Hallow. It’s another term for holy.
These days, Hallow is also the #1 prayer app in the world that helps Catholic Christians, like me, to connect with God despite being busy and whatnot.
I’ve been a Hallow user (I even paid for an annual subscription!) since 2022, that’s why I’m thrilled to announce that I’ve partnered with them just this month in “influencing” others to learn more about the faith and strengthen prayer lives. 🙂
I live in the Philippines — a predominantly Catholic country — but to be honest, it’s sad to say that the Catholic Christian faith has been taken for granted by most Filipinos, especially by the new generation. I mean don’t get me wrong, most of us are “Cradle Catholics” (born and raised with the faith) who eventually became “Cafeteria Catholics” (those who just choose to follow the teachings of the Church that suit them), and I guess it’s part of human nature to “ignore” something that has been bombarded to us since time immemorial. As they say, we never know the true value of something until it’s gone… or until we hit rock bottom.
Which is exactly what happened to me.
Sure, I went to Catholic schools from elementary to college, but I’ve nurtured my faith more outside the four walls of the classroom. I experienced God firsthand through my fair share of “rock bottoms” in life and it was only Him that sustained me through it all. That’s why faith is such a sensitive topic because more than being taught, it’s something to be experienced — which is unique for each person. I mean, for example, you can tell me all the wrong things you can think about Catholicism but I’ll just listen and move on because all the good things about it have been ingrained in my heart and mind because of my unique experience.
And no, I’m not perfect, I’m still a sinner who needs God’s grace and mercy every single day, heck I still don’t get to pray the rosary daily (the struggle is real, my friends!). That’s why it’s really refreshing to have faith-based apps like Hallow because it’s as simple as clicking a button and being reminded that I’m not alone in this journey.
Having said that, what do I really love about Hallow? Well, personally, these are what I use the app for:
PRAYERS – As mentioned, I struggle to pray the rosary every day. I know how powerful it is (during an exorcism, Satan admitted that each Hail Mary is a blow to his head — so imagine if we all pray the rosary! That’s why I can also imagine why it’s such a struggle to do so — there’s spiritual oppression in the background!). With Hallow, I just go to their Daily Rosary section, then choose a guide and length (I usually choose Jonathan Roumie who played Jesus in The Chosen series and the shortest option which is 18 minutes; I also include the “Light Piano” background music which is also an option in the app).
Aside from the rosary, it’s also now easier for me to pray the Divine Mercy chaplet as well as novenas because of one click of a button through Hallow!
COURSES – Similar to podcasts, Hallow also has a vast collection of exclusive audio series or courses you can listen to. The ones I already tried are Feminine Genius by Lisa Cotter and Routines Course by Leah Darrow.
MUSIC – Oh yes, there’s also Christian music in the Hallow app! From Gregorian chants and instrumental music to beautiful worship songs, you can explore Hallow‘s different playlists to incorporate in your day. My favorite track to listen to so far is Adoro Te Devote by Matt Maher.
AUDIOBOOKS – Some books written by Saints are quite long and to be honest, hard to read. So it’s good to have the audiobook versions of classics like Story of A Soul by St. Therese of Lisieux (narrated by Sr. Orianne) in Hallow.
I hope they also include audiobook versions of Confessions by St. Augustine of Hippo and Divine Mercy in My Soul a.k.a. Diary of St. Maria Faustina Kowalska soon! *hint, hint*
BIBLE – One of the main tabs in the app, the entire Catholic Bible can be accessed and read in Hallow (my favorite translation is NABRE). There’s also the Daily Readings section which is supplemented by an audio version of the readings and a reflection for further listening.
COMMUNITY – You can also create groups in Hallow. Similar to other messaging apps, you can create a group with certain people who also use Hallow. Once you create or join a group, you can then exchange messages and prayer requests, as well as reflections and sessions in the app you’ve completed.
Currenly, I’m part of Catholic Woman Daily (CWD) created by my friend and fellow sister in Christ, Carissa Roque-Magbiray — for my other fellow females out there who want to grow in their Catholic faith, I highly suggest you join us by using this group code: M31RP6. But first, you gotta download Hallow for free! ❤
CHALLENGES – Ah, one of the things I look forward to during the seasons of Advent and Lent — Hallow‘s prayer challenges! Ever since I started using Hallow two years ago, I’ve never missed joining one!
The current challenge as of this writing is called Lent Pray40: He Leadeth Me. It started on Ash Wednesday, but it’s not yet too late to join this! You can start by trying Hallow here. 😉
❤
So if you don’t have Hallow in your apps yet, this is your sign to download it. Haha! Seriously, though, it can make wonders for your faith life just as it did to mine.
And if you’re already a fellow Hallow user, maybe you can share some of the things you also love about Hallow. ‘Cause why not!
Kaya tara, dasal tayo! 🙂
#StayPrayedUp
TO GOD BE THE GLORY ALWAYS AND FOREVER!
❤
“for we walk by faith, not by sight.”
-2 Corinthians 5:7
MIKAtolika 