Tech for the Soul: Exploring My Creation of Two Christian Apps

Life and Poetry Nov 24, 2023

This year, I published two apps that hold special significance for me. One of them I initially created several years ago while experimenting with Flutter. However, I decided to revisit its source code and redesign it to enhance its visual appeal before finally deciding to publish it. The other app is a recent creation inspired by my reading about the Miracles of Fatima. Among all the miracles in modern history, I find the events at Fatima the most compelling; it's incredibly challenging not to believe in them, especially considering the accounts of thousands of witnesses, including those from neighboring areas in Fátima, Portugal.

Librum

Librum means 'The Book' in Latin, if I remember correctly; that's how I named this first app, referring to the Bible.

I found myself consistently searching online for Bible verses years back related to the decisions I had to make and challenges I faced at various times. Eventually, I decided to create an app that contains a compilation of verses that are already categorized, making it easier to find what you are looking for. Nowadays, I use it to remind me how to handle specific situations justly, such as dealing with adversaries or practicing humility.

As the world around us often feels more chaotic as each day passes, I believe that the Christian values of compassion toward adversaries, acts of charity, and the power of forgiveness have never been more relevant or essential. I made sure that Librum's verses remind us of those values.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." - 2 Timothy 3:16-17

Mariam

Mariam is derived from the romanization of Mary's name in what is believed to be her and her son's native tongue, Aramaic. That's where I got the name for this app. Additionally, I specifically chose Marian blue, a color historically associated with the Virgin Mary in paintings, as the app's color.

The app is designed to enable believers to pray the rosary even when they don't have a physical rosary at hand. Additionally, it provides a helpful tool for individuals who struggle to keep track of beads while using a physical rosary. Being open-source and not tracking users, it is also very suitable for believers in areas or situations where being caught with a rosary could lead to difficulties or legal repercussions, as it has happened multiple times in history.

I dedicate this app, 'Mariam,' to Our Lady of Fatima in honor of the miracles attributed to her that challenge disbelief. The profound impact of her reported miracles serves as an inspiration behind the creation of this app, which aims to facilitate devotion and prayer, carrying on the spirit of faith and reverence associated with Our Lady.