Friars embrace tech, accept prayer intentions via SMS

Some may dismiss it as so 2000s, but the largest group of friars in the United States has embraced texting as a way to pray for the modern world.

 

The Holy Name Province has started a "Text a Prayer Intention to a Franciscan Friar" program to promote the faith with the text number 306-44 in the US.

 

"With technology changing the way we communicate, we needed to offer people an updated way to ask for prayers for special intentions and needs either for themselves or others. We have been working on this for some time and it’s a great way to bring in the New Year.  If the pope can tweet, friars can text!” said Father David Convertino, executive director of development for the Franciscan Friars of Holy Name Province.

 

“This is one more way of reaching people who ask us to pray for them. We hope it can reach people all around the globe,” he added.

 

Texters can text the word PRAYER to 306-44 and hit Send, according to an article posted on PR Newswire.

 

Senders will then receive a welcome message inviting them to then send in their prayer intentions.

 

Once they do, they will get a reply saying their prayer has been "received and will be prayed for."

 

A separate article on tech site Mashable noted the text hotline came just a month after Pope Benedict XVI launched his official Twitter account. — TJD, GMA News