The Pope's Worldwide Prayer Network - also known as the Apostolate of Prayer - has added a new app to the Vatican's growing line-up of phone and tablet apps, available both for Apple and for Android decives. CLICKTOPRAY is a well done prayer app. (Apple / Android) You must first register - this step helps prevent a lot of abuse, and you can imagine that many people will try to abuse this. The user agreement (yes, I read those!) makes clear that this app is owned by the website of the Apostolate of Prayer, which in turn is under the authority of the Pope. You must agree to act "in accordance with the principles of good faith, accepted moral standards and public order". The app has 5 buttons on the bottom row. CAMPAIGNS promotes different prayer campaigns at irregular intervals - right now everyone is being asked to pray a rosary for World Youth Day. PRAY WITH THE POPE is the main button. Here you are given the Pope's monthly intentions, as promoted by the Apostolate of Prayer. This includes "the Pope video", which is my favorite part. Each month, Pope Francis makes a one-minute video asking for prayer. |
So far all of this has been available on the Apostolate of Prayer website for several years now (although the app seems easier to use than the graphics heavy website). The next button is a great new addition: PRAY WITH THE NETWORK. This is where you can add your own personal intention. Then the Pope and millions of people all over the world will pray for you. What a wonderful ability! This shows the potential power for good of modern electronics.
The fifth button is called DONATE. All these marvelous electronic capabilities cost money, so you are asked for support. The app's online giving system seems secure and reliable.
Vatican App - offical Church documents available online (a portal for www.vatican.va)
The Pope App - papal texts and live-streams of papal events
Vatican News - from the Vatican News Service, with text, pictures, video and audio
Vatican Audio - just replays of stuff from Vatican Radio (a very buggy app still in beta)
What are some of your favorite Catholic apps? Mention them in the Comments, or send a text to webmaster@stanthonyangola.com. Peace!
This blog is brought to you by friar Bob the St. Anthony/St. Paul's Apostolate of Prayer. To become part of our prayer network, please drop a line to Patti Webster at patti@stanthonyangola.com