TO WHERE THE PEOPLE GATHER | KAIROS GLOBAL | MAY 2024

Author: Aleena Joy

Intro: Aleena Joy takes a look at how some Catholic ventures have been taking the Word to the world through social media.

When Jesus called Peter and Andrew, they were fishing. Matthew was at the tax collection booth. Jesus always went to the routine places of people. In these times of consumerism, what is a better place to evangelise than the online shopping portals where people even window shop these days? This article is about such places.

Ever thought about clothing that is intertwined with the goodness of the Creator? When two friends, Olivia and Veronica came together with the idea of sharing the true beauty of Church, the truth and goodness of God with others, Litany was born. Olivia later entered religious life. Lilion Fallon, the author of Theology of Style and part of The Ascension Presents now works with Litany. They are a New York based company.

(www.litanynyc.com)

With the tag line, ‘Faith everyday through Catholic Merch, books and religious items,’ Catholicans is an online portal which provides religious items at our fingertips. Their unique selling product, Rhema Cards, available in Malayalam and English, helps us to learn Bible verses in a creative way.

(http://catholicans.com/rhema-cards)

Photography is an inevitable part of every wedding. What if we discover the love of God flowing in every frame? When Victoria Cresie, who lives in Ohio, was disappointed with the lack of reverence for the Sacrament of Matrimony in Photography, Mystical Rose Photography was born. Romantic and authentic is how Victoria defines her photography. There's divinity and love flowing in the frames.

(https://mysticalrosephotos.com)

On a mission to ‘clothe the word’ with the beauty of the world, 'OreMoose' was born (Oremus meaning let us pray). Every product is durable, high quality and handmade with the secret ingredients of prayer, love and a whole lot of ‘Minnesota grit’ is how they define themselves. Rosary pouches, bags, Bible covers, etc. are some of the products of OreMoose. David Adam, Mitch Joseph (former seminarians) and Andrew Joseph, a former FOCUS missionary are the brains behind this unique brand.

(https://www.oremoose.com/)

When Mamta Joseph, a sports journalist, who at the peak of her career found herself discontent with her profession, wanting to be more for the Lord, Saltnlight was born. A brand of customised gift items, the products which speak the gospel values, Saltnlight is a go to place for those looking for Catholic gifting ideas. With products spanning from frames, keychains, books, candles, etc. they have a brand by name Disciple Fit for T shirts.

(https://saltnlightworld.com)

These are just a few among many such Holy Spirit inspired initiatives. Our God came down to earth, taking human form, to meet us where we are. There are many such businesses that have sprouted, with the intention to create opportunities for people to encounter the Lord in their everyday circumstances.

May such ventures continue to sprout and be the salt and light of the world.

Aleena Joy, married to Kevin Jerome, works as a civil engineer in Kochi, India. She is active in apologetics and pro-life circles.