Vatican launches new 'eRosary' bracelet to attract younger generations to church
Wearable gadget syncs with app to help Catholic users pray
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The Vatican has launched a new ‘eRosary’ bracelet in the hopes of appealing to younger, more tech-savvy generations.
The wearable gadget, which costs $109 (£85), is designed to be worn as a bracelet and is activated by making the sign of a cross.
The bracelet features 10 black agate and hematite rosary beads, plus a silver “smart cross” that detects movement.
“Bridging tradition to modernism by simple lines and curves – this is our design philosophy,” the Click to Pray website explains.
“Black agate and hematite beads are combined with a neatly finished cross, symbolising the ever enduring human faith.”
The bracelet syncs up to the accompanying “Click to Pray” app, which is designed to help Catholic users pray.
The app tracks a user's progress and also contains visual and audio explanations of the rosary.
Users can choose from three ways of praying, including standard rosary, a contemplative rosary or a thematic rosary.
The traditional rosary is used to aid prayer and meditation. Its beads are counted as prayers are recited.
The gadget can also be used to track health data, with the website stating that the device encourages users to “have a better lifestyle”.
Taiwan-based tech company GadgTek Inc developed the gadget, which is water-resistant and compatible with Android and iOS smartphones.
The launch of the accessory comes after Pope Francis criticised people who wear crucifixes as fashion items, labelling it “abuse”.
In 2018, the Pope spoke at St Peter’s Square in the Vatican and said the religious symbol should be “contemplated and understood” rather than commercialised as a trendy accessory.
“The crucifix is not an ornamental object or a clothing accessory which is sometimes abused,” he said.
"The image of Jesus crucified reveals the mystery of the death of the Son as the supreme act of love, the source of life and salvation for humanity of all times."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments