Not long after my father passed away in 2002, I crossed paths with a priest who would eventually become my spiritual adviser. At the time, I was working for the county government in Detroit. Just a few blocks from my office stood St. Aloysius Church, where Father Alex resided. I often found myself walking there, frustrated, impatient, and sometimes in tears, seeking peace, answers and direction.

Those early visits marked the beginning of a profound journey. Since then, spiritual direction has become a cornerstone not only of my faith life, but also of my professional path. Years later, I encountered another soul deeply rooted in ministry: Karam Bahnam, the co-founder of the Eastern Catholic Re-Evangelization Center (ECRC). This lay apostolate has long offered retreats, pilgrimages, Bible studies, marriage preparation, and a host of other programs meant to draw hearts closer to Christ.

After two decades at the helm of ECRC, Karam felt a new calling stirring within him. He believed God was inviting him to take a broader step, reaching beyond the church pews to the hearts of people all across the country and, God-willing, the world. He turned to prayer, assembled a small but faithful team, and together they brought the Reviv3 app to life.

What makes Reviv3 different is its mission: not to preach to the choir, but to journey with those outside traditional Church circles — those navigating grief, doubt or confusion, or who are simply longing for something deeper. The app is simple, intuitive and intentional. After answering a few reflective questions, users — called “seekers” — are matched with “companions” — spiritual mentors trained to listen, guide and walk alongside them.

But it’s not just about functionality. It’s about connections.

“We have a serious issue of loneliness in our country and world,” Bahnam said. “Families are broken; people are suffering — especially here in the West. Mother Teresa called loneliness the sickness of our time. It’s the modern-day leprosy.”

Reviv3 offers spiritual companionship designed to lead seekers toward inner freedom and the joy of living in Christ. These conversations are confidential, grounded in trust, and centered on the loving presence of Jesus. Every spiritual companion on the app has completed a formation program to help guide others through life’s complexities with a gentle, faith-filled approach.

Though I remain deeply connected to my spiritual adviser of more than 20 years, I’ve also turned to my Reviv3 spiritual companion for fresh insights into the challenges I face on my path. 

We are not meant to walk this journey alone. As Christians, we are called into fellowship, into community, and we are called to evangelize. I firmly believe that everyone can benefit from spiritual direction, but it is especially vital for those of us working in ministry.

As a Catholic talk show host, writer, speaker and leadership coach, I feel a sacred responsibility to share the teachings of the Church with clarity and authenticity. Each day, I pray for the guidance of the Holy Spirit. And I lean, gratefully, on both my long-time adviser and my Reviv3 companion to help me continue walking in truth.

With so much confusion in the world today, especially with individual identity, the launch of the app is perfect timing. To truly know ourselves, we must know God first. We are made in his image and likeness. As Christians, we find truth in Christ alone, not the culture. 

When I think about Reviv3, I think about the Road to Emmaus. Two disciples were walking the dusty road from Jerusalem to Emmaus, about seven miles of sorrow, confusion and disappointment. They had hoped Jesus would redeem Israel — but hope, for them, had died on the cross just days earlier.

They didn’t recognize the stranger who joined them. Not just because his appearance was different, but because their hearts were still caught in grief. He asked what they were discussing, and they poured it all out — the betrayal, the crucifixion, the strange news from the women at the tomb. Everything.

And then the stranger spoke.

He began to unfold Scripture, starting with Moses and the Prophets, showing how the Messiah had to suffer before entering his glory. With every word their hearts burned, though they didn’t quite know why.

As they reached the village, they begged him to stay.

And at the table, everything changed.

He took bread. He blessed it. He broke it. And he gave it to them.

And suddenly, their eyes were opened. It was Jesus. He had been with them the whole time. But just as they recognized him, he vanished from their sight.

They didn’t wait. Even though it was late, they ran back to Jerusalem, hearts on fire, to tell the others: “The Lord is risen indeed!”

There are various points in our lives where we don’t see truth, and it is often through spiritual direction, and companionship that our eyes open and we can have an epiphany moment where the Lord shines truth on our lives. 

The Road to Emmaus is not merely a story in history — it’s a mirror for our own spiritual journey. How often do we walk our own Emmaus roads, heavy with disappointment, not realizing that Jesus is walking right beside us? We may not always see him, but if we open Scripture, break bread, and stay in fellowship, our eyes will be opened. Reviv3 can guide each of us to see ourselves through the lens of the Lord and know our purpose in life. It truly is a journey, and no one is meant to walk it alone.