Cupertino, California – Last week, The Adobo Chronicles reported that The Vatican confessionals were being overwhelmed by women and gay Catholics as a result of the 2014 Vatican Priests calendar which features the best-looking  Catholic priests in Rome.

Now, thanks to an iPhone app, the number of Catholics going to confession has dramatically increased in the final week before Christmas — no priests needed, at least not during the digital part of the confession.  The app is called “Confession: A Roman Catholic App.” Designed to be used in the confessional, this app is the perfect aid for every penitent. With a personalized examination of conscience for each user, password protected profiles, and a step-by-step guide to the sacrament, this app invites Catholics to prayerfully prepare for and participate in the Rite of Penance.

The text of this app was developed in collaboration with Rev. Thomas G. Weinandy, OFM, Executive Director of the Secretariat for Doctrine and Pastoral Practices of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, and Rev. Daniel Scheidt, pastor of Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Mishawaka, IN. The app received an imprimatur from Bishop Kevin C. Rhodes of the Diocese of Fort Wayne. It is the first known imprimatur to be given for an iPhone/iPad app.  The features include:

– Custom examination of Conscience based upon age, sex, and vocation (single, married, priest, or religious)
– Multiple user support with password protected accounts
– Ability to add sins not listed in standard examination of conscience
– Confession walkthrough including time of last confession in days, weeks, months, and years
– Choose from 7 different acts of contrition
– Custom interface for iPad
– Full retina display support

While the app has gained popularity in the U.S., Europe and Latin America, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) has publicly and vehemently rejected its use in the Philippines, admonishing the country’s estimated 75 Million followers to keep the tradition of confessing “in person.”  Pressed on by reporters, CBCP admitted that its main objection to the app was that it would lead to a significant decline in church attendance  which would also mean a sharp decrease in church revenue from the collection basket.

The CBCP is listed among the top investors  in the Philippine Stock Exchange.  A decrease in revenue would have a negative impact on the church’s investment portfolio.