Really. I did.

The service is offered by the Roman parish of Santa Maria Regina Pacis in Ostia, where Fr Ludovico Barbangelo has created a web page that enables people to post a prayer alongside a virtual candelina. And yes, the 'flames' flicker.

The idea has been “well received by the faithful”, Fr Ludovico has told the ANSA agency. In creating it, he said he was thinking especially of those who can't come to Mass or who want to keep in constant touch with the church but can't because it is not open 24 hours a day. 

Fr Ludovico is clearly one of those priests for whom new technology presents nothing but possibilities. He has downloaded the odd Mass, and is now thinking of streaming the Eucharist.

It's moving, reading other people's prayers -- more than 1700 when I posted mine, which incidentally reads:

For the readers of 'America' magazine, and especially its 'In All Things' blog: may they know the Lord's love at this time.