Father Alberto Ravagnani sells supplements on social media, facing criticism. His response

Don Alberto Ravagnani , 32, parish vicar at San Gottardo al Corso in Milan and known for his social media activity (around 270,000 followers on Instagram), was at the center of controversy for a video published a few days ago in partnership with a supplement company.

All of Don Alberto's business: even €1,000 for a video

In the reel, the slogan “Saint yes, but also healthy” and the invitation to use the link to purchase the products drew criticism from followers who deemed the message inappropriate.

“Saint Paul worked, Jesus worked, and there is a Benedictine rule that says 'Ora et labora,'” he emphasized in some stories.

“All priests collect money”

The priest explained his choice by explaining that the supplements help him keep up with his responsibilities and his (many) projects, adding that the proceeds will be donated to evangelization activities. "If, for example, I wanted to make a podcast, the equipment would cost money, the lights would cost money, and so would the camera," he said. "It's no different than raising money for the oratory's soccer field," he emphasized. "But the church, in a digital world, must be where young people are online, and this activity has costs," he remarked.

He responded to criticism by pointing to the widespread practice in parishes of raising funds through collaborations or local initiatives. Ravagnani, who participated in the Jubilee of Influencers at the Vatican in August, became known during the pandemic for his use of social media as a tool for evangelization and his ability to engage young people with contemporary language.