World at Prayer blog

Reflections of Family and Faith

"The family that prays together stays together." - Venerable Patrick Peyton

Father Willy Raymond, C.S.C.

Father Wilfred J. Raymond, C.S.C. (Father Willy), a native of Old Town, Maine, is the eighth of 12 children. He joined the Congregation of Holy Cross in 1964 and was ordained to the priesthood in 1971. He earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Stonehill College in 1967 and a master’s in Theology from the University of Notre Dame in 1971. He served in ministry at Stonehill College (1979-1992), Holy Cross leadership (1994-2000), National Director of Family Theater Productions, Hollywood (2000-2014), and President of Holy Cross Family Ministries (2014-2022). In addition to English, he is conversant in French and Spanish. He remains a diehard fan of the Boston Red Sox, even though he has served as Chaplain for the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Blog Feature

Tie a Yellow Ribbon ‘Round The Old Oak Tree - Family Reflection Video

In 1973, Tony Orlando recorded the song, “Tie a Yellow Ribbon ‘Round The Old Oak Tree.” It became the number one hit record for the year, became Tony Orlando’s theme song and grew into an American anthem of hope and homecoming. We have used it (and its yellow ribbon symbol) to welcome home soldiers, POW’s, MIA’s, Iran hostages, and lost children.

Read More

Blog Feature

Love thy Neighbor  |  peace

Consecration to the Immaculate Heart of Mary

 O Mary, Mother of God, and our Mother, in this hour of violence and war we come to implore your help. You are truly our Mother, you love us, and you know us: nothing that we care about is hidden from you. Mother of mercy, often we have experienced your maternal tenderness along with your warm presence filling us with peace. We beg you to guide us always to Jesus, the Prince of Peace.

Read More

Subscribe to the Family Rosary Blog

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.

Blog Feature

Learn more about our faith

Forgiveness - Family Reflection Video

One of the great blessings of my childhood was attending our parochial school, which was run by dedicated religious sisters. At least once a month they paraded the entire student body over to church to confess our sins to one of the parish priests. One pastor had a reputation among us children for being severe, and doling out penances to match his reputation.

Read More

Blog Feature

Holy lives of inspiration  |  Seasonal Reflections

The Unfaithful Tenants – Family Reflection Video

Imagine a huge city teeming with more than 16 million people, Dhaka, in a country of 165 million but only the size of Wisconsin with a Catholic population of less than one percent. That is Bangladesh, home to Holy Cross Family Ministries’ exciting, recently dedicated and blessed new ministry center.

Read More

Blog Feature

Celebrating family life

The Legend of Saint Valentine - Family Reflection Video

According to the legend, Roman Emperor Claudius II forbade young men from marrying. He believed marriage weakened soldiers. A certain Bishop Valentine, however, believed in the power of love and the institution of marriage. He bravely held secret marriage ceremonies in direct opposition to Claudius’ laws.

Read More

Blog Feature

Learn more about our faith

Heaven on Earth - Family Reflection Video

Once, the great Evangelist and Preacher, Billy Graham, found himself in a strange town to speak at a revival. The day before the event he was walking about town looking for the post office. Not finding it he stopped a young boy of 12 years of age and asked him if he knew where the post office was. He said, of course, and gave Rev Graham directions.

Read More