In late 2025, an innovative project called Chiclayo Eterno emerged in Chiclayo, Peru, where the Catholic Church began hosting virtual Masses inside the popular gaming platform Roblox. This initiative features a detailed digital replica of the city's cathedral, allowing users to join with their avatars, sit in virtual pews, and participate in live-streamed liturgies.
The Masses are celebrated daily at 7:00 PM Peru time, with a real priest presiding (represented by an avatar) while the ceremony is broadcast simultaneously on TikTok for wider access. Participants join via a Discord server linked from the project's TikTok account (@chiclayo.eterno_), attracting dozens to hundreds of young users each night.
This effort aims to recreate the urban environment of Chiclayo in Roblox while fostering a faith community, particularly targeting youth who spend significant time on digital platforms.
These virtual services are not sacramental (no real Eucharist is consecrated or received), but serve as prayer gatherings, scriptural readings, and homilies transmitted in real-time. They obviously cannot fulfill the Sunday obligation.
Pros of Virtual Masses on Roblox
- Reaches Younger Generations — Roblox has millions of daily users, mostly children and teens. This meets youth in their digital "native" environment, reportedly boosting participation among young Peruvians who might not attend physical churches.
- Accessibility and Inclusivity — People with mobility issues, those in remote areas, or shy individuals can participate anonymously via avatars.
- Modern Evangelization — It adapts the Church's mission to contemporary tools, similar to past uses of radio or TV, fostering community and curiosity about faith.
- Educational Value — Avatars experience liturgy structure, potentially encouraging real-world attendance.
Cons of Virtual Masses on Roblox
- Lack of Sacramental Reality → These are simulations only; no valid sacraments occur, which could confuse participants about the necessity of physical presence for full Eucharistic celebration.
- Risk of Trivialization — The playful, game-like setting (with blocky avatars and potential distractions) might undermine the sacredness and reverence of the Mass.
- Platform Concerns — Roblox, while popular, has issues with safety, grooming risks, and inappropriate content, making it questionable for religious activities involving minors.
- Potential for Superficial Engagement — Virtual attendance might discourage in-person community building, sacraments, and deeper spiritual commitments.
This Peruvian project represents a bold step in digital ministry, echoing similar (unofficial) virtual Catholic communities in places like Poland and the Philippines on Roblox. This initiative highlights ongoing debates about faith in the metaverse. Overall, it substantiates the Church's efforts to innovate while raising valid questions about balancing tradition with technology.
Source:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EHntnnlF2HM
(27) ROBLOX Santa Misa - SEMANA SANTA - YouTube
Iglesia de Perú realiza misas en Roblox
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