x Close
World at Prayer blog
Reflections of Family and Faith
"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton
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.
Share
Holy lives of inspiration | Learn more about our faith
On September 7, 2025, Pope Leo, by God’s grace, raised Carlo Acutis, an Italian teenager, to the altar as a saint. This canonization was an extraordinary family affair. For the first time ever, twin brother and sister and both parents celebrated the sainthood of their son and brother. Carlo died as an only child in 2006 at age fifteen. His mother and father yearned for other children without success and began the long process of adoption. Antonia, his mother, said Carlo appeared to her in a dream to tell her that she would be a mother again soon. Not long after, she discovered she was pregnant with twins. The boy, Michele, proclaimed the first reading at Mass and Francesca presented relics of Saint Carlo at the offertory.
Share
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.
Holy lives of inspiration | Learn more about our faith
“More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.” Alfred Lord Tennyson. I believe there is no greater power, in heaven or on earth, than the power of prayer. Prayer Invites us to surrender our lives and our agenda to that of the living God. If like the Pharisees, we think we are in control and we present a perfect but false profile to the outside world, we remain slaves to our egos and our own agenda. We find it difficult to surrender. Surrender is the keyword.
Share
Holy lives of inspiration | Learn more about our faith
Pharisees prioritize meticulous observance of rules, rituals, and outward displays of piety, frequently at the expense of inner transformation and compassion. Their focus is on the letter of the law, not its spirit. In contrast, a genuine disciple is animated by a deeper, more authentic calling. Their authority arises from a life transparently aligned with the core values of their faith—love, humility, truth, justice, and mercy.
Share
Holy lives of inspiration | Learn more about our faith
Saint Anthony of Padua {1195-1231} was a Franciscan priest and the best known follower of Saint Francis of Assisi and who was famous for his preaching, miracles and holy life, However, he is popularly known for his intercession when an item has been lost. He is often invoked with the familiar phrase: “Tony, Tony, come around, something’s lost and can’t be found.”
Share
The explanation of Luke's Gospel on the driving out of demons from the man who was mute is rather complex. Jesus is making the point that Satan has his realm where he is active and strong, but someone stronger than him has come along. Of course, it is the Lord himself who announces the breaking in of the Kingdom of God. This Gospel reminded me of a remarkable story I read by a Harvard Professor and observant Jew, Roy Schoeman. This is one of the most remarkable witnesses I have ever encountered, and I want to share it with you today. Professor Schoeman writes, "During the spring of 1987, I took a few days off from work and went to Cape Cod to spend time communing with nature. I was walking in the early morning, in the woods just back from the beach, when God intervened, dramatically and distinctly, into my life to pull me back and put me onto the right path. As I was walking, lost in my thoughts, I found myself in the immediate presence of God.
Share
