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World at Prayer blog
Reflections of Family and Faith
"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton
Celebrating family life | Learn more about our faith
Yesterday, in his homily, Father Willy spoke about the joy of the Ascension. When Jesus parted from them and was taken up to heaven, the disciples returned to Jerusalem with great joy. Father Willy gave us four reasons why they were not sad. This confidence gave them the joy, the strength, the courage, and the boldness to proclaim Christ risen.
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If you drive by My Brother’s Keeper in North Easton Massachusetts, you will see a bronze statue of Jesus washing the feet of a disciple, a disciple who most likely had been walking all day in the desert sand with sandals. Then he says, "So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you." (Jn. 13:14)
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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.
Today’s gospel reminds me of an experience I had a couple of years ago while serving as a missionary in Northeast India. I was assigned to a remote parish in Tuikarmaw, south of Tripura. It was my first mission as a priest. This parish had 25 sub-centers located in villages over about 400 square kilometers. We moved from village to village, bringing the sacraments, spending time with the villagers and catechizing them.
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A thing of beauty is a joy forever! On April 27, 2022, we were in Hollywood, celebrating the 75th anniversary of Family Theater Productions. It was attended by many celebrities, friends, and well-wishers of Family Theater Productions. Wow! What an uplifting experience. It is hard to imagine how a simple priest could walk into Hollywood, the capital of cultural influence, equipped only with a positive vision for families. It is harder to imagine how he could influence the A-list stars of Hollywood to promote family spirituality.
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At Trinity Church in Boston, parishioners bring bells to the Easter Vigil and ring them when the words "Christ is Risen" are said during the Mass. This is to commemorate the fact that Jesus is truly risen from the dead! And this fact is the core of our faith.
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Last week, when I was in India visiting my mother, I also visited a former classmate living in my neighborhood. He and his wife had recently lost their 24-year-old daughter Shami shortly after she gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. This loss was devastating not only for her parents but also for the entire village.
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