A Church in Vietnam commissioned technology specialists as “IT Apostles,” calling them to bring truth and ethical responsibility into the digital space amid growing concerns over misinformation.
The Diocese of Phu Cuong marked the second anniversary of the C-Mate system, a Church-developed technology system supporting communication work across dioceses and religious congregations, on March 14 with a thanksgiving Mass and the formal reception of new members into the IT Apostles group.
The initiative comes as Church leaders respond to challenges in the digital space, where online platforms are often shaped by false information, harmful content, and superficial measures of success.
During a preparatory reflection, Father Peter Nguyen Van Thanh, head of communications of the Diocese of Hai Phong, reminded participants that Church communicators must remain rooted in their mission to convey truth and goodness, describing communication as a means of proclaiming the Gospel.
He urged members to work with love, trust in God, and selfless service, while remaining vigilant against “virtual achievements” in the online environment.
He also highlighted the theme “Click and Go,” encouraging participants to “turn every click into joy and hope for many people.”
In his homily, Bishop Dominic Nguyen Tuan Anh, chairman of the Social Communications Commission of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Vietnam, reflected on the theme of “light and the eyes of faith,” calling on communicators to bring Gospel values into the digital sphere.
He urged members to live what he described as the “mystery of the moon,” explaining that they are called to reflect the light of Christ into the digital world.
In a space marked by fake news, inflammatory language, and distorted values, he said IT Apostles are tasked with bringing “the light of truth and love” to transform what he described as the “digital continent.”
The Mass also included the formal reception of three new members who, after a year of service, were recognized as full members of the IT Apostles. They serve in roles such as quality control, frontend development, and technical writing.
Following the homily, members renewed their oath, committing to place God at the center of their work, remain faithful to Catholic teaching, use technology responsibly for evangelization, safeguard Church data, and serve selflessly with dedication.
Bishop Dominic Nguyen Tuan Anh said the initiative represents a unique effort in Vietnam, bringing together a structured team of specialists to build and operate the C-Mate system in service of the Church.
He said the system has expanded beyond the Diocese of Phu Cuong to support communication work in other dioceses and religious congregations across Vietnam.
He expressed hope that the initiative would continue to form young people with both technical skills and a commitment to serve the Church in the digital space.
