Tuesday Tech Talk: The Mary App

Traditionally the month of May has been recognized as the Month of Mary. Therefore, it's only fitting to kick off this month's first Tuesday Tech Talk with a review of the Marians' Mary App. This is the same group that has developed the Divine Mercy App that I reviewed last month. The Mary App is free and structured in much the same way as the Divine Mercy App. The app is available in both Apple and Android platforms. The app consists of three chapters or pages: Doctrine, Devotion, and Mary Plus. You are able to navigate to each one by tapping icon buttons at the bottom of the screen you are viewing.

DOCTRINE
The Doctrine chapter includes six sub-categories organized into two columns and represented by images. Like the navigation for the pages, you simply tap one of the icons to go to each. The six topics include an introduction to the app, a timeline of events in the history of the Church related to Mary, Marian Dogmas, titles of Mary, FAQ's and a link to additional resources. Each sub-category will take you to a list of articles on that particular topic or in the case of the resources, link you to an online store for Marian books and sacramentals.

DEVOTION
The Devotion chapter contains a wealth of information and prayers to help you develop a devotion, a relationship with our Blessed Mother. This chapter is also organized into six sub-categories identified by images depicting the topic. Two features of this page that make the overall app a huge bargain are the interactive Rosary and Chaplets. Like other Rosary apps you can scroll down the beads as you follow the guided prayers. The settings permit you to select all four sets of Mysteries and to activate the Audio Rosary. The page also includes a collection of several traditional, Marian prayers. This section also includes a list of Marian Feasts and an explanation on consecration to Mary and a review of popular Marian sacramentals.

MARY PLUS
The Mary Plus section covers a variety of subjects not easily categorized into one title. Like the other pages it is organized into six sub-topics. These include a collection of beautiful images of Mary and a list of apparitions with articles explaining their status as authentic or not. The page also in Luke's a comprehensive list of Marian pilgrimage sites. This is not only organized by continent, but also by regions within individual countries. This is the most extensive list of this kind I have ever seen collected in one place. The last three sections contain information about the Marians, the Marian Helpers and a link to the online Divine Mercy and Mary stores.

RECOMMENDATION
The Mary App could have easily been sold as several excellent apps. Instead the Marians have compiled a one-stop app for all things Marian. This is an app that must be added to your Catholic Toolbox.