The Vatican has approved a computerised prayerbook for a new generation of gadget-loving Roman Catholic priests. It has sanctioned the sale of the "iBreviary" – the book of prayers, readings and services used by priests every day. It includes the complete Roman Missal – the order of the Mass – and the main Catholic prayers. It was created for the iPhone by the Italian priest Father Paolo Padrini and can be downloaded from iTunes for just 79p.
Officially endorsed by the Vatican's Council for Social Communications, it is the first iPhone application approved by the Holy See.
Fr Padrini has produced only an Italian version so far but English and Spanish editions are planned.
There are also plans for audio accompaniments and Gregorian chant, as well as additional prayers.
The New York-based America magazine, a Catholic publication run by Jesuits, described iBreviary as an application which "allows the believer to pray simply via an intuitive interface".
The Vatican has been quick to embrace the benefits of the digital revolution.
In 2006, Vatican Radio staff presented the Pope with an iPod nano loaded with his favourite classical music.
CW has received a message from Fr Padrini as of today advising the Breviary is now available in English, and we express our thanks to him for advising us of this.
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(Source: TTO)