the celebration of Vocations Month, the General Prefectures of Formation and Apostolic Mission organized an online formation session for vocation companions, pastoral ministers, sisters, and lay collaborators on the theme: “Can a vocation be discovered in the digital world, and what are the signs of a vocation?”

The reflection was led by José Enrique García Rizo, CMF, who, in a practical and accessible way, helped us reflect on important questions: How are we present in the digital world? What are we communicating? How do we attract others?

José Enrique emphasized that digital ministry must always be rooted in personal witness and grounded in real life. From this profound truth, the individual, the pastoral minister, and the vocation companion can establish genuine connections with others.

He also highlighted some of the challenges present in the digital environment. One notable challenge is that people—especially young people—are placing increasing trust in Artificial Intelligence (AI).

For us, as pastoral ministers and vocation companions, an even more significant challenge is to ask ourselves: What do our online followers encounter when they come to our community? What do we have to offer them?

We were invited to reflect on how we are personally living our vocation. With what degree of fidelity, depth, and transparency do we engage in the digital world and contribute to its transformation?