Cardinal Sean Brady, the head of the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland has suggested that believers embrace Twitter for prayer.

The Cardinal, speaking at Mass in Country Mayo on Sunday, said that it was a good way to send people prayers.

He said, "Make someone the gift of a prayer through text, twitter or e-mail every day," reports the BBC.

"I ask young people in particular to think of sending their friends and family an occasional twitter or text to say that you have prayed for them."

Cardinal Brady’s sermon was delivered to mark the centenary celebration of the life of Father Patrick Peyton, who was also called “the Rosary priest”.

Cardinal Brady claimed that Father Peyton had a “great gift” for communication and would have been a prolific texter and Twitterer had the technology been available in his day.

The Cardinal urged people to start up prayer groups using modern technology such as Twitter. He said, "Such a sea of prayer is sure to strengthen our sense of solidarity with one another and remind us those who receive them that others really do care."