Hallow
Stored in Cargo: Hallow
| Hallow | |
| Developer | Hallow, Inc. |
|---|---|
| Platforms | iOS, Android |
| Pricing Model | Freemium |
| Target audience | Catholic |
| Main Features | Guided meditations, Rosary, daily prayers, Bible stories, sleep meditations |
| Description | Leading prayer and meditation app with Catholic-focused content, including celebrity voices. |
| Links | iOS• Android• Website |
Hallow is a mobile application designed for Christian and Catholic prayer, meditation, Bible study, and sleep aids, with a focus on helping users develop spiritual habits and deepen their relationship with God.[1] Developed by Hallow, Inc., and founded by Alex Jones, Erich Kerekes, and Alessandro DiSanto, the app was launched in December 2018 and is available on iOS and Android platforms.[2][3] It operates on a freemium pricing model, offering free access to basic content with premium features available via subscription.[4]
The app emphasizes Catholic traditions, including guided Rosaries, novenas, and Scripture reflections, often featuring voices from Catholic figures and celebrities such as Mark Wahlberg, Jonathan Roumie, and Fr. Mike Schmitz.[5] As of early 2024, Hallow had been downloaded over 14 million times and used for over 400 million prayers, according to developer reports, indicating its popularity among users seeking digital tools for spiritual growth.[6] Its religious significance lies in facilitating accessible prayer practices in a secular world, with features tailored to foster peace and faith integration into daily life, as described in official materials.[7]
Features
According to the official website, Hallow offers over 10,000 audio-guided sessions, including daily Gospel reflections, Lectio Divina, homilies, and Bible reading plans such as "Bible in a Year."[8]
Key features include:
Prayer and meditation
- Audio-Guided Sessions: Offers over 10,000 sessions on contemplative prayer, Bible readings, and Christian music.
- Daily Prayers: Includes popular methods like Lectio Divina, the Rosary, and the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
- Sleep Stories: Provides Bible stories to help users relax and sleep.
- Rosary prayers with celebrity guides (e.g., Rosary with Mark Wahlberg),
- novenas like the Surrender Novena,
- sleep aids with Bible stories, and
- music praylists for various occasions.[9]
Challenges
The app also provides challenges, such as the Advent Challenge or 21 Days with Daniel, and content categories for Bible study, saints, mental health, and family prayer.[10] User testimonials on the site suggest these features aid in building prayer habits and addressing personal challenges, though individual experiences vary.[11]
Customization
- Journal Feature: Users can journal after each prayer session.
- Prayer Lengths: Options for 5, 10, or 15-minute sessions.
- Reminders: Ability to set reminders for daily prayers.
History and development
Hallow was founded in 2018 by Alex Jones, who, after rediscovering his Catholic faith through secular meditation apps, sought to create a Christian alternative, along with co-founders Erich Kerekes and Alessandro DiSanto.[12][13] The app launched in December 2018, with ongoing updates to expand content, including partnerships with Catholic figures and campaigns like the "I AM HERE" Eucharist initiative with the Archdiocese.[14][15] In February 2024, it became the first religious app to reach the No. 1 spot on Apple's App Store, according to developer announcements.[16]
Subscription
Hallow offers two subscription tiers:
| Subscription Type | Monthly Price | Yearly Price |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $9.99 | $69.99 |
Users can access some features for free, including a 9-day Intro Prayer Challenge.
Organization
Hallow operates as a Public-Benefit Corporation (PBC), emphasizing its commitment to serving the community while pursuing profit. This structure allows them to prioritize their mission of enhancing spiritual well-being alongside financial sustainability.
Founders
- Alex Jones (CEO): Raised Catholic, his journey mirrors that of many who drift from their faith and later seek a reconnection.
- Alessandro DiSanto: Background in finance and strategic management.
- Erich Kerekes (CTO): Engineering background with experience in consulting.
Advisors
As of January 2026, the advisors include:
- Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades
- Fr. Stephen Grunow
- Dr. John Cavadini
- Dean Andrew Abela
- Sr. Jaime Mitchell
- Fr. Kevin Grove, CSC
- Lisa Hendey
- Scott Malpass
- Fr. Mike Schmitz
- Laura Fanucci
Reception
User reviews on Catholic sites and app stores generally praise Hallow for enhancing prayer life, with a 4.9/5 star rating on the Apple App Store as of 2021 reports.[17][18] Reviews from sources like The Pillar and Catholic Culture highlight its convenience for deepening faith, though some note limitations behind the paywall.[19][20] Criticisms include comparisons to free alternatives like Amen, as discussed on Catholic Apptitude.[21] Audience and features based on developer description as of January 2026.
Target audience
The app is primarily intended for a Catholic audience, with content rooted in Catholic traditions such as Rosaries and novenas, though it appeals to broader Christians seeking guided prayer and meditation.[22] It targets individuals building daily spiritual habits, including families, teens, and those addressing mental health through faith, as per official descriptions.[23] This reflects hagiographic and devotional emphases, though historical verification of impact is limited to user reports.
References
- ↑ "#1 App for Christian & Catholic Prayer, Meditation, Bible + Sleep". Hallow. https://hallow.com/.
- ↑ "How It All Started – The Hallow Story". Hallow. https://hallow.com/about/.
- ↑ "Hallow (app) - Wikipedia". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hallow_%28app%29.
- ↑ "Hallow: Prayer & Meditation - App Store". Apple App Store. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hallow-prayer-meditation/id1405323394.
- ↑ "#1 App for Christian & Catholic Prayer, Meditation, Bible + Sleep". Hallow. https://hallow.com/.
- ↑ "Hallow Makes History Taking #1 Spot in App Store". Hallow. https://hallow.com/blog/hallow-makes-history-taking-no-1-spot-in-app-store/.
- ↑ "The Hallow Story". Hallow. https://hallow.com/blog/the-hallow-story/.
- ↑ "#1 App for Christian & Catholic Prayer, Meditation, Bible + Sleep". Hallow. https://hallow.com/.
- ↑ "#1 App for Christian & Catholic Prayer, Meditation, Bible + Sleep". Hallow. https://hallow.com/.
- ↑ "#1 App for Christian & Catholic Prayer, Meditation, Bible + Sleep". Hallow. https://hallow.com/.
- ↑ "#1 App for Christian & Catholic Prayer, Meditation, Bible + Sleep". Hallow. https://hallow.com/.
- ↑ "Hallow (app) - Wikipedia". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hallow_%28app%29.
- ↑ "The story behind Hallow, the Christian app hawked by Gwen Stefani". Mashable. 2025-12-10. https://mashable.com/article/hallow-prayer-app-gewn-stefani-jd-vance-peter-thiel.
- ↑ "How It All Started – The Hallow Story". Hallow. https://hallow.com/about/.
- ↑ "Hallow (app) - Wikipedia". Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hallow_%28app%29.
- ↑ "Hallow Business Breakdown & Founding Story - Contrary Research". Contrary Research. https://research.contrary.com/company/hallow.
- ↑ "I tried the Hallow app for two weeks and here's how it went - The Pillar". The Pillar. 2021-05-28. https://www.pillarcatholic.com/p/i-tried-the-hallow-app-for-two-weeks.
- ↑ "Hallow: Prayer & Meditation - App Store". Apple App Store. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/hallow-prayer-meditation/id1405323394.
- ↑ "Hallow, the Prayer and Meditation App, “All That” and More". Catholic Culture. 2022-07-01. https://www.catholicculture.org/commentary/hallow-prayer-and-meditation-app-all-that-and-more/.
- ↑ "How an App Helped Me Become A Better Catholic in Seven Days". The Tablet. https://thetablet.org/hallow-app-review-sleep-meditation-catholic-faith/.
- ↑ "Catholic app world rocked by two amazing Catholic meditation/sleep ...". Catholic Apptitude. 2022-03-28. https://catholicapptitude.org/2022/03/28/hallow-app-and-amen-app/.
- ↑ "#1 App for Christian & Catholic Prayer, Meditation, Bible + Sleep". Hallow. https://hallow.com/.
- ↑ "#1 App for Christian & Catholic Prayer, Meditation, Bible + Sleep". Hallow. https://hallow.com/.