Yahoo News Vatican releases 'eRosary' bracelet to pull in millennials
The Catholic church have launched an eRosary bracelet, to attract rich tech-savvy millennials and help them learn "how to pray for peace in the world" and learn about the gospel.
The wearable device, which costs €99 ($109, £85), connects to the corresponding Click to Pray eRosary app and can be activated by making the sign of a cross, similar to how Catholics begin praying the Rosary.
It is made up of 10 consecutive black agate and hematite rosary beads, plus a data-storing ‘smart cross’.
The wearer can choose between three options to pray; the standard rosary, a contemplative rosary or a thematic rosary, which will be updated throughout the year.
It also has personalised religious content, as well as health tracking.
The traditional rosary is used to aid prayer and meditation. Its beads are counted as prayers are recited.
It "serves as a tool for learning how to pray the rosary for peace in the world," according to a news release from the Vatican.
"This project brings together the best of the Church's spiritual tradition and the latest advances of the technological world," it said.
The eRosary launch comes as October is the month of the rosary.
The gadget is water-resistant and compatible with Android and iOS smartphones.
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Although the Vatican may not seem like the most tech-forward establishment, there have been many signs that the church is attempting to attract young people with technology.
Pope Francis started his own Instagram account in 2016, and the Vatican introduced a messaging app, called Telegram, to communicate and help Catholics during Lent
In 2018, a Catholic evangelical group launched Follow JC Go!, a Christian take on the hugely successful Pokemon Go gaming app, which let players "catch" saints or Bible characters.
