In an age where smartphones are in nearly every pocket and attention spans are shorter than ever, Catholic priests in Nigeria are doing something remarkable; they are turning to Facebook to preach the gospel, counsel the faithful, and build authentic faith communities online.
The pulpit has gone digital. And Nigerian clergy are at the forefront.
Why Facebook?
With over 50 million users in Nigeria, Facebook remains the most widely used social media platform in the country. For many priests, this presents a golden opportunity to reach young people, the unchurched, and even Catholics who feel alienated from traditional parish life.
According to my 2017 study on Virtual to Real Faith Communities among Facebook users in the Diocese of Uromi, young people are more likely to express their faith, ask questions, and even form spiritual friendships in a digital environment.
“We go where the people are,” says Rev. Fr. John Oluoma, a popular Catholic priest with over 800,000 followers on Facebook. “And these days, the people are online.”
Priests as Digital Shepherds
Several Nigerian priests are now considered Catholic social media influencers. But they don’t just post memes or inspirational quotes; they livestream Masses, conduct Q\&A sessions, pray the Rosary live, and speak prophetically about national issues like insecurity, corruption, and youth unemployment.
Some notable examples include:
- Fr. Kelvin Ugwu – Known for his apologetics and fearless commentary on social justice.
- Bishop Matthew Kukah – Though not highly active himself, his messages are widely shared across social platforms.
- Fr. George Ehusani – Offers regular theological reflections and civic education on his Lux Terra platforms.
These priests aren’t replacing the traditional Church; they are expanding it.
Impact on Youth and Evangelisation
Many Nigerian youths report feeling more connected to their faith through online engagement. Facebook allows for:
- Instant pastoral support via Messenger.
- Daily spiritual nourishment through homilies, reflections, and live prayer sessions.
- Community building through Facebook groups and events.
I have studied this phenomenon academically, and it’s a trend I call “cyber-catechesis.” Our Church must seriously invest in digital tools if she wants to remain relevant in the lives of younger Nigerians.
The Church’s Position on Digital Evangelisation
The Vatican has not only approved of this new wave of digital ministry, it actively encourages it.
In his 2024 World Communications Day Message, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of using digital platforms to promote truth, beauty, and communion:
“We must not be afraid to enter the digital world with courage and hope.”
How to Support or Join a Digital Faith Community
If you’re a Catholic looking to grow spiritually online, here’s how you can plug in:
- Follow your local parish page or priest.
- Join Catholic Facebook groups for Rosary, Bible study, or catechism.
- Share meaningful content and engage in respectful dialogue.
- Support online missionaries by liking, sharing, or donating.
And if you’re a priest or religious leader wondering whether Facebook is “appropriate” for ministry, the time to start is now.
Conclusion: Faith in the Feed
Nigerian priests are proving that the gospel can be preached just as powerfully on timelines as on altars. In a world scrolling endlessly for meaning, the Church must ensure that faith is part of the feed.
So, next time you’re on Facebook, ask yourself: Is my faith online too?
#CatholicNigeria #FacebookEvangelism #DigitalShepherds #VirtualChurch #FrOluoma #YouthMinistryNG #FaithInNigeria
