The Story Behind Sanctifica

A Life Immersed in Catholic Tradition

For ten years, Maarten pursued the path to the priesthood, spending eight of those years in a monastery in Scotland.

His days were immersed in prayer, study, and the sacred rhythms of the liturgical year. Catholic tradition wasn’t just part of life—it was life itself.

The Challenge of Staying Connected to the Faith

But God had a different plan. Maarten was called to the vocation of marriage, stepping into a world filled with the joys and challenges of raising seven children, building a professional career, and striving to remain deeply connected to the Latin Mass and Catholic tradition.

Yet, as the responsibilities of daily life grew, something became clear: staying anchored in the rich traditions of the liturgical year was becoming harder. Feasts passed unnoticed, novenas began without realization, and the sacred rhythms that had once structured his days started to fade.

The Vision for a Catholic Prayer App

That realization sparked a vision: a tool that would help Catholics stay connected to the beauty, discipline, and devotion of their faith—something that would serve as a guide through the liturgical year, reminding Catholics of feast days, novenas, and devotions.

But bringing this idea to life required more than one person.

A Faith-Driven Partnership

That’s where Matthew entered the picture. With a deep love for the faith and the technical expertise to build something extraordinary, he shared the same passion for preserving Catholic tradition in an ever-modernizing world.

Together, Maarten and Matthew set out to create Sanctifica—not just another app, but a true digital companion for Catholics seeking to live their faith more intentionally.

Filling the Gap: A Dynamic Catholic Companion

There were already many Catholic apps available, but a lot of them felt outdated or static. Many focused on readings, talks, or specific devotions rather than providing an interactive way to live out the faith. There was a huge gap—a need for a tool that didn’t just offer information but actively helped Catholics lead holier lives.

The goal of Sanctifica was clear: to create a dynamic app that surfaces the right devotions, novenas, and feast day reminders exactly when needed—guiding users in their spiritual lives with practical, timely assistance.

Two Years of Dedication and Development

For two and a half years, they worked tirelessly, ensuring that Sanctifica reflected the beauty, reverence, and richness of Catholic heritage.

Every detail was crafted with purpose—from sacred art to traditional prayers and devotions—making Sanctifica a resource to nourish the soul in the midst of daily life. Finally, in August 2024, Sanctifica was launched.

Strengthening Faith Through Catholic Tradition

The mission is simple yet profound: to uphold the beauty, truth, and depth of the Catholic faith—without compromise.

Through beautiful sacred art, time-honored devotions, and invaluable resources, Sanctifica is more than an app. It is a tool for Catholics everywhere to stay rooted in their faith, no matter how busy life becomes.

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