Sachin Jose Ettiyil Social media gives us a powerful tool to speak up for the voiceless and remind others that persecution cannot be ignored, hears Rohith Sabu Kinattukara
Sachin Jose Ettiyil, is a well-known Catholic influencer in both Instagram and Twitter, with around 150k followers on Instagram and 217k followers on Twitter, which is a big fan base for a Catholic influencer. His content has reached thousands of devotees, and non-Christians as well.
The Irish Catholic connected with the Catholic social media giant himself and asked a few questions about his thoughts and perspective on the chosen path he decided to undertake online. See the conversation below.
You’ve spoken out about religious persecution and the importance of religious freedom on social media. What motivated you to take a stand on these issues?
“It’s undeniable that some of the worst forms of persecution are taking place across the world today, particularly in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Christians are clearly among the most persecuted, but the suffering of other religious minorities also demands our attention.
“The Yazidis who faced unspeakable atrocities under ISIS in Iraq, the Buddhists who endure hostility in Bangladesh, and the Uyghur Muslims subjected to intense oppression in China are just a few examples.
“What disturbed me the most was the silence. Not just from institutions, but even from many world politicians and leaders. I felt a personal responsibility to be a voice for the voiceless. I realised that my platform, however modest, could be used to draw attention to these injustices and advocate for those who are suffering.”
Have you faced any backlash or censorship for posting about religious freedom or persecution?
“Yes, there have been moments of backlash, particularly when I’ve criticised certain governments for their role in persecuting religious groups. In such cases, their supporters often come out strongly against those speaking up. But alongside that, I’ve received an overwhelming number of encouraging messages from people who are grateful that these issues are being highlighted.
“There was a time when platform restrictions on such content were more noticeable, and some posts did not receive the visibility they deserved. Thankfully, I believe those restrictions have reduced over time. Regardless, I try to remain focused on the mission, to speak the truth with charity, without compromising integrity.”
How can everyday Catholics use their online presence, no matter how small ,to advocate for persecuted Christians and religious freedom globally?
“Every Catholic can contribute to this mission, no matter the size of their following. It begins with staying informed about global religious persecution. If someone doesn’t feel confident reporting incidents directly, that’s absolutely fine — they can still play an important role by amplifying the voices of others.
“Sharing updates from credible sources and raising awareness in small ways all help build a culture of solidarity. Since even world politicians often remain silent on these atrocities, it’s essential for ordinary people, especially Catholics, to step up. Social media gives us a powerful tool to speak up for the voiceless and remind others that persecution cannot be ignored.”
Can you talk about your faith journey? What inspired you to start creating Catholic content?
“I was raised in a devout Catholic family, and the faith was always part of my life. But in my younger years, I didn’t think much about sharing it with others publicly. That changed when I started reading authors like C.S. Lewis, Fulton Sheen, and Scott Hahn. Their writings helped deepen my understanding of the faith and sparked a desire to evangelise.
“I realised that many people today are searching for meaning, direction, and hope. That realisation moved me to begin sharing content that could point others toward the beauty and truth of the Catholic faith.”
What’s your vision or mission behind your content creation?
“My mission is to offer people hope, and not just any hope, but the hope that ultimately finds its fulfilment in Jesus Christ. We live in a world filled with negativity, pain, and division. Many people are struggling silently, and they need to know they’re not alone.
“Through my content, I try to pick up the threads of goodness, beauty, and truth that exist in the world and weave them into messages that uplift. At the centre of it all is Christ. I want my content to be a gentle reminder to people that, despite everything, there is always hope in Him.”
Was there a turning point in your life that made you want to share your faith more publicly?
“Yes. While I’ve never felt shy about speaking about Jesus, there came a point where I felt convicted that our faith isn’t something to keep private. If we truly love Christ, that love should overflow into every aspect of our lives, including the public square.
“That realisation encouraged me to begin sharing more openly and purposefully, especially online. Evangelisation is not just for a select few, it’s the mission of every Christian.”
Have you ever received feedback from someone whose life was impacted by your content?
“Yes, quite a few times. I regularly receive messages from people around the world telling me how my posts have given them comfort, helped them through difficult times, or renewed their faith.
“One story that stands out is from a former Protestant pastor in Florida. He told me that my content played a significant role, alongside his personal study, in his journey toward becoming Catholic. Hearing stories like that affirms the importance of what we’re doing, and how even small efforts can have a big impact.”
How do you handle criticism or online negativity, especially around sensitive Church issues?
“These days, I tend to stay away from highly sensitive or controversial topics unless I believe it’s absolutely necessary to address them. My primary focus is to bring hope, not to create division. However, I will never compromise on the truth.
“It’s possible to share the truth with love, to speak boldly without being needlessly confrontational. That’s the balance I try to maintain. And over time, I’ve learned not to let negativity discourage me.”
What do you think is the biggest challenge facing Catholics today, especially young people?
“The biggest challenge, in my view, is the widespread unawareness of Jesus and His love. Many young people are searching for identity, meaning, and purpose, but they don’t always know where to turn. The noise of the culture can drown out the Gospel.
“That’s why it’s so important for us to share the message of Christ, especially through the platforms where young people are most active, like social media. We need to go where they are and speak in a way they can understand, while always staying rooted in the truth of the faith.”
In what ways do you think digital media is reshaping the Church’s approach to evangelisation?
“Digital media has become one of the most effective tools for evangelisation in our time. While the institutional Church still has room to grow in this area, we are seeing encouraging developments. The Vatican’s recent website upgrades under Pope Leo point to a growing awareness of this need.
“In the wider Catholic world, ministries like Word on Fire by Bishop Robert Barron, Ascension Presents with Fr Mike Schmitz, and EWTN are leading the way. They’ve shown that it’s possible to use technology and social platforms faithfully and fruitfully. I think more dioceses and individuals will follow their example in the years to come.”
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start sharing their faith online?
“Do it out of love. Love for Christ, and love for your brothers and sisters. Start with what you know, share what you love, and trust that God will guide your efforts.
“Even if it feels like no one is listening at first, don’t be discouraged. God often works in hidden ways. If your intention is sincere and rooted in faith, He will use your voice in ways you never imagined.”