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| Christian prayer app partners with colleges to offer extensive library resources to the faithful |
As the fall semester kicks off, millions of college students nationwide are returning to campus, and alongside the multitude of available apps, an unexpected one has gained popularity among them. The app that's capturing their attention is none other than Hallow, the premier Christian prayer app, which has particularly resonated with the younger generation, according to the company.
Hallow, headquartered in Chicago, has disclosed to Fox News Digital that their own data aligns with the current trend identified in a recent Wall St. Journal article – an unprecedented upswing in faith among young individuals. Demonstrating this trend, over half of Hallow's user base is aged 35 or below, with an additional 16% belonging to the 18 to 34 age group.
In a recent statement, a Hallow spokesperson mentioned, "More colleges are partnering with Hallow to bring Hallow’s extensive library of prayer resources to their campuses in order to support the spiritual lives of their students." Among these partnerships is their collaboration with Benedictine College in Atchinson, Kansas, which supplements their existing affiliations with the University of Notre Dame in Indiana and Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio.
Through the new partnership with Benedictine College, students, faculty, and staff can now access Hallow and its audio library of Catholic faith-based meditations and prayers at no cost. The aim is to nurture the spiritual growth of individuals within the college community.
Among the diverse array of sessions offered by Hallow, it was revealed that the most popular ones among college students are "sacred music, daily prayers (like the rosary), and bedtime/sleep prayers." These offerings prove invaluable to young people who are grappling with the multifaceted challenges of the modern world.
Alessandro DiSanto, co-founder and head of schools at Hallow, highlighted the app's role in addressing existential questions faced by college students. He stated, "For decades, college students have wrestled with big questions of ‘Who am I?’ and ‘Why am I here?’ The pandemic … only magnified those existential anxieties."
He expressed hope that Hallow provides a means for these young individuals to attain both tranquility and purpose through a personal connection with God. The company celebrated a significant milestone as the first religious app to break into the Top 10 on the App Store, reaching as high as No. 3 during Lent.
DiSanto emphasized Hallow's intention to meet users where they are on their spiritual journey, providing a discreet avenue for spiritual exploration and growth. He remarked, "Hallow attempts to meet them where they’re at, in the privacy of their own earphones, without making any assumptions about where they are on their spiritual journey."
Hallow's involvement with college students has expanded beyond its partnerships. The app garnered attention at World Youth Day in Portugal, where it collaborated with Jonathan Roumie from "The Chosen," a popular series. This indicates Hallow's growing influence and significance within the realm of faith-based technology.
Actual users of Hallow have endorsed its impact. A student from the University of Notre Dame revealed, "I've recommended it to a few friends who aren't practicing Catholics or are looking for new ways to pray and I think they've really liked it." Similarly, a student from Franciscan University expressed how the app has been instrumental in keeping their life centered on Christ, even during hectic days.
Hallow's CEO, Alex Jones, shared his firsthand observations of the positive influence that technology, through the app, can have on people's lives. He emphasized that individuals in the midst of mental health crises or contemplating suicide have found a glimmer of hope through Hallow's offerings.
In conclusion, Hallow's collaboration with colleges underscores its growing impact on the spiritual lives of young people. As it extends its reach through partnerships and gains recognition at major events, the app continues to be a beacon of faith and solace, offering a contemporary approach to spiritual connection and growth.
