Alfândega da Fé launches National Network of Digital Missionaries of Portugal

The National Network of Digital Missionaries of Portugal has been established in Alfândega da Fé. The initiative is intended “to bring together dioceses, parishes, movements, institutions, communities and individuals who proclaim the Gospel through social media and the various digital platforms”, according to the organisation.

The network is led by Father Manuel Ribeiro, who is responsible for the Cerejais Sanctuary in the north-eastern municipality.

National Network of Digital Missionaries of Portugal

The project was conceived by the Canon Manuel Joaquim Ochôa Foundation, drawing inspiration from Pope Leo XIV’s call highlighting the urgency of digital evangelisation. “Today, 20 July 2026, the Church in Portugal takes a new step in its evangelising presence in the digital environment, with the creation of the National Network of Digital Missionaries of Portugal,” the source added.

By establishing the network, the foundation acknowledges that “the digital sphere has ceased to be merely a communication tool and has become an environment in which relationships, identities, opinions and communities are formed”.

The organisation stresses that the network “is not intended to replace existing structures or control Catholic digital projects: its purpose is to operate as a platform for meeting and service, fostering communion, training, support and collaboration, while respecting the autonomy, identity and charism of each initiative”.

First National Meeting at Cerejais Sanctuary

The network’s launch also marks the starting point for the 1st National Meeting, scheduled for 26 September at the Cerejais Sanctuary in Alfândega da Fé. The event will devote an entire day to the Christian mission in digital spaces, with one of its main highlights being a concert by Father Guilherme Peixoto, known as the “DJ priest”.

Its programme combines training, discussion, prayer, project presentations, socialising and culture. It includes a keynote address on the Church in the digital continent, accounts from projects and communicators, a discussion on making social media more humane, an ecumenical prayer for peace and a missionary commissioning.