As genres of fiction go, how better to enter into Lent than with Russian literature, presented by Jonathan Roumie? That’s Hallow's take, at any rate.
For the 2026 Lent40 Challenge on the prayer app Hallow, Roumie, who plays Jesus on the hit series The Chosen, leads the digital congregation through Fyodor Dostoevsky’s masterpiece The Brothers Karamazov.
Somewhere between literature seminar and prayerful reflection, Roumie leads short daily episodes summarizing key moments, then reflecting on characters, themes, and spiritual relevance. In alternating episodes, they’re also discussing Fr. Henri Nouwen’s Return of the Prodigal Son.
Here's his introduction to the challenge, posted just before Ash Wednesday:
But if you don’t feel up to 800 pages over 40 days, there’s plenty more in Hallow to deepen your Lenten experience, led by familiar faces:
Sr. Miriam James Heidland
Sister Miriam offers guided meditation through charismatic, imaginative prayer. A sister of the Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity, she’s a speaker, podcaster, and author, often on subjects of healing and personal spiritual growth. She kicked off the first day of the Lenten Challenge by leading the Litany of Humility and concurrent reflection.
Here's her special message for parents:
Chris Pratt
When I think Chris Pratt, I mostly think dinosaurs — I’m an early 2000s baby, don’t judge. But the Marvel star has long been vocal about his Christian faith, and now he’s joined Mark Wahlberg to lead a fasting challenge.
On Instagram, he said the challenge is about “Focused prayer. Intentional sacrifice. Loving even when it’s hard.” He’s a non-denominational Christian (married to a Catholic!), so teaming up with Catholic Mark Wahlberg could bring Christians of all denominations deeper into fasting.
Mark Wahlberg
In announcing the Hallow partnership, Wahlberg recently shared about how important discipline is to him, rooted in a strong prayer life. He recognized prayer as the root of the loving charity shown to him by the priest who had a great impact on his difficult childhood.
Since Father Stu (2022), his faith has been at the forefront of his image, which shows now in Friday episodes on fasting and abstinence.
Coach Prime
Deion Sanders, a k a Coach Prime, an NFL Hall of Fame inducteee and a college football coach, has made headlines for his belief in the importance of faith for personal growth. While he is not Catholic, he’s a strong example of our vocation to stand publicly for Christ in the workplace, school, and leadership.
On Instagram, he encouraged followers to take the time leading up to Easter to grow in their relationship with God through the Lent40 Challenge.
Father Mike Schmitz
The popular speaker, preacher, and host of the Bible in a Year and Catechism in a Year podcasts offers weekly Sunday homilies with his characteristically thoughtful, joyful insights; and whether you like worship music or chant, Lauren Daigle and Floriani have featured “praylists.” There’s really something for every kind of spirituality.
Here's Father Schmitz and Jonathan Roumie together, talking about the Hallow Lent40 Challenge.
And, here's Father Schmitz's first Sunday homily for the Lent40 Challenge:
Evangelizing the App Space
Hallow, once again, has reached #1 on Apple's App Store, bringing millions of people into guided prayer and structure for their Lenten journey. If you’re taking up a daily practice for Lent, they make it easy with notifications and streaks, reminding you to pause and pray.
I recently enjoyed listening to the daily Mass readings on my commute, and praying along with my favorite Lenten practice, the Stations of the Cross. It even works with my Apple CarPlay! Download on the App Store or Google Play, or at hallow.com.
Image: (l-r) Hallow founder Alex Jones, Jonathan Roumie/Hallow
Sophia Sariego is a Los Angeles native working in the pro-life movement. She loves Eucharistic Adoration, making music, and hitting the beaches in her spare time.
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