In today’s era technology intertwines 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 has transformed the way Catholics globally locate nearby Mass schedules. With over 1.6 million installations and details of 86,000 churches this app serves as more, than a practical tool—it acts as a link that unites believers with their spiritual sustenance.
Behind this transformative app is Pablo Licheri, a visionary whose simple idea blossomed into a global spiritual resource. At 51, Licheri, a seasoned professional in the Argentine financial system, shifted his career trajectory towards 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 inception of the Catholic Mass Times App was as serendipitous as it was innovative. “The original idea was to broadcast Holy Mass 24×7 from different churches around the world,” Licheri recalls.
After a chat with a friend his focus shifted to a practical yet meaningful endeavor. Creating an application to help people find Mass schedules and nearby churches. Introduced on March 19 2014 the application initially served the community in Buenos Aires before gaining popularity worldwide. “We started with a few thousand users and now we have hundreds of thousands ” Licheri mentions modestly.
The success of the application showcases its usefulness. Reflects the global communitys desire to stay connected, to their beliefs especially in a world where movement is common.
Features That Faithful Love
What sets the Catholic Mass Times App apart is its meticulous attention to detail and user-friendly interface. Users have the option to look up Mass schedules based on their location, preferred time, language and type of Mass. This feature proves to be extremely helpful for individuals traveling or moving to an area. Additionally the application offers information on sacraments such as confession and adoration ensuring that all aspects of Catholic worship are catered to.
As the app marks its anniversary Licheri and his team are not slowing down. “We’re currently developing new features, like an improved search tool and the option to bookmark favorite churches ” Licheri shares. These enhancements aim to enhance user experience and engagement with the app further.
Community and Faith Hand-in-Hand
The impact of the Catholic Mass Times App extends beyond just logistical convenience; it fosters a sense of community among its users. “We receive messages from people all over the world expressing their gratitude,” Licheri says. “They’re thankful for how the app helps them find Mass, whether they’re in remote areas or bustling cities.”
Feeling like you belong and being part of a community is really important, during times of worldwide crises when being isolated can affect your spiritual health. The application doesn’t just help people find places to worship but also connects them with a community of believers who have the same faith.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Licheri is optimistic about the future of the Catholic Mass Times App. “We hope God allows us to continue serving the Catholic community for many more years,” he states. With plans to expand the app’s features and reach, the next decade looks promising for this divine digital tool.
Engaging with the Founder
In a brief Q&A, Licheri shares more about his journey and the app’s impact:
Q: What has been the most challenging aspect of developing and maintaining the app? A: “Ensuring accuracy and timeliness of the Mass times across so many different regions is challenging. We rely heavily on our community of users to keep information up-to-date.”
Q: How has your personal faith influenced the development of the app? A: “It’s been central to everything. This app is a reflection of my faith and my desire to help others in their spiritual journey.”
Q: Any memorable stories from users that have touched you? A: “There are many, but one that stands out is from a user who was able to find a 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. It’s about enhancement, not replacement.”
As the Catholic Mass Times App steps into its next decade, it remains a beacon of faith, innovation, and community. For millions around the globe, it’s not just an app; it’s a gateway to divine discovery and spiritual continuity.
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First published in this link of The European Times.
