“Samaritanear en el continente digital”, this is the title under which the latest edition of the “Casiciaco Dialogues” was held. On this occasion, the initiative was part of the Jubilee of Hope and included the participation of the Argentinean Catholic catechist, writer and musician Pablo Martinez, who shared his testimony and vision on evangelization in the digital environment.
“Samaritanizing on the digital continent”.
Pope Francis introduced the term “samaritanear” in 2022 to refer to evangelization in social networks, something Martinez has embraced as part of his mission: “Networks are a bridge, not a destination. Evangelizing in them should lead us to strengthen the community and live the faith in real life.” He also insisted that “it is not just a matter of sharing.
beautiful messages, but to make the Gospel come alive in every interaction we have in these spaces”.
Ismael Xuruc, General Councilor in charge of the Augustinian Recollect Youth (RAY), and Francisco Lostia, known as Pancho, member of the Youth Secretariat of the Order in Argentina, joined the meeting: “To speak of God in networks is a challenge, but also a great opportunity. The young people are there and we must accompany them,” said Xuruc. Pancho added: “It is not only about publishing religious content, but also about generating dialogue, answering questions and being witnesses of faith in these spaces.
Music as a means of evangelization
Pablo Martinez also shared his experience as a Catholic musician and the impact his art has had on many people: “Music is a channel for faith. I have had people write to me saying that a song has helped them pray or even find God.”
About his creative process, he highlighted that:“St. Augustine has been a huge source of inspiration for me. ‘Tarde te amé’, one of my most listened songs, is based on his Confessions and I am thrilled to know that it will soon reach 10 million reproductions”. He added: “When I compose, I ask myself: How can I help someone get closer to God with this song? That’s my mission.
In this regard, Ismael shared a personal anecdote: “I remember listening to a song by Pablo during a difficult moment in my life. It helped me to pray and trust that God was there, even in the middle of the storm”.
Martinez also spoke about the relationship between his faith and his music: “I cannot separate my music from my prayer life. Every song is born from an encounter with God, from moments of silence, from the Word. Music not only conveys a message, but can be an experience of God for the listener.”
Challenges and opportunities in digital evangelization
Pablo Martínez delved into the challenges of the digital environment and how they affect the evangelizing mission. “Social networks are a bridge, not a destination. We must use them to strengthen the community and bring faith to real life.” He also highlighted the temptation of recognition and the search for approval in networks: “The danger is in evangelizing for the ‘likes’, in forgetting that the goal is not popularity but to bring people to a true encounter with God“.
The musician and catechist warned about the immediacy of social networks and how this can lead to a superficial spirituality. “We receive a lot of information, but little formation. It is easy to fall into messages that seek to impress rather than transform the heart,” he said. Faced with this challenge, he stressed the importance of generating authentic and profound content that invites reflection and prayer.
In addition, Martinez emphasized the need for balance and discernment in the use of digital platforms. “You have to know when to speak and when to be silent. Not every discussion in networks is profitable; sometimes the best testimony is silence and coherence of life,” he said.
“May our testimony in networks be coherent with our life”.
He also encouraged young people not to be afraid of the digital apostolate, but to take it on responsibly. “It is not enough to share beautiful messages, we must live the Gospel in what we say and do. May our testimony in networks be coherent with our life”.
Finally, Martínez said that he is working on new music with a special focus for Holy Week: “I hope that these songs will help many people to live more deeply these important days for our faith.