Real + True is bringing the Catechism to the 21st century with videos, succinct explanations and delightful graphics. Lenten Campaign 2025
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A project with the goal of bringing the Catechism into the digital age has just been endorsed by the Holy See. Real + True, an initiative from Our Sunday Visitor, creates beautiful, captivating, and relevant content inspired by the Catechism of the Catholic Church. Launched in 2021, the captivating videos have already gained more than 1.7 million views.
Excellent videos
Videos by Real + True convey the teachings of the Catechism in terms easily understood by viewers of all ages. With succinct explanations and entertaining graphics, each monthly installment is quick to catch the attention of curious viewers.
Archbishop Rino Fisichella, secretary of the Pontifical Council, said of the project:
“[Real + True is] greatly valuable, which allows for the dissemination of the contents of the faith especially among the younger generation and in a language close to their sensibilities.”
The videos are brief, usually running under eight minutes, and cover a wide range of topics from the metaphysical aspects of the faith to practice and implementation. Titles like “Who Is God?” and “The Mystery of Life” delve into the Catholic understanding of some of the most deeply human questions.
Meanwhile, Catholics with more practical faith concerns may find answers in episodes like “What Does it Mean to Have a Good Relationship with God?” or “How Silence Can Change Your Life.”
We especially liked the episode titled “How the Eucharist Is Both Sacrifice and Communion,” featured above. In this chapter, Real + True brings up some very interesting concepts, such as how Christ exists outside of time, therefore “Jesus’ sacrifice is made present again” in each and every Mass. The fascinating video goes on to examine scientific elements that support the teachings of the Catechism.
Reach
Their rich Catholic content is accessible and as entertaining as it is educational, but that’s only part of the reason for their success. Another aspect of this project's meteoric rise is in its partnerships with the Augustinian platform Formed, CatholicTV, and DeSales Media, which have put them within clicking distance of millions of viewers. An arrangement with the Juan Diego Network has also expanded their reach with Spanish-speaking Catholics.
Now that they have Vatican patronage, as well as upcoming partnerships with Shalom World and Salt and Light Media, their reach has more potential than ever. In their press release, Cofounder Emily Mentock commented:
“We are excited to partner with these apostolates and ministries that will help more people around the world unlock the beauty and wisdom of the Catechism and, most of all, help them discover its pulsating heart: Jesus Christ.”
30-year anniversary
2022 marks the 30th year since the Catechism of the Catholic Church (CCC) was promulgated by Pope St. John Paul II. While the book may be decades old, however, its teachings are evergreen, and Real + True is giving it the flair it needs to reach the Millennial and Gen Z generations.
“The wisdom and beauty of the teachings of the Catholic Church do not have an expiration date and answer life’s deepest questions, even of the modern world. In fact,” they continue, “one could say the Catechism is needed now more than ever, as confusion about what the Catholic actually teaches abounds both offline and online.”
What’s in a name
To achieve this, Real + True keeps their sights set on the heart of their Christocentric mission, which begins with their name. “Real + True” refers to the reality and truth of God’s presence in Jesus. Cofounder Edmundo Reyes explained:
“In Jesus, God is real. He is someone, not something. He’s a person who knows us and understands us. He walked this earth and showed us how to live and love. He is also the Truth, and his light guides our path.”
Available in English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese, Real + True takes seriously the call to evangelize the world. “Our content speaks to the dreams, aspirations, and needs of our audience in a down-to-earth and relatable way,” says Reyes.
