A company sending cellphone “holy cards,†kind of like baseball cards for saints, has been labeled crass and horrifying by some officials in the Catholic Church. Holy cards, called santinos (little saints) have been popular for years and can be commonly seen taped to the dashboard of taxis and in peoples wallets. But it seems for the Catholic Church, sending holy card images via cellphone is crossing the line.
"We found a need and filled it," Barbara Labate said of the cell phone santinis. "We are merely catching up with the times. I think this will appeal to young people as well as grandmothers," Labate said.
Maybe they should just get with it and name a patron saint of cellphones reception.
Cell Phone Holy Cards
Mobile Santinis Offend Catholic Church
Trend Themes
1. Mobile Religious Art - Opportunity for artists and designers to create mobile-friendly religious art and icons that can be easily shared and accessed via smartphones.
2. Digital Spirituality - The rise of smartphone apps and digital platforms that offer virtual prayer services, religious guidance, and interactive spiritual experiences.
3. Ethical Concerns in Digital Religion - The need for discussions and policies regarding the appropriate use of technology and digital platforms in religious practices.
Industry Implications
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2. Mobile Application Development - Growing demand for mobile apps that cater to religious and spiritual needs, such as virtual prayer services and meditation guides.
3. Religious Institutions - Opportunity for religious organizations to address the ethical implications of using digital technology for religious practices and formulate guidelines.