In order to meet the needs of modern times, bishops must preach frequently and constantly, make use of the media and bear public witness to the Gospel. All this requires that bishops have firm faith, steadfast loyalty to Christ, and… YouTube accounts.

Cardinal Justin Rigali has one. YouTube allows registered users to upload, view and share video clips. The site is so popular that it was named TIME magazine’s “Invention of the Year” in 2006. With 65,000 new videos uploaded every 24 hours, YouTube has almost 20 million visitors each month. If the Church wants to have a huge impact online, YouTube is the best arena to be in. The YouTube flock is so huge that the Church must consider redoubling its efforts to preach the Gospel there.

That is why I am so happy to find Cardinal Rigali preaching in YouTube. In a videoclip entitled “Living Lent: The First Sunday,” he encourages everyone to enter into a deep encounter with the Father. Explaining the importance of fasting, the Cardinal of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia explains that “the spiritual sacrifice of limiting our meals has as a natural consequence rendering us weaker. This in turn reminds of us our dependence on God and helps us recall the needs of our less fortunate brothers and sisters.” His voice is crisp and his message clear.