Ched Rick Gatchalian

Article (news)

Papal nuncio backs Roblox Filipino Catholics’ digital evangelization efforts

Eon Sanchez

ABS-CBN News

<div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px;display:block" width="960"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770026627865viber_image_2026-02-02_17-45-11-215.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left"><em>Courtesy: Roblox Filipino Catholics </em></span></span></span></div><p>MANILA — The Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines has thrown his support behind a Manila-based group of young Catholics using the online gaming platform Roblox to promote faith formation and community-building, calling the initiative a “welcome sign of progress” in engaging the youth in Church life.</p><p>In a statement marking the 5th founding anniversary of Roblox Filipino Catholics (RFC), Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Charles J. Brown praised the group for creating an online simulation of the Feast of the Black Nazarene, allowing devotees who were unable to join the annual procession in Quiapo to participate meaningfully in the celebration.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/9/traslacion-draws-thousands-to-streets-of-manila-1104">Traslacion draws thousands to streets of Manila</a></div><p>“I wholeheartedly support your inspiring initiative, which empowers young people by offering innovative access to Church catechesis through the Roblox platform,” Brown said. “It is a welcome sign of progress when young Catholics take an active role in shaping a more fraternal and compassionate society.”</p><p>Brown noted that the virtual social hub built by RFC can serve as a space of encouragement and connection, particularly for those in need of support and companionship, adding that online interactions can grow into genuine friendships that strengthen the wider community.</p><p>Citing Pope Francis’ 2020 encyclical Fratelli Tutti, the nuncio emphasized the importance of recognizing the dignity of every person, “always and everywhere.” He also quoted Pope Leo XIV’s message to young people, urging them to aspire to holiness and to joyfully witness their faith wherever they are.</p><p>Invoking Mary, Mother of Good Counsel, Brown extended his blessing to the members of RFC in the name of the Holy Father. The statement was issued in Manila on January 10, 2026.</p><p>In response, the leadership of Roblox Filipino Catholics expressed gratitude for the recognition, describing it as an affirmation of the creativity and faith of Filipino youth seeking God’s presence even in digital spaces.</p><p>“This is a recognition of the unique contribution of the youth to the future of the Church, where there should be no barriers to expressing one’s faith,” the group said. RFC also paid tribute to the time, talent, and ideas shared by its members since the group’s founding in 2021, thanking Archbishop Brown and other supporters of their mission.</p><p>RFC traces its beginnings to a small circle of friends who organized virtual religious events during the COVID-19 pandemic. Initially known as El Cofrade Roblox, the group was formally established as Roblox Filipino Catholics on February 21, 2021, to reflect its focus on Filipino devotions and youth engagement.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/1/9/humility-at-the-forefront-of-misa-mayor-2026-amid-government-corruption-0837">Humility at the forefront of Misa Mayor 2026 amid government corruption</a></div><p>From an initial membership of around 100 young people, RFC has grown to more than 6,000 members actively participating in online discussions and activities. The group first gained widespread attention after staging the first Intramuros Grand Marian Procession on Roblox, which drew over 50,000 viewers on Facebook on the same day.</p><p>RFC later became more widely known for organizing the first Virtual Traslacion and Virtual Sinulog on the platform, initiatives that further expanded its reach and membership.</p><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770026711285viber_image_2026-02-02_17-45-11-902.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div><div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1770026720924viber_image_2026-02-02_17-45-14-302.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div>

<p>The Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines has thrown his support behind a Manila-based group of young Catholics using the online gaming platform Roblox to promote faith formation and community-building, calling the initiative a “welcome sign of progress” in engaging the youth in Church life.</p>

The Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines has thrown his support behind a Manila-based group of young Catholics using the online gaming platform Roblox to promote faith formation and community-building, calling the initiative a “welcome sign of progress” in engaging the youth in Church life.