40 The Series - Thrilling Post-Apocalyptic Drama

Editor's note: We missed sharing it with you here on the blog, but many of our readers know that the web series "40" took the Catholic online world by storm this past Lent. Here's a recap of the project - be sure to check it out at 40theseries.com -- it's honestly not too late to be uplifted and inspired by this great project! LMH

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Los Angeles — A growing number of Catholics are finding inspiration and reflection this Lenten season through an unlikely source: the Internet and social media.

The producers of “40,” a post-apocalyptic Web-based drama that debuted on Ash Wednesday, report they have seen a steady growth in viewers across its Web, YouTube, Vimeo and Facebook platforms.

“’40’ has literally gone from zero to almost 20,000 viewers each week during Lent and the audience is growing,” said Fr. Eddie Siebert, S.J., President of Loyola Productions, who along with the Midwest Jesuits and Loyola Press have produced the groundbreaking program. “People are getting used to the idea that certain technologies, often thought of as a work tool or purely a social outlet, are convenient and useful channels for enhancing their faith as well.”

“40” offers viewers a unique Lenten experience through weekly episodes aired on 40theseries.com, YouTube, Vimeo, and Facebook. Each of the 14 episodes acts as a Lenten allegory, accompanied by meditative reflections centered on the scriptural references. Updates are communicated through Facebook and Twitter.

Religious education programs across the country have adopted “40” as part of the their Lenten curriculum. St. Cornelius Catholic School in Chicago has integrated “40” into its 7th grade confirmation curriculum. Students watch “40” in class and then discuss each program’s message and reflection.

“At first students didn’t know what to expect,” said Mary Barth, the school’s religious education coordinator. “Now, they talk about the program and look forward to the next episode.”

Barth noted most students use technology at home and in school. Using Web and social media based religious education programs like “40” helps to show students how to integrate what they learn in Confirmation class into every day life.

“Books and lectures are fine, but a Web- and social media-based program like “40” delivers content and a message to students through communication channels they use every day and can relate to.”

High school juniors taking Victor Cancino, S.J.’s inter-religious dialogue class at Verbum Dei High School in south central Los Angeles are using “40” to learn more about Catholicism’s rituals.

“Students are intrigued by “40” because its an allegory, a metaphor for life and faith,” Mr. Cancino said. “They relate better to the information by watching the programs in class.”

Cancino said after watching “40” each week, students write about the week’s episode in their journals as a way to deepen their faith, understand their lives and learn more about the Catholic Church.

“40’s” producers expect to continue to grow the audience for the unique series. “Combining a cutting-edge medium with mixed media is exciting,” said Siebert, “40’s” executive producer. “”40” successfully demonstrates the best use of the Internet and social media to enhance our faith during Lent and throughout the year.”

Check out 40theseries.com for the videos and additional information.