Blogs, videos, comics and daily Gospel readings are some of the features of this year’s Lenten smartphone app launched by the Archdiocese of Sydney today.
‘Embraced and Transformed’ is the theme of the free Lent Calendar App 2019, inspired by Pope Francis’ comments at World Youth Day in Panama, that “Only what is loved can be saved; only what is embraced can be transformed.”
“The App is to remind us that we need to truly embrace intentional prayer, fasting and almsgiving to allow Lent to be a time of true conversion and transformation,” said the archdiocese’s digital content producer Gelina Montierro.
It includes daily guides such as animated videos on the three pillars of Lent – prayer, fasting and almsgiving – inspiring stories from local Catholic charities and thought-provoking comic strips centred on the Gospel.
Tailored to meet the needs of youth groups, high schools and parishioners, the app includes reflection questions, prayers and suggestions for penance to help make Lent a season of personal grace and transformation.
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Youth officer for Sydney Catholic Youth Elizabeth Pasion said the app will appeal to young people, “providing them with a simple and easily accessible way to use daily videos or reflections to accompany them on their journey towards recognising God in a deeper way this Lent.”
The Lent Calendar App is available on Apple and Android devices. Search for ‘Xt3 Lent’ in the Google Play store or the App store or download it from sydneycatholic.org/xt3lent.
Teachers and youth ministers can preview the app by e-mailing [email protected] to receive a testing link.