by Clyde Ericson Nolasco
photos from li-JUAN-ag, ASSJBP Ministry of Youth Affairs
On October 19, the weekend of Dominus Est's fifth anniversary, I was invited to speak to the "young people" of the Archdiocesan Shrine of St. John the Baptist Parish in San Juan for their “Kapehan Night.”
As content manager of Dominus Est, I was given the topic: “Giving Light to Others: Becoming Authentic Influencers.”
The activity was attended by over a hundred young people from different youth organizations and scholars of the Immaculate Conception Academy Parents Auxiliary (ICAPA). The Kapehan Night is a youth ministry-initiated quarterly activity that aims to gather the youth of the parish.
Influencers-in Christ
With the widespread use of social media, our generation is challenged to be very mindful of how we engage and we use the internet. In the Church, we are called to be cautious as it may pose as a distraction from the truth –away from Jesus.
Our bishops and pastors continuously remind us that as baptized Christians, we are called to be “authentic influencers.”
For us at Dominus Est, since 2019, our Editor-in-Chief, Ms. Margaux Salcedo, has reminded us of our role as “influencers-in-Christ.” From our launch 5 years ago, where we told Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle on the Pista ng Misyon stage what this means, it has been our mission to ensure that every volunteer of Dominus Est is an influencer-in-Christ —an authentic digital evangelizer, rooted in Christ. In fact our mission and motto is to help people see Christ "in everyday, in every way, in everything"!
Be J-U-A-N!
Both online and offline, as baptized individuals, we are called to be influencers-in-Christ. We are called to proclaim the love of God. But how do we do that? Here are my thoughts as an educator, edtech promoter, and content manager of Dominus Est:
Be Jesus-Centered: Never forget that everything flows from Jesus. To inspire others, we must first be inspired by Jesus Himself, especially through prayer and the Sacraments of the Church.
Be Updated: Technology evolves rapidly. New apps, gadgets, and trends appear constantly. While we don’t need to master them all, it’s helpful to stay informed and use the tools that can serve our mission.
Be Aware: As digital citizens, we must practice netiquette. Our online relationships are just as important as our offline ones. Healthy online interactions help foster strong relationships.
Be Nobody: In a world where everyone seeks likes and engagement, we, as followers of Jesus, are challenged to be like St. John the Baptist—humble followers of Christ. A true influencer-in-Christ promotes no one but Christ.
Be an influencer-in-Christ. Be one like JUAN - someone who always remembers, it is the Lord!
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