The more famous a person is, the more followers they will have on Twitter, that most dynamic of social media platforms. Popularity is no measure of virtue, however, with many tweets by the singer Liam Gallagher (3.2 million followers), for instance, suitable only for the wall of a public urinal.
The Church nonetheless wants the faithful to use social media in the “new evangelisation” of the West, and Pope Francis offers leadership by tweeting films to accompany his monthly prayer intentions, speaking directly to the 18 million people following him at @Pontifex.
Most of us count our followers only in scores or hundreds. Yet we can still bear witness to Our Lord if we remember that the new evangelisation is new only in its methods and not in its content. Honour the demands of the Gospel, therefore, and treat users with the same courtesy as if addressing them in person.
Use Twitter also to practise spiritual works of mercy – to counsel the doubtful, instruct the ignorant, admonish sinners, comfort the afflicted, forgive offences, bear wrongs patiently and pray for the living and the dead. Then leave the rest to God.
Areas of Catholic Herald business are still recovering post-pandemic.
However, we are reaching out to the Catholic community and readership, that has been so loyal to the Catholic Herald. Please join us on our 135 year mission by supporting us.
We are raising £250,000 to safeguard the Herald as a world-leading voice in Catholic journalism and teaching.
We have been a bold and influential voice in the church since 1888, standing up for traditional Catholic culture and values. Please consider donating.