05/07/2025
There are seminarians today whose hearts burn—not for the altar, but for the algorithm. Even before ordination, some have become minor online personalities. They’re polished, entertaining, and constantly posting. They know how to use a ring light, craft clever captions, and build an audience. But listen closely, and there’s less talk of the faith—and more about being popular. Less about sacrifice—more about spotlight.
In this age of social media, it’s true that online platforms can be used for good. Evangelisation can reach far through the internet. Many faithful Catholics have used it to spread truth and hope. But for seminarians—men still in formation—this should be a time to grow in silence, humility, and detachment from the need to be seen. The habit of stepping into the spotlight too often can become hard to unlearn.
There is wisdom in remaining “unseen.” The black cassock is not just a traditional outfit—it carries meaning. Its colour symbolises death to the world. A priest is meant to live for Christ, not for attention. The cassock doesn’t say “Look at me.” It says, “I have died with Him.” If that’s the vocation a seminarian is preparing for, then formation should be helping him learn to embrace this hidden, sacrificial life—not pulling him toward self-promotion.
It is a real concern when men in formation spend more time in front of cameras than in front of the Blessed Sacrament. A seminarian who constantly seeks attention now may become a priest who cannot function without it later. This isn’t just a passing trend—it may be a warning sign. If a man clings to the limelight during formation, it is likely he will cling to it even more once he becomes a priest. The danger isn’t always obvious, but it is real: the confessional may one day be replaced by a content calendar; the sacred, by the superficial.
It must be said: using media is not wrong in itself. Many good priests reach souls this way. But when priesthood becomes performance—when reverence is traded for reach—something has gone off course. The priesthood is about sacrifice, not self-promotion.
Even more troubling are those seminarians who have already begun teaching publicly online, yet show signs of theological confusion. Some present personal opinions as if they were Catholic teaching. Others downplay moral truths or twist doctrine to fit popular ideas. These are not the honest struggles of students. They are the proud claims of men who already act like authorities—long before they have even been entrusted with the care of souls.
What Should Be Done?
𝟭. 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗺. Formation is a time of deep spiritual battle. Seminarians face real temptations, and the enemy often targets those preparing for sacred ministry. They need prayers—for humility, clarity, purity of intention, and the grace to desire holiness more than attention.
𝟮. 𝗥𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿𝗻𝘀—𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝘆. If a seminarian is publicly teaching error, seeking too much attention, or showing signs of pride, it is not wrong to speak up. Concerns can be raised with their spiritual directors or formators—not to shame, but to protect the integrity of the priesthood and the good of future souls.
𝟯. 𝗘𝗻𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗵𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗼𝗻𝗲𝘀. Not all seminarians are caught up in the spotlight. Many live quietly, pray deeply, and embrace the cross of formation with joy. These are the men who will one day serve parishes, baptise children, anoint the dying, and preach the Gospel with reverence. They may not be visible online—but they are deeply valuable to the Church.
𝟰. 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝘀𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. Seminaries must form men for the altar, not the camera. Doctrine must be taught clearly. Liturgical reverence must be upheld. Silence, prayer, obedience, and detachment must be part of daily life. Formation should strip away the desire for applause—not train men to chase it.
***
The Church does not need more performers. She needs more servants. She needs priests who are dead to the world, but alive to grace. Men who preach Christ, not themselves. Men who would rather kneel in a dark confessional than pose for a crowd. Men who are willing to be forgotten by the world so that Christ may be remembered.
The seminarians of today are the shepherds of tomorrow. And what they love now—they will carry into their priesthood. Let them be formed, not for the camera, but for the Cross.
