In a world increasingly marked by isolation, spiritual disconnection, and questions that often go unanswered, a local man heard a calling to respond.
After more than two decades leading the Eastern Catholic Re-Evangelization Center (ECRC), Karam Bahnam felt stirred by something new: a deeper invitation from God to extend his ministry beyond the walls of the Church and into the digital lives of people everywhere. The fruit of that call is Reviv3, a spiritual companionship app designed to meet people where they are, no matter where that might be.
A broader mission born in prayer
Bahnam didn’t embark on this journey alone. After turning to prayer, he gathered a small, faithful team to bring the vision to life. Together, they built Reviv3, an intuitive, Christ-centered app that connects seekers — those navigating grief, doubt, confusion, or spiritual longing — with trained spiritual companions. Unlike traditional spiritual direction, Reviv3 — a nonprofit ministry — is focused not on preaching to the proverbial choir, but on accompanying those outside the familiar spaces of the Church.
“At Reviv3, we meet you where you are in your journey of life,” Bahnam said. “Whether you are facing life’s challenges or seeking to grow deeper into your spiritual life, our mission is to help guide you into a more fulfilling life with Christ.”
The app is more than just a platform — it’s a gateway to spiritual healing. After answering a few reflective questions, seekers are matched with companions who have completed an approved spiritual formation program. These conversations are confidential, faith-based, and centered on Christ’s love.
“We have a serious issue of loneliness in our country and world,” Bahnam noted. “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.”
A companion on the journey
One of the early spiritual companions to join Reviv3 was Michael King, an adjunct professor at Sacred Heart Major Seminary in Detroit and a faith formation specialist with decades of experience. King holds a bachelor’s degree in psychoanalytic psychology, a master’s in theology, and is a certified spiritual director. He has served the Archdiocese of Detroit for more than 20 years and has built his ministry around helping others discover the abundant life found in Christ.
King met Bahnam through a mutual friend and professor at the seminary. At the time, Bahnam was seeking experienced spiritual directors to form the foundation of the Reviv3 team.
“I was teaching and already engaged in spiritual direction when I was introduced to Karam,” King recalled. “He asked me to help vet the app and assist in onboarding new spiritual companions.”
King now plays three key roles with the Reviv3 team. First, he works in app development, assisting with testing and feedback to ensure a seamless, mission-focused user experience; second, he interviews and trains new spiritual companions to join the platform; and finally, he himself offers spiritual direction and companionship through the app to those in need.
King sees the app as a much-needed bridge between people and the Church’s rich tradition of spiritual guidance.
“Reviv3 is rooted in the teachings of Christ and the Catholic Church, but it’s open to anyone,” King said. “Each spiritual companion brings a unique history and is trained to meet people without judgment, right where they are.”
Using a highway analogy, King describes Reviv3 as an on-ramp into the broader road of care ministry: “It’s a place where people can begin their journey — whether they’re seasoned in their faith or just beginning to ask questions.”
A call to accompaniment
King emphasizes that accompaniment isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about being present, being real, and being rooted in faith. “Humans are designed for communion,” King said. “There’s strength and healing in true companionship.”
Reviv3 offers every new user two complimentary sessions, with no obligation to continue. All meetings are private and conducted through the app, giving users a safe and easy way to explore their spiritual life with a certified guide.
In a culture often defined by noise and distraction, Reviv3 invites people into stillness, reflection, and sacred conversation — conversations that can change lives.
Whether you're searching for clarity, comfort, or Christ himself, Reviv3 is ready to walk with you.
Vanessa Denha Garmo is the host of Epiphany on Ave Maria Radio. She is the founder of Epiphany Communications: Coaching & Consulting, where she serves as a Catholic Leadership Development Coach and Communications Consultant.
