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A little historical context is helpful.

Bibles weren't widely available basically until we had movable type. Did this innovation take away from the 'sacredness' of Bibles produced in Scriptoria across Europe?

EWTN broadcasts the Rosary every day...does following along at home take away form the 'sacredness' of finding like-minded people to do this in-person...or at all for that matter?

Indeed, many of us pray the Our Father from memory...but we learned it from 'sacred texts.' Should we NOT recite from memory?

I recall reading/hearing from a priest, that one needn't say the Rosary in one, uninterrupted sitting. Yes, that is preferable. But if it's a tossup between, not saying the Rosary and, say, completing 3 decades on your way to work and leaving the remaining 2 as well as the closing prayers for after work, go for the Rosary broken up during the day.

I would agree, if you have a sacred text and an iPad, stick to the book. But eschewing innovations that remain loyal to Our Lord is a wrong approach. I think that's what Msg Pope is advocating here (perhaps unintentionally...he DOES blog) and he is usually spot-on. This time, however, I believe his guidance is incorrect.

I love Msgr Pope, however I don’t see it mattering at all what you use to display the words of the prayers. When I use paper, I use Magnificat. Admittedly its an abbreviated version of the morning, evening and night office, and of course includes the full the mass daily. However, it is ‘right there’ and well organized. I don’t spend time determining what trumps what from the calendar, the Psalter, the commons, that is all maddening for a layman. I can see clergy knowing the value of it. I purchased the paper breviary and still have it. I just don’t use it.

When I’m praying the actual full blown office I use iBreviary, Old style font with the auto scroll set to 5. By doing so I pray, not flip ribbons and wonder (disturbing my peace) if I’m doing it right.

Its very easy to isolate one application from distractions; pore over your notifications settings for everything and only allow notifications from apps that are absolutely necessary.

Blessed Advent to All...