Tom Gourlay: Sanctifying technologies

Rather than discuss technologies strictly limited to the iPhone or iPod Touch, I felt it was perhaps time to discuss some other valuable electronic resources that are perhaps more widely available. 

Our Pope Benedict XVI, in the footsteps of his venerable predecessor
Servant of God Pope John Paul II, has been continually vocal about
encouraging the sanctification of communications technologies and their
use in the building of the Kingdom of God. 
iPhone applications are but one of a variety of inventive ways that
people across the globe have taken up this challenge.
One other such way is the Podcast. Podcasts are akin to radio programmes
that one can easily download onto whatever digital media player is in
use (iPod, mp3 player or otherwise) and listened to at one’s leisure and
over and again if so desired. 
There is an incredible amount of interesting, educational, and
entertaining material available for download for free. 
A number of Catholic organisations are making use of this platform to
provide reliable Catholic news, spiritual formation, Church documents,
Catholic apologetics and prayer resources to people across the globe.
Radio Vatican itself has been broadcasting over the internet and
uploading its radio onto iTunes for some time now.  News updates are
available for free daily download as Podcasts through the iTunes store
or directly from their website.
Other Podcasts that I’ve found particularly valuable include AirMaria: a
Podcast produced by the Franciscan Friars of the Immaculate which
includes homilies from daily Masses as well as more academic lectures
and feature presentations about current events or areas of Church
doctrine; and, Audio Sancto which is yet another source of quality
Catholic formation with a complete archival library of homilies from
priests since 2003. 
In all, there are over 432 sermons available for download on Audio
Sancto – and it is being added to each week, so there is a whole lot of
quality listening to be done and formation to be had.
Even some within the hierarchy of the Church are utilising this as a
means of formation. Cardinal Francis Arinze, Prefect emeritus of the
Congregation of Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, has
had until recently a weekly Podcast that is still available for
download. 
It has a plethora of informative tidbits and lessons on Church teachings
and particularly clear unfolding of the work of the late, great,
Servant of God Pope John Paul II available for download.
There is a lot out there.  So, whether you’re interested in Catholic
news, Apologetics, catechesis, reading (or listening to) papal
encyclicals, or getting into the mind of a Curial official, it is
definitely worth having a scout around the iTunes Podcast store to find
something that suits you.  Happy listening.
Ave Maria!