In today’s era, technology is intertwined with every facet of our lives, including matters of spirituality and faith. This month commemorates a decade since the launch of the Catholic Mass Times app, a solution that transformed the way Catholics around the world locate nearby Mass times. With over 1.6 million installs and details on 86,000 churches, this app is more than a practical tool: it acts as a link that connects believers to their spiritual sustenance.
Behind this transformative app is Pablo Licheri, a visionary whose simple idea transformed into a global spiritual resource. At 51, Licheri, a seasoned professional in the Argentine financial system, redirected his career toward a divine calling. Now residing in Ave Maria, Florida, Licheri balances his roles as CTO of Ave Maria Software and professor of data analytics at Ave Maria University.
From concept to global connector
The creation of the Catholic Mass Times App was as serendipitous as it was innovative. “The original idea was to broadcast the Holy Mass 24/7 from different churches around the world,” Licheri recalls.
After a conversation with a friend, he focused on a practical but meaningful activity. Creation of an application to help people find mass times and nearby churches. Launched on March 19, 2014, the app first served the Buenos Aires community before gaining popularity around the world. “We started with a few thousand users and now we have hundreds of thousands,” Licheri modestly mentions.
The success of the application demonstrates its usefulness. Reflects the desire of global communities to stay connected to their beliefs, especially in a world where movement is common.
Characteristics that love faithfully
What sets the Catholic Mass Times app apart is its meticulous attention to detail and user-friendly interface. Users have the option to search for mass times based on their location, preferred time, language and mass type. This feature is extremely useful for people traveling or moving within an area. Additionally, the app offers information on sacraments such as confession and adoration, ensuring that all aspects of Catholic worship are taken into account.
As the app celebrates its anniversary, Licheri and his team aren’t slowing down. “We are currently developing new features, such as an improved search tool and the ability to bookmark favorite churches,” shares Licheri. These improvements aim to further improve user experience and engagement with the app.
Community and faith hand in hand
The impact of the Catholic Mass Times app extends beyond simple logistical convenience; it fosters a sense of community among its users. “We receive messages from people all over the world expressing their gratitude,” says Licheri. “They are grateful for how the app helps them find Mass, whether they are in remote areas or busy cities. »
Feeling like you belong and are part of a community is very important, during times of global crisis, where isolation can affect your spiritual health. The app not only helps people find places of worship but also connects them to a community of like-minded believers.
A vision for the future
Looking ahead, Licheri is optimistic about the future of the Catholic Mass Times app. “We hope that God will allow us to continue serving the Catholic community for many years to come,” he said. With plans to expand the functionality and reach of the app, the next decade looks promising for this divine digital tool.
Engage with the founder
In a brief Q&A session, Licheri tells us more about his journey and the impact of the app:
Q: What was the most challenging aspect of developing and maintaining the app? A: “Ensuring accurate and up-to-date Mass times in so many different regions is a challenge. We rely heavily on our user community to keep information up to date.
Q: How did your personal faith influence the development of the app? A: “That was at the heart of everything. This app is a reflection of my faith and my desire to help others on their spiritual journey.
Q: Any memorable user stories that touched your heart? A: “There are many, but the one that stands out is from a user who was able to find Mass during a difficult personal time while traveling in a foreign country. The app not only gave them the information they needed, but also a sense of hope and connection.
Q: What advice would you give to someone looking to integrate technology with faith? A: “Start simple and always think about how technology can serve people in their faith, not replace it. This is about improvement, not replacement.
As the Catholic Mass Times app enters its next decade, it remains a beacon of faith, innovation and community. For millions of people around the world, it’s not just an app; it is a gateway to divine discovery and spiritual continuity.
Originally published in The European Times.
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