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World at Prayer blog
Reflections of Family and Faith
"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton
Easter season | Holy Week | seasonal reflection
St. John the Evangelist bravely stands vigil alongside the Blessed Virgin Mary at the foot of the cross. In the most incredible act of love, Jesus strains to fill His lungs with air, and with just a few words, gives Mary to the world and institutes her spiritual motherhood when He proclaims from the Cross, "Woman, behold your son!" Then He says to the disciple, "Behold your mother!" (John 19:26-27a).
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Catholicism | Daily Family Prayer | Lenten practices
Isaiah 55:6, "Seek the Lord while he may be found, call upon him while he is near," presents to the faithful an urgency to unite ourselves with God. As a teenager, I considered anything religious, especially attending Mass or praying the Rosary, as something older adults engaged in. Seeking time with God was something for retirement when you were winding down living your life—where could you find the time with school, work, family, and leisure activities engulfing every time slot on your calendar? Then, my first friend died unexpectedly, never reaching adulthood, never mind retirement; suddenly, I realized tomorrow is not promised, and my priorities were misaligned.
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family Lenten activities | family prayer | pray the rosary
Prayer, especially the Rosary, strengthens families to come to know and believe God brings us through every challenge. Coming together as a family to pray during Lent—offering thanksgiving, petition, and intercession for ourselves and others gives new meaning to the season and fosters hope.
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Catholic Faith | Scripture | reading the Bible
Although we know that Jesus learned carpentry at the knee of Joseph, it seems he also had a soft spot in his heart for shepherds. Maybe Mary had repeated the story to him of the humble group of men who followed the star to the stable in Bethlehem. Or maybe he took after God, his Father, who saw in the role of the shepherd one who protects, provides, and guides. In any case, when Jesus calls himself the “Good Shepherd” in John 10, it is clear that he is calling those who follow him into a special kind of relationship.
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Annunciation | Joyful Mysteries of the Rosary | pray the rosary
"Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God." An interesting choice of words from the archangel Gabriel, this "favor with God." When I first read this, I questioned if Gabriel and I shared the same definition and understanding of "favor," as it turns out, we don't. This favor is not partiality, benefit, or worldly; instead, it is quite heavenly. Favor with God, of which Gabriel speaks, refers to the privilege of sharing in the Divine life of God—of accepting, receiving, and cooperating with grace. Mary, full of grace, models how your life can be a rollercoaster, but your faith, hope, and love can remain steadfast.
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Venerable Patrick Peyton | museum of family prayer
Over fifteen years ago, a friend invited me to Mass at The Father Peyton Center in North Easton, Massachusetts. On the ride there, she recounted the remarkable life of a holy man, devoted to the Blessed Mother, with an almost single-minded desire to help families pray together, especially the Rosary. It would be the first time I heard Father Patrick Peyton, C.S.C.'s message that, "The family that prays together stays together." I was intrigued and a little excited to visit this prayerful place and learn more about him, but little did I know how special this now Venerable priest would become to me as he's been for decades for families across the globe.
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