Why Was Mary Given the Title “Ark of the Covenant”?
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At first glance, faith, technology, and hobbies may be disparate elements that cannot easily intersect. They seem to occupy distinct realms, making it challenging to imagine them coalescing harmoniously. But is this assumption entirely accurate?
It wasn't until I discovered Hallow, a Catholic prayer app, that I realized how faith, technology, and hobby could seamlessly merge into one harmonious experience.
61 years ago, the Second Vatican Council has already foreseen the impact of technological advancements, particularly of social communications, on our faith. The Council’s Decree on the Media of Social Communications (Inter Mirifica) has prophesied this: “The Church recognizes that these media, if properly utilized, can be of great service to mankind, since they greatly contribute to men's entertainment and instruction as well as to the spread and support of the Kingdom of God.”
Hallow is a Christian prayer app that is one of the most beautiful responses to the Church’s invitation to use technology for the spread of the faith. Hallow is “a simple, easy-to-use mobile app that helps us foster a relationship with God and the peace of prayer through guided prayer and meditation.” Alex Jones, CEO and founder of Hallow, reveals the goal of this app, that is, “to discover how to find this relationship through our faith, how to share in the peace and joy God brings into the real world, every day.”
With Hallow, users can access a rich library featuring over 10,000 audio-guided meditation sessions catering to different forms of prayer, meditation, Catholic Bible readings, calming music, and more. Whether you seek moments of solitude and reflection, guidance in prayer, or simply a respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Hallow provides a sacred space for spiritual development and renewal.
As of writing, Hallow has recorded more than 5 million downloads and has been rated 4.7 out of 5 stars from more than 85,000 reviews. I have prayed for 14,357 minutes with Hallow and completed 159 goals. And for me, Hallow has become a part of my daily life – even became a hobby so to speak.
The Rosary serves as a profound tool for my meditation, guiding me through the mysteries of faith alongside Mary. This goes very well while I prepare myself a cup of coffee every morning. Engaging in daily prayers and devotionals is central to my spiritual journey. I embrace various methods, including practices like Lectio Divina, where I contemplate passages from Scripture. Alternatively, I find inspiration in the Daily Mass Readings and Reflections, which deepen my connection with God.
During my break at work, I turn to the Bible in a Year hosted by Fr. Mike Schmitz and Jeff Cavins as a way of reviewing my Scripture courses way back when I was a seminarian. Through practices like the Ignatian Examen, I reflect on my daily experiences, cultivating awareness of God's presence in the ordinary. Oh, even those moments of physical rest are turned into spiritual ones when I listen to sacred musical traditions like Taizé and Gregorian Chant.
Oh, it gets better. Hallow also has communal challenges for all the subscribers. My most favorite ones are the #Pray40 Lent Challenge and the #Pray25 Advent Challenge. Each day, there are specific prayers, reflections, and challenges for all who participate. These challenges foster a sense of unity in prayer and collective spiritual growth within the Christian community, which assures me that I am not alone and that somewhere in the world pray with and for me.
Even while doing the menial chores at home, I find inspiration from the homilies and guest speakers like Fr. Mike Schmitz and Bishop Robert Barron, exploring topics that resonate with my faith journey. To make Hallow a personalized one, it also has a Personal Prayer Journal that allows me to integrate prayer and meditation into my spiritual journey.
Even when it seems that my day is going too fast, Hallow offers brief meditations like "Jesus, I Trust in You," the Angelus, or prayers to St. Michael the Archangel offer moments of spiritual connection throughout my day.
Before bed, I seek solace in the calming ambiance of Bible Stories for Sleep. Whether it's the soothing Night Prayer from the Liturgy of the Hours or narrations of biblical tales by inspiring figures like Jonathan Roumie, the actor who played the role of Jesus in The Chosen, Catholic lay theologian Scott Hahn, Jim Caviezel, the actor who played the role of Jesus in the classic The Passion of the Christ, and Fr. Mike Schmitz, these offer me comfort and reflection. There is also Sleep Praylist, Sleep Meditation, Sleep Lofi, and many more.
As Hallow is a prayer and meditation app, all its content is developed and reviewed by experts of the Catholic faith and doctrines. So, rest assured that this app aligns with the Catholic faith but is also meant as a great resource for people of different religions and faiths.
Looking back on when I first encountered Hallow, I could say that it became a hobby for me – to put on my Bluetooth earphones, sip my coffee, or wash the dishes, or water the plants, or even while waiting for my next class. Hallow has proven that faith, technology, and the ordinariness of daily life can meet in a harmonious way.
Aldrin D. Nacu, hailing from the Philippines, brings a rich background as a former Catholic seminarian. With a degree in philosophy and dual master’s degrees in theology and pastoral ministry, he now serves as a licensed professional teacher in college, imparting knowledge in philosophy and theology. Beyond teaching, Aldrin is deeply engaged as a Catholic writer, focusing on theology, dogma, spirituality, and liturgy. His versatility extends to editing and web content development, where he contributes his expertise to various platforms.
