I wrote a while back about why I moved from Nedbank to FNB and to this day, I still take genuine pity on those who do not bank with FNB.

Whenever someone gives me their bank details and they’re not FNB, I shudder, as I could never imagine the burden of using sub-par banking facilities. I’m talking, of course, about the tech side of things.

Because that’s where we are now – we are choosing brands based on their tech. I don’t have the foggiest clue what interest rates FNB charges, but I’m sure it’s not far off their competitors. And if indeed it is slightly higher than the rest, then I think it’s a fair trade for the tech you’re getting.

There is simply no debate that their banking app and website is the best. That is the single reason why I use them.

By the same token, I always used to fly British Airways, purely because I could do the whole airport vibe with an app – checking in, passport control, boarding etc. I only stopped because of the outrageous and expensive ‘Transit Visa’ the Poms make you get, just to fly THROUGH the UK, en route to France.

Which brings me to the Catholic Church. Because I use Postbox Courier to bring in goods safely and securely to South Africa (into my hands, with zero customs hassles), I was able to be the first (and possibly only?) person in South Africa to acquire the new ‘Click To Pray’ eRosary.

Here I am, wearing it on my very own wrist:

I mentioned it to you the other day, but have had enough time with it to now report back.

I’m not religiously inclined, but I do believe in the universe and its mysterious ways. That said, I like tech and respect all faiths, and thought the eRosary made a nice accessory. What’s more, it acts as a reminder for me to meditate. But I was also curious about the tech side.

I’ll be honest, it’s brilliant. Notifications remind you when to pray (how many Hail Marys you need to do) and, once you’ve crossed your heart with the eRosary, sensors tell the app to automatically launch (I shit you not) and it gives you the prayers that you should be, umm, praying.

It tracks how often you’ve prayed with a bunch of stats, and nags you if you’re behind. It has lessons that you should follow, including video content. Truly remarkable. I don’t know another religion or faith that has a tech play like this.

See this video tutorial if you want to dive deeper into the eRosary.

In today’s world of fading religions and rising trendoid beliefs and fads, how else is the Catholic Church, or any religion for that matter, meant to stand out?

The same way FNB do it – by offering a tech solution that makes it easier for people.

With our goldfish attention spans and ever-increasing screen time, any brand is dead in the water if it’s not getting inside our devices, so well done to the Vatican for keeping the Catholic faith chugging along.

Also, well done to Postbox Courier, for bringing me all my overseas goodies safely through customs into my hands with a few taps on my phone.

All hail the marvels of modern technology!