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Introduction: Being Catholic in Times of Cancellation
Speaking of persecution and martyrdom brings to mind the Roman catacombs, the lions of the Colosseum, and saints like Stephen and Cecilia. However, today, in the 21st century, with no beasts or tyrannical emperors in sight, being Catholic still carries a cost. A cost that, although it may not always involve blood, can mean marginalization, lost opportunities, public humiliation, or even social isolation: white martyrdom.
We live in an era that promotes tolerance, yet paradoxically grows increasingly intolerant towards those who practice the Catholic faith authentically. Can you be “canceled” for being Catholic? Not only is it possible: it is already happening.
Today, I invite you to dive into this little-known reality, illuminated by history, theology, and Catholic pastoral care, to discover not only what is happening, but also how to live our faith with courage, hope, and profound Christian charity.
A Historical Overview: Constant Persecution
From the very beginning of the Church, Jesus warned His disciples:
“If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you” (John 15:18).
Persecution has been a constant for those who follow Christ. From Nero to the atheistic regimes of the 20th century, fidelity to the Gospel has always come at a price. However, persecution is not always bloody. St. John Paul II already spoke of the “new martyrs” who, although they might not always shed their blood, suffered marginalization, contempt, and ridicule for their faith.
Today, this phenomenon has taken a modern form: the culture of cancellation.
What Does It Mean to Be “Canceled” for Being Catholic?
Cancellation consists of being publicly discredited, excluded, or silenced for expressing or holding beliefs considered “offensive” or “intolerable” according to the new cultural norms. And within this new societal consensus, upholding traditional Catholic teaching on topics such as:
- The value of every human life from conception to natural death,
- Marriage as the union between one man and one woman,
- The objective dignity of the human person created in the image and likeness of God,
- The existence of sin and the need for conversion,
… can automatically label you as “backward,” “intolerant,” or “dangerous.”
In social media, workplaces, universities, and even family circles, many faithful Catholics are experiencing subtle but real silencing.
The Martyrs of the 21st Century: Hidden Witnesses
These are the new white martyrs: men and women who, without headlines or public recognition, live out their faith at the cost of their prestige, friendships, or professional careers. Some current examples include:
- University professors who lose their jobs for refusing to endorse ideologies contrary to the Gospel.
- Doctors and pharmacists facing sanctions for refusing to participate in abortions or euthanasia.
- Young people ridiculed for defending chastity or their faith publicly on social media.
- Parents who are denounced or marginalized for wanting to educate their children in the Catholic faith.
These are not stories from centuries ago. They are happening today.
Theological Relevance: The Christian Meaning of Suffering
Why does God allow this cancellation? Does it have any theological meaning?
Yes, and it is profound. The Catechism of the Catholic Church teaches:
“Suffering, a consequence of original sin, acquires a new meaning: it becomes a participation in the saving work of Jesus” (CCC 1521).
The Christian does not seek suffering but neither does he flee from it if it comes from being faithful to Christ. Even more: in its mysterious logic of love, suffering united with Christ becomes a source of salvation for the world.
Being canceled for the sake of the Gospel is a form of communion with the crucified Christ and a mysterious participation in His redemptive work.
St. Paul expressed it this way:
“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I complete what is lacking in Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, that is, the Church” (Colossians 1:24).
Practical Applications: How to Live This Reality Today
1. Form ourselves solidly in the faith
We cannot bear witness to what we do not know. Today’s culture demands well-formed Catholics, capable of explaining and defending their faith “with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).
Pastoral advice: Dedicate time each week to study the Catechism, the Bible, and Magisterial documents. Do not improvise your faith.
2. Maintain charity at all times
The natural temptation when facing rejection is anger or bitterness. But the Christian is called to respond as Christ did: with love.
Pastoral advice: Offer God the scorn you suffer as a prayer for the conversion of those who persecute you.
3. Do not seek conflict, but do not yield on essentials
Being “as wise as serpents and as innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16) means knowing when to speak and when to remain silent, but never renouncing the truth.
Pastoral advice: Discern, with the help of the Holy Spirit, when it is necessary to bear explicit witness and when silent perseverance will be more effective.
4. Live in community
An isolated Christian is an easy target for discouragement. Community life in the parish, prayer groups, or ecclesial movements strengthens and encourages.
Pastoral advice: Do not walk alone. Seek brothers and sisters in the faith to support and accompany you.
5. Always remember hope
Christ has overcome the world (cf. John 16:33). Nothing and no one can separate us from His love (cf. Romans 8:39).
Pastoral advice: Pray every day with a heart full of hope. “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13).
Conclusion: The Time of Witnesses
Today more than ever, the world needs witnesses. Not just people who speak of Christ, but who live His love, His truth, and His hope even amid rejection.
Every act of fidelity, every “no” pronounced out of love for the Truth, every silence endured for Christ, makes present the victory of the Resurrection in the midst of the world.
Can you be canceled for being Catholic? Yes.
Is it worth it? Always!
Because, in the end, as Tertullian said in the early days of the Church:
“The blood of the martyrs is the seed of new Christians.”
And today, the “blood” can be your courage, your perseverance, your tireless love.
Do not fear to be a witness. Do not fear to be a white martyr. Do not fear to be Catholic.
