Dear Father L
We live in a world where technology dominates almost every aspect of our daily lives. Phones, tablets, and laptops are not just tools anymore, they have become extensions of our very selves. They connect us with family and friends, guide us through work and school, and give us access to information at lightning speed. While these devices hold the potential for great good, they also carry the dangers of distraction, addiction, and even spiritual harm. There will always be the tendency for the devil to use these gadgets to urge us to do evil. Can we bring our cell phones and other communication gadgets to be blessed by our priest?
Sincerely,
A Gadget Guy,
Dear Gadget Guy,
Technology is not inherently evil. In fact, the Catholic Church has always encouraged the use of human creativity and innovation for the glory of God. Through it, you can listen to the Mass live-streamed, read Scripture, pray the Rosary, or stay connected to faith communities. But let’s be honest— as you mentioned it, it can also drag you into sin. How many times have hours been wasted scrolling through social media? How often does gossip, anger, envy, lust, or pride creep into our hearts through what we watch or read online?
Yes, you can ask your priest to bless your phone. But when a priest blesses an object, he invokes God’s power to sanctify its use. The object itself does not become magical, but it is set apart for holy use. Blessing your devices is about asking God to guard your eyes, your mind, and your heart from the snares of temptation that often come through digital screens.
A blessed phone reminds you daily: this belongs to Christ. It’s no longer just a piece of technology but a sanctified instrument meant to lead you closer to God. Imagine receiving notifications not only of work and texts but reminders of prayer, Mass times, and spiritual encouragement.
You can also entrust your phone to the intercession of saints known for purity and evangelization—such as St. Michael the Archangel, St. Joseph, or Blessed Carlo Acutis, the millennial who used technology to spread the Eucharist devotion. Place an image of your patron saint as your wallpaper to remind you of their protection. A blessing works best when matched with holy action. Install prayer apps, subscribe to Catholic channels, and use your phone to read Scripture. Replace sinful habits with holy ones. A blessed phone used for holy things becomes a double fortress.
If a priest is not available, you can dedicate your phone to God while making the Sign of the Cross and praying something like:
“Lord Jesus Christ, sanctify this device. Guard my eyes, my mind, and my heart. May everything, I see, hear, and share bring me closer to You. Protect me from all temptations and distractions of the enemy. Amen.”
A Daily Prayer for Your Devices
Here’s a simple prayer you can pray over your phone or devices each day:
“Heavenly Father, I dedicate this phone (or device) to You. May everything I do on it honor Your name. Protect me from every temptation, every distraction, and every attack of the enemy. May my eyes see what is pure, my ears hear what is holy, and my words be a reflection of Your truth. Through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Michael the Archangel, may this device be used only for good and never for evil. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Finally, blessing your device is not superstition—it is a holy reminder that God is with you even in your digital life. Your phone ceases to be just plastic and glass. It becomes an opportunity to glorify God.
May the Blessed Virgin Mary, St. Michael the Archangel, and Blessed Carlo Acutis intercede for us, that we may always use technology to glorify God and never to offend Him.
May God Bless you,
Father L
Letters are welcome at: OClarimEnglish2022@gmail.com
Follow
