A Glimpse Through ROMA: Reflections from a Digital Missionary in the Eternal City

by Shiela Mae Gumapon

Team Philippines joining the first ever Jubilee of Digital Missionaries and Catholic

Influencers held on July 28-29, 2025 at the Vatican.

Sometimes, all someone needs is a glimpse.

A glimpse of peace in a post.

Of Christ in a caption.

Of light in a livestream.

And for the first time in history, we, digital missionaries and Catholic influencers from

around the world, came together in the heart of the Church, in Rome, for the Jubilee of

Digital Missionaries and Catholic Influencers.

It was not just an event; it was an encounter. A sacred pause in the whirlwind of

algorithms and analytics to rediscover our why.

I came with questions, and I left with a mission—renewed and reminded that this digital

path we walk is holy ground.

The reflections I carried were framed by four powerful letters that spell more than just

the Eternal City’s name. ROMA: Reach, Offer Hope, Mirror Christ, Act Authentically.

Reach

In a world flooded with endless content, how do we stand out?

The answer is simple, yet radical: we don’t reach for fame; we reach for souls.

At the Jubilee, as we listened to testimonies and teachings, it became clear that reach

isn’t about numbers; it’s about presence. Jesus reached out to the forgotten, the

unclean, the sinner. He didn't wait for the perfect setting or ideal moment. He simply

reached.

And so must we. Across timelines, comment sections, and digital spaces that often feel

chaotic and loud—we reach. With kindness instead of clout. With the Gospel instead of

gossip.

Every post becomes a path; every message, a mission. We are not just passing by; we

are stepping in.

Offer Hope

In Rome, hope felt tangible. In the laughter between creators who had only ever met

through screens, in the reverence during Adoration, in the quiet moments of prayer

shared between digital disciples.

Hope is not a trend; it is a testimony.

We don’t offer it in flashy words or viral quotes. We offer it in unseen prayers, in gentle

replies, in the choice to show up faithfully. In a world where despair often gets the most

engagement, we choose to be hope dealers who are authentic, consistent, and real.

Hope says, “You matter.”

Hope whispers, “God is not done with you yet.”

This was the heartbeat of the Jubilee: to offer a hope that outlasts the scroll.

Mirror Christ

Rome reminded me: we are not the message. Christ is.

We don’t mirror the culture, we mirror Christ. As digital missionaries, our task isn’t to

impress, but to reflect. Not to influence for ourselves, but to allow His influence to shine

through us.

We sat together as influencers, yes; but more than that, as disciples. And disciples

don't point to themselves; they point to the Cross.

Every reel, every caption, every blog post becomes an invitation: “Look at Him.”

To mirror Christ is not about showing perfection; it’s about showing transformation.

We reflect grace, mercy, and truth. And in a world hungry for something real, we don’t

show off a curated life. We show off a changed life.

Act Authentically

Authenticity was the anthem of our gathering.

In a curated world, to be real is to be revolutionary. We were reminded that we are not

content creators chasing algorithms, we are Christians answering a call.

Authenticity is revival.

It’s faith over filters.

It’s honesty over aesthetics.

It’s identity over image.

In the sessions and over shared meals, we spoke of the pressures we face—the

temptation to perform, to produce, to please. But in Rome, we reclaimed our voice. We

remembered who we are. And from that identity, we act with integrity, humility, and

courage.

Because when we are real, people see what is truly Real. They glimpse Jesus.

From left to right: @St. Peter’s Basilica, @Pauline Chapel (the place where Pope Leo

XIV took his official portrait), @Vatican Gardens, @Tor Vergata

Just a Glimpse

Why “A Glimpse Through ROMA”?

Because sometimes, a glimpse is all someone needs.

A glimpse of truth in a tweet.

Of peace in a post.

Of Christ in someone who dares to live differently.

The Jubilee was a sacred glimpse for me.

A reminder that even in pixels and platforms, God is present.

He is calling us, calling me, to reach, to offer hope, to mirror Him, and to act

authentically.

Not for likes.

Not for shares.

But for souls.

Because someone out there isn’t searching for a perfect post.

They’re searching for Jesus.

And maybe, just maybe,

They’ll catch a glimpse of Him in someone like you.