# Cell Phone Holy Cards Mobile Santinis Offend Catholic Church By Ben Preiss | Published 2007-12-06 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/santinos References: [news.yahoo](http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071204/tc_nm/italy_saints_cellphones_dc_ylt=AovlY_1YuXXjb5WBoK5Ap.4EtbAF) & [santiprotettori](http://www.santiprotettori.com/) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vatican-app). 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. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.1/10 - Popularity: 17% | Activity: 37% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Religious](https://www.trendhunter.com/religious) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **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. - **Digital Spirituality:** The rise of smartphone apps and digital platforms that offer virtual prayer services, religious guidance, and interactive spiritual experiences. - **Ethical Concerns in Digital Religion:** The need for discussions and policies regarding the appropriate use of technology and digital platforms in religious practices. ### Where This Applies - **Art and Design:** Opportunity to create and market digital religious art and icons specifically tailored for mobile devices. - **Mobile Application Development:** Growing demand for mobile apps that cater to religious and spiritual needs, such as virtual prayer services and meditation guides. - **Religious Institutions:** Opportunity for religious organizations to address the ethical implications of using digital technology for religious practices and formulate guidelines. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Spiked Holy Water Seltzers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spiked-holy-water-seltzer.md) - [Heavenly Behavioral Card Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-holiest-crap-card-game.md) - [Collectible Baby Smartphone Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sonny-angel.md) - [Collectible Toy Smartphone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sonny-angel-x-casetify.md) - [Tarot-Inspired Phone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tarotinspired-phone-case.md) - [Ghost-Themed Phone Cases](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holiday-spirit.md) - [NFC-Enabled Business Cards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mobilo-smart-business-card.md) - [Accessible Vatican Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/vatican-app.md) - [Phone-Inspired Card Games](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/game-of-phones-1.md)