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World at Prayer blog
Reflections of Family and Faith
"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton
Blessed Basil Moreau | Catholic
Did you know that January is "Holy Cross Heritage Month" here in the United States? The inaugural Holy Cross Heritage Month was launched last year by the Congregation of Holy Cross’ U.S. Province of Priests and Brothers to celebrate the incredible family of Holy Cross, a family of which Holy Cross Family Ministries is a proud member and an important part. From local parishes to missions and schools around the globe, the Congregation of Holy Cross has built an incredible legacy of faith, hope, and service over its nearly two-hundred-year history. But beyond the beautiful schools and universities (with some pretty outstanding football programs — Go Irish!), the vibrant parishes, and the diverse ministries serving the needy around the world, you might be wondering: what exactly is the Congregation of Holy Cross, and what is the story behind the heritage we’re celebrating?
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Learn more about our faith | Why pray?
Saint Brother André Bessette for me represents a towering witness to the efficacy and power of prayer. The efficacy of prayer arising from a wounded soul, of prayer confident of God’s Providence, of prayer offered for the good of others, of prayer leading to the salvation of souls, of prayer united to the heavenly family of Joseph, Mary and Jesus. Alfred Bessette’s family profoundly shaped his spirituality. Tragedy struck young Alfred, the future Brother André, early, with the death of his father when Alfred was just nine years old, followed by his sweet mother's passing three years later. Orphaned and alone, he experienced firsthand the pain of loss and vulnerability.
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Brief and contemporary inspiration focused on hope and family prayer will be delivered to your inbox! Articles include live video, written word, and links to resources that will lead you and your family deeper into faith.
Celebrating family life | Saint Andre Bessette | spiritual lessons
Caitlan Rangel shares lessons in humility learned from the example of St. André Bessette. I recently realized I had been listening to a lie: You can’t become a saint like this. You’re just a mom. As a woman who writes and reflects on how our vocation as parents leads us along the path of holiness, I was shocked that I could be so deceived. When I shared this with my confessor, he shepherded me back to the simple truth that my ego loves to forget. He said, “Caitlan, we are called to become little.” My ego is repulsed by humility—You can only become a saint if people know who you are. The hiddenness of your life isn’t doing real work for the Kingdom. You’re not doing enough.
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Father Peyton | family prayer | how to pray the rosary | rosary novena
Does your family need a miracle? Join our Novena for Father Peyton's intercession (January 9 to 17) for your family —celebrating the Anniversary of Venerable Patrick Peyton’s birth.
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Learn more about our faith | Why pray?
As the director of the Formation program for seminarians of the Congregation of Holy Cross, there is a term I used frequently as I cautioned the young men in formation. “Please don’t jump ahead of oneself.” Some with an ambitious mind wanted to act like deacons already. They were focusing too much on future outcomes even before completing the current stages of training. Of course, the dangers of becoming overly confident and unrealistic can be significant. No growth takes place then. Why am I saying all this, we just celebrated the birth of Jesus a few days ago and here we are with today’s Gospel already highlighting the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry after John the Baptist’s arrest. It might sound like jumping ahead of oneself.
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Epiphany | New Year's Resolutions | family blessing
I’ll be honest. I have mixed feelings about the New Year’s resolution season. Between the guilt-ridden goals to look better or do more, the temptation for self-centered navel-gazing, and the thinly veiled marketing gimmicks, I’m not excited to set goals on a prescribed January timeline. As a natural southerner, I also lack winter motivation for pretty much everything. I’d much prefer hiding under a blanket fort with my kids and a good cup of tea until at least April. Despite my hesitations, I recognize that this is a fresh start for many of us. Thanks to the intentionality that this turning of the calendar provides, I’ve watched friends accomplish some amazing things for themselves, their families, and for God. God indeed graces the act of reflecting and growing. With this in mind, how is the Lord guiding our steps in 2026?
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