In an effort to promote responsible digital citizenship grounded in faith, the Catholic Archdiocese of Mandalay hosted a one-day youth seminar titled “The Digital World and Christian Media Ethics” on June 21, 2026.

Held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral compound, the event drew young people from various parishes across the archdiocese. The initiative was organized under the leadership of Fr. Alphonse Aung Ko Latt, the archdiocesan youth ministry director, in collaboration with Radio Veritas Asia (RVA) Myanmar Service. The full-day workshop, running from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, was facilitated by Fr. Peter Kyi Maung of the RVA Myanmar Language Service.

A Call to Truth and Digital Integrity

During the celebration of the Holy Mass, Fr. Peter Kyi Maung delivered a powerful homily, urging the youth to anchor their online interactions in truth and Christian values.

“Those who live in truth, possess self-confidence, and act righteously have nothing to fear,” Fr. Kyi Maung stated. “Wherever love, truth, loyalty, forgiveness, and peace prevail, fear is cast out. However, deviating from these values invites vulnerability.”

Addressing contemporary social media habits, he warned against impulsive posting, noting that online behavior reflects an individual’s character and can heavily impact the reputation of their family and the Church.

“Do not find pleasure in environments where intellect and conscience are sidelined,” he cautioned. “Stand fearlessly for honesty even when surrounded by deceit, and be a beacon of peace in an anxious world.”

Aligning Youth Culture with Church Teachings

Fr. Alphonse Aung Ko Latt highlighted that the seminar is part of an ongoing monthly training series designed for local Catholic youth. He explained that this month’s focus on media literacy was vital given the pervasive nature of digital networks.

“Today’s youth spend the majority of their time on social media, yet many remain unfamiliar with the Catholic Church’s formal teachings on communication and media,” Fr. Alphonse observed. “Our goal is to equip them to use these platforms beneficially rather than going astray. We want them to critically evaluate their digital footprint—asking themselves how a post benefits them, what the consequences might be, and how their actions affect others.”

In his keynote presentation, Fr. Kyi Maung further emphasized the connection between self-worth and digital decorum, noting that a lack of self-esteem often leads to careless online behavior.

“When using social media, every word, action, and text reveals who you are,” Fr. Kyi Maung explained. “Communicating based purely on raw emotion diminishes your personal dignity. We must build up our self-confidence to navigate today’s challenging environment constructively.”

Youth Reactions: Critical Thinking and Empowerment

The seminar was highly well-received by the participants, who noted that the insights provided immediate, practical value for their daily lives.

Philip, President of the St. Xavier Youth, emphasized the collective responsibility of digital communication. “We learned that a single post can impact not just our personal dignity, but that of our families, communities, and the Church. This training has also given us the tools to evaluate information critically—to pause and consider whether a piece of news is plausible before accepting or sharing it.”

Lucia, a local youth participant, shared how the workshop transformed her perspective. “In the past, I posted without much thought. Now I understand how our online actions carry weight. The peer discussions during the workshop also gave us a safe space to share perspectives, which really boosted my confidence to speak out clearly and boldly.”

Expanding the Church’s Digital Mission

The seminar underscores a broader pastoral strategy by the RVA Myanmar Language Service. Beyond its traditional online broadcasting mission, the RVA Myanmar Service is actively engaging local dioceses to bridge the gap between youth culture and Christian ethics. By fostering media literacy and introducing Church communication doctrines, the initiative aims to empower the next generation of Burmese Catholics to become ethical, impactful digital missionaries.

By RVA Myanmar Service