Jony Sagayaraj

In Tamil Nadu, Catholic youth are redefining what it means to live a life of faith. While older generations grew up with processions, parish festivals, and catechism classes rooted in tradition, today’s youth are integrating modern technology, social awareness, and global Catholic identity into their spiritual lives.

There is a long debate related to the topic whether the use of social media in the Catholic Church is boon or bane? Whether it fosters faith or a hindrance to it? The so-called traditionalists looking at it in a pessimistic way may come to an immediate conclusion that the use of social media is a distraction to the faith especially to youth. “Guidelines for the Electronic Transmission of the Celebration of the Eucharist and Other Liturgical Services” is the recent document of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) officially issued on March 25, 2025, and made public on April 3, 2025 in which it clearly states new guidelines regulating the online transmission of Holy Mass and other liturgical celebrations. The main aim of the CCBI is to preserve the sanctity of the Eucharist and foster deeper spiritual participation among the faithful, whether attending in person or through digital platforms.

During and after the COVID-19 lockdowns, many dioceses such as Coimbatore, Pondicherry-Cuddalore, Madras-Mylapore, Thanjavur, Kumbakonam and Vellore adapted to virtual ministry. Rosaries and online seminars, Prayer groups on Google Meet or Zoom meeting and live-streamed Masses became the new normal for many young people. Of course, they should follow the guidelines of CCBI. Through You Tube, WhatsApp and Instagram youth maintain daily devotions on-the-go. They share daily word of God, quotes of the day, saints of the day, and quiz regarding word of God.

The term “Cathfluencers” has emerged to describe these digital missionaries who create reels, explain Scripture, and discuss Church teachings in Tamil and English. This movement was recognized nationally at the first-ever Cathfluencers Meet in March 2025, held in Chennai, which brought together Catholic content creators from across the country. The event was backed by the Archdiocese of Madras-Mylapore and celebrated young people who are “bringing Christ to the screen”. Madha TV and SIGNIS Tamil Nadu have even hosted AI and media literacy workshops, teaching youth how to create ethical and engaging Catholic content.

The future of the Church in Tamil Nadu looks bright in the hands of its youth – and they are speaking, praying, posting, and organizing in ways previous generations could not have imagined. The digital age is not a threat to faith rather it’s a platform for renewal, creative expression and going along with the trend opening the windows and letting the fresh air entering in. By engaging these younger minds online and offline, the Church keeps their faith not only alive but evolving for the future. The digital era doesn’t replace the faith but it reshapes it.